Big Knife Provincial Park

Big Knife Provincial Park is a natural area where Big Knife Creek meets the Battle River in central Alberta. The grounds feature wooded riverbanks, open meadows, and water access spread across several hundred hectares.

The park takes its name from a 19th-century conflict between a Cree warrior called Big Man and a Blackfoot warrior named Knife. This event became part of the area's recorded history and shaped its identity.

The land carries traces of early settlement through structures like Jack Nelson's old cabin and evidence of distilling operations from decades past. Visitors walking through the park can spot these reminders of frontier life along the water.

The park provides over 40 campsites, with several designated for tents, and typically opens during summer months. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and check seasonal availability before planning their visit.

The area harbors an exceptional variety of butterfly species, including several that are rare and specialized to specific habitats. This insect population makes the park noteworthy for nature observers and collectors.

Location: County of Paintearth No. 18

Inception: 1962

Website: https://albertaparks.ca/parks/central/big-knife-pp

GPS coordinates: 52.48970,-112.21100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47