(A Fully Charged Roadtrip

Photo Courtesy of Robin Laurenson

If you’re one of the adventurous early-adapters who happens to owns a hybrid or electric vehicle, or one of the 63% who are contemplating going electric, we’ve got some good news. It is now completely possible to take that romantic weekend escape from the city to Waterton park, or pretty much anywhere in southern Alberta, without worrying about where your next plugin is going to be.

That’s thanks to the efforts of the “Peaks to Prairies” initiative, which now has a solid network of charging stations all the way from Calgary to Waterton, and throughout southern Alberta. Their expanded network now makes over 1,400 kms of highway accessible. So your next road trip can offer lasting memories because the group has made sure to site its “FLO” charging stations within walking distance of fun things to see and do.

Heading south from Calgary, you’ll find chargers on all the major highways. But for sheer scenic beauty and wonderfully sweeping driving, hit Hwy 22, the ‘Cowboy Trail.’ You can charge up in Longview, and enjoy a burger at the hotel – keep an eye out for cowboys with spurs on. Or, if you’re really lucky, maybe you can book dinner at the Longview steak house, which is considered one of Alberta’s best.

Other chargers are located at Chain Lakes Reservoir, Pincher Creek, and of course Waterton townsite. Easy peasey.

After a night or two in Waterton, where you will be thrilled to discover the quality of food on offer has risen markedly in the past few years, you can take yet another gorgeous highway to get home. Head east to Cardston – a charge plus a stop at the Remington Carriage Museum will have you really appreciating your modern transportation! Then head north to Fort Macleod for lunch on main street. From Chinese to the bakery to the new brew pub, this picturesque little town will also please the taste buds! While there, check out the Empress Theatre, one of Southern Alberta’s most-haunted sites!

If a little antiquing is your perfect end to a weekend getaway, then keep heading north to Nanton. Maybe a stop to see the Bomber Command museum and it’s amazing WWII Lancaster bomber – one of the few left in the world that still flies!

If you’d rather check out some First Nation’s history, then drive on over to Hwy 23, and head for the tipi rings alongside the highway in the river valley just past Carmangay. This sleepy hamlet also has a charger. And a side trip down Township Road 140 to the east will bring you to herds of buffalo, wind farms, and fantastic views of the mountains and fields.

Another Option: Writing On Stone

If you have an extra day to travel, Writing on Stone Unesco World Heritage Site is now in range. You can get there the back way from Waterton via Cardston and hwy 501 for a charge in Milk River, before heading further east to the park. While there, be sure to take one of the guided tours in to the archeological preserve to really appreciate the rock art history, and also how the NWMP fort was sited specifically to disrupt the religious significance of this area to the Blackfoot.

Highway 4 will take you back to Lethbridge through endless miles of lovely prairie. Overnight in Lethbridge, and enjoy an evening walk around Henderson Lake and maybe a sake tasting at the lovely Japanese garden.

EV Growth Stats

In early 2019, Canada had only 100 thousand electric vehicles. Alberta at the time had a mere 2,200, despite having almost 12% of the Canadian population. One reason for the discrepancy is that EV dealers just weren’t all that interested in the province. Also, it had few charging stations, and no government subsidies or incentives for the purchase of EVs, unlike other provinces.

Another reason for the low numbers, though, is that manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the growing demand, not only in Canada but around the world. A survey from Clean Energy Canada found drivers are increasingly interested in going electric.

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1 LEGEND

DCFC/Level 2 Stations

Destination Level 2 Station

22 2

6 3 36

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2 5 3

4 36

Established in 2015, Castle Provincial Parks are quiet refuges full of hidden gems in the Crown of the Continent. It’s exciting to discover the newly reclaimed hiking trails and escape into genuine solitude. That’s what makes “Castle” a terrific daytrip from Waterton, or an excellent add-on after your stay.

First Nations, Métis and other Indigenous Peoples recognize the Castle area for its profound cultural value and have a deep respect for the landscapes, wildlife and natural environment. For thousands of years, they have hunted, collected medicines and performed ceremonies here.

Take Hwy 6 north from Waterton to Pincher Creek, then west on Hwy 507, and finally southwest on Hwy 774. Expect the drive to take approximately 75 mins, unless you stop at Beaver Mines for ice cream!

Castle Provincial Park protects 25,501 hectares and offers a variety of nature-based experiences, such as camping, hiking, boating, picnicking, cross-country skiing and fishing. Castle Wildland Provincial Park protects 79,678 hectares and provides high quality backcountry and wilderness experiences . Castle Mountain Resort is just south of the provincial park. For the past 25 years, it has been owned and operated by skiers who believe in providing the experience of a lifetime!

Once the Castle Parks were created, the resort started to offer summer programs & services. Take a stroll along the Westcastle River, a jaunt to an alpine lake, or a strenuous hike to a ridge top. Then, celebrate with great food and drink at the T-Bar Pub!

2 or 3-Day Loop Tour: With so many attractions in SW Alberta, it would be easy to add onto your adventure by heading north from Beaver Mines along Hwy 507 to Hwy 3. Heading west, you willl arrive at the Crowsnest Pass, consisting of the communities of Bellevue, Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore, and Coleman.

The Bellevue Underground Mine tour will take you 1,000 ft into the mine and 150 ft below the surface. Learn about the inner workings of a coal mine and the rich history of this industry. The tour is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre overlooks Canada’s deadliest rockslide. See and hear what happened the night Turtle

Mountain crashed down over the town of Frank. Engaging storytelling, interactive displays, and gripping accounts.

Drink in all that the Crowsnest Pass has to offer before returning east along Hwy 3 to Pincher Creek. Here, be sure to drop into the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.

It’s a collection of 24 historical buildings and two museums that date back to the late 19th century. The village is named after John George “Kootenai” Brown, a local frontiersman who settled in 1877 and spearheaded the establishment of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Just before you decide to head back south back to Waterton, check out the Oldman River Dam and the Heritage Acres Museum. They are just minutes north of Pincher Creek along Hwy 785!

Whitewater Rafting • Guided Fishing • First Aid & CPR Training

Kayaking

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Family friendly & kid safe

Guided Fishing First Aid & CPR Training

Located on the St. Mary River (Hwy 501 East)

Approx. 45 mins from Waterton

403-308-7718

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DISCOVER THE PASS EXPLORE THE PASS

Discover heart-pumping adventure, exciting dining options, cheers-worthy breweries, local artisans, and breathtaking outdoor experiences in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

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