Frank Slide and Crowsnest Pass
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (Alberta Provincial Historic Site) · Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
Frank Slide is the site of one of Canada's deadliest rockslides, in the Crowsnest Pass of south-west Alberta. Before dawn on April 29, 1903, about 82 million tonnes of limestone fell from Turtle Mountain and buried part of the coal-mining town of Frank in roughly two minutes, killing dozens of people, many of whom were never recovered. Highway 3 still crosses the boulder field. The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre on the hill above tells the story of the disaster, the miners and the mountain, which is still monitored for movement. The wider Crowsnest Pass is a string of old mining communities with more history, including the 1914 Hillcrest mine disaster, Canada's worst coal-mining disaster, and the Bellevue Underground Mine, where tours go into a real tunnel. It suits history readers and road trippers. Allow two hours for the slide or a full day for the pass, and confirm hours, tours and fees.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Highway 3, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, T0K 0E0, Canada
The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre is commonly open all year, with longer daily hours in summer and shorter hours or some closed days in winter. The slide itself, the boulder field and the trail are outdoors and can be visited in daylight at any time. The Bellevue Underground Mine and some smaller heritage sites are seasonal, commonly from late spring to early autumn, and tours run on a schedule that may need booking. Confirm opening hours, admission and tour times with the operators before you drive, especially in winter, when storms can close Highway 3. Hillcrest Cemetery and roadside memorials are always open and free to visit with respect.
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