Experience Yellowhead County & Hinton

More and more travellers are making Hinton and Yellowhead County part of their vacation plans – and it isn’t hard to see why. The abundance and variety of lodgings here give visitor’s countless opportunities to explore the Canadian Rockies and the surrounding foothills.

Located only a few hours west of Edmonton, along Hwy 16, Yellowhead County stretches from Evansburg, at the junction of Hwy 22 (The Cowboy Trail) in the east, to the gates of the Jasper National Park gates in the west. Yellowhead County has something for anyone wanting to explore some of the most majestic and eclectic landscapes in western Canada.

Hinton

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta

1. Visit one of the many parks in our area. 2. Guided horse-back tours in the Rockies and foothills. 3. Stop in at one of the museums from Evansburg to Hinton. 4. Go tubing in the Pembina, McLeod or Athabasca River. 5. Hop on your mountain bike to try some of the great trails. 6. Relax at the family friendly beaches and campgrounds. 7. Hike the Hoodoos in Sundance Provincial Park. 8. Check out the Coal Branch and Cardinal Divide.

With a population of 9,900 residents and located a short 15-minute drive east of the Jasper National Park boundary, Hinton is a regional hub in West Yellowhead County.

Accommodations run from tepees, lodges, resorts, and B&Bs, to full-service hotels with indoor swimming pools. There are more than 30 campgrounds here, operated by the municipality, private sector and Alberta Parks. They provide a full range of serviced and non-serviced campsites to choose from.

Black Cat Guest Ranch

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Ryan Bray

The town boasts a number of outdoor recreational facilities and attractions. Canada’s longest freshwater boardwalk, the Beaver Boardwalk is a great family outing that showcases a local wetland system around Maxwell Lake. It features two observation towers, seating areas, interpretive signs, and more than a dozen beavers. Arrive in the early morning or evening for the best chance to see them in action.

Hinton is getting a reputation as a mountain biking hotspot in Western Canada, too. The biking trail network is constantly changing. Those who venture out can experience woodland beauty, wetlands or breathtaking vistas with an interesting mix of roots, side hills, climbs and technical features.

Hinton

Photo Courtesy of Leigh McAdam @hikebiketravel

On a rainy day, check out the Northern Rockies Museum of Heritage and Culture. Imagine the sounds as the old steam engine rolls into Hinton in 1911. Back then, the population was only 500 and saw little growth until the opening of local coal mines in the late 1920s. Those mines were part of a vast network that became known as the Coal Branch.

A hidden gem in the area, consider a self-guided tour of the abandoned coal mines. It starts 10 minutes west of town on Hwy 40 South. A serendipity of this travel route is that it is great for wildlife spotting. Watch for bear, moose, elk, wolves and cougars. You’ll likely find herds of Big Horn sheep right along the side of the road. However, cell service is not reliable here and the road changes from paved to gravel. To learn more, pick up a copy of our Coal Mine Tour Map at the info centre. Located at 309 Gregg Avenue in the central shopping district, the staff has received high praise for their service!

Hinton’s backyard is a mecca for campers, quadders, hikers, bikers, skiers, hunters, and fishers – along with rock climbers, white water rafters, canoers and kayakers.

Hinton

Photo Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Ryan Bray

Located 15 min north of Hinton on Hwy 40, with vivid views of the majestic mountains, the William A. Switzer Provincial Park is an uncrowded gem nestled in the foothills. The park offers multiple campgrounds, beach activities, visitor centre, interpretation programs, and numerous trails for hiking, and biking and cross-country skiing. You will also find excellent wildlife watching opportunities from easily-accessible viewing platforms and self-guided interpretive trails.

Hinton will host two major summer festivals in 2019. The Föhn Festival is Hinton’s signature event! It is designed to showcase their rich diversity, it is combined with their Canada Day Celebrations on July 1. Don’t miss the fireworks on the evening of June 30. fohnfest.com

The Wild Mountain Music Festival runs from July 13-15 at the Entrance Ranch, 8 km north on Hwy 40. The festival features two stages, beer gardens, vendors, and kids’ activities. Catch the shuttle bus from Hinton or camp on-site. wildmtnmusic.ca