Experience Mayerthorpe
In the early 1880’s, the vast rangelands, ideal for cattle, drew cowboys to the eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Today this remarkable area is sliced by the “Cowboy Trail” snaking along Hwys #5, #6, and #22 to its northern terminus at the Town of Mayerthorpe. The small town (pop. 1320) is 130 km northwest of Edmonton on one of the popular routes north to Alaska. The town is part
of Wild Alberta, a consortium that highlights the outdoor adventures that abound in northern Alberta. wildalberta.com This is snowmobile country. Only half an hour away from 500 kms of award-winning trail networks run by the Whitecourt Trailblazers Club. SnoRiders magazine gave Whitecourt the highest rank for 'Favourite Overall Snowmobiling, Favourite Scenic Snowmobiling Area, Favourite Powder Riding, Most Challenging Riding Area AND the Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta'. In other words, it's pretty awesome with for everyone with a sled! 8 km east is the Rochfort Museum and its trestle bridge. It has a nice viewpoint, and you can grab a meal at the Trading Post before heading to the Paddle River dam just a few km south. In summer, stay at the Paddle River Dam Campground. Open May 15 to September 30, this popular site offers boating and camping. It features a stocked fishing pond, washrooms with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and sports equipment rental. Everything you need for a good time outdoors. You can make a reservations at (780) 284-1753. In Mayerthorpe itself is the Fallen Four Memorial park, which offers a positive place to pay respect to the four officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. For more info: fallenfour.ca Significant local events include the Show & Shine Classic Car Show on the 3rd Saturday in June, the Agricultural Fair on the 2nd weekend in August and the Christmas Light Up on the 1st Friday in December.
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