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Important NoteThis interim Castle Park Guide is for the 2017/2018 winter season only. Revisions will occur following approval of the Castle Management Plan. The information in this guide is subject to change.
Firewood and Fires Before your visit, please check albertafirebans.ca for current notices.
Provincial Park
Fires are only allowed inside a receptacle or facility designated and supplied for that purpose. Firewood is available for purchase at retailers in nearby communities. Please do not bring firewood from another province into Alberta. The collection of wood or any dead vegetation for burning must be authorized by a Conservation Officer or a permit.
Wildland Provincial Park
Traceless camping practises are required (eg. dismantle fire rings). Collection of dead wood for fires within the Wildland Provincial Park is allowed.
Camp ResponsiblyThe Castle Parks offer diverse camping experiences in both the front country and the backcountry. Visitors should be aware that upgrades to existing facilities in the park are ongoing, to improve camping experiences for visitors in the future.
Campgrounds in Castle Provincial Park
Castle River Bridge Campground is open for winter camping, subject to snow conditions. Bring your own firewood!
Campgrounds at Beaver Mines Lake, Castle Falls and Lynx Creek are closed for the winter season. Non-motorized access to these areas is permitted for day use recreation. Visitors should be aware that facilities are limited. For opening dates check albertaparks.ca/castle.
Backcountry Camping in Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Backcountry winter camping is allowed within the Castle Wildland Provincial Park, providing that the campsite is at least 1 kilometre from any designated facility. Please practise traceless camping methods by packing out all your supplies and garbage, and dismantling fire pits. For more information on safe and responsible backcountry camping, visit albertaparks.ca.
Welcome to the Castle Parks
Encompassing more than 105,000 hectares, Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park in southwest Alberta protect valuable watersheds and habitat for more than 200 rare species such as whitebark and limber pine, Jones’ columbine, dwarf alpine poppy, grizzly bear, wolverine, westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout and harlequin duck. The parks share borders with the Waterton Biosphere Reserve to the east, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park to the south, the Crowsnest Pass to the north and the Flathead River Valley of British Columbia to the west. Extensive wildlife corridors link all these unique areas and together they form part of the extraordinary Crown of the Continent ecosystem.
Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park were established on February 16, 2017 and are managed according to Alberta’s Provincial Parks Act. Please familiarize yourself with any new regulations before you venture into the parks. Responsible and sustainable use will ensure that everybody can have an incredible experience in this unique landscape while supporting its protection.
ContactAlberta Parks Pincher Creek Office Phone: (403) 627–1165Toll-Free: 310–0000Visitor Services: (403) 627–1152
General Provincial Park InformationWeb: albertaparks.caToll Free: 1–866–427–3582
Fire Bans in AlbertaWeb: albertafirebans.ca
Avalanche CanadaWeb: avalanche.ca/map
Conservation Officer and Public SafetyPhone: 1–844–HELP–PRK (435–7775)
Public Lands ConcernsReport a forest fire: 310–FIRE (3473)Report a poacher: 1–800–642–3800
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)Phone: 911
Cross Country Skiing
Visitor InformationVisitor information is available at kiosks located throughout the parks, at albertaparks.ca/castle, by calling 403–627–1165, or by speaking with Alberta Parks staff.
Local communities offer a wide range of services to complement your visit including accommodations, restaurants, shopping and more. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Waterton Glacier International Peace Park and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, are located nearby. Other attractions include Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Remington Carriage Museum and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. Visitor Information is available in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, and towns of Pincher Creek, Beaver Mines, Lundbreck, Cowley and Twin Butte.
Winter Recreation and Education ProgramsWinter Interpretive Programs are available, check albertaparks.ca/castle for details!
Contact our Environmental Educator at 403–627–1152 or email [email protected] to book an Alberta Parks Winter Ecology program or Introduction to Snowshoeing program.
Enjoy an outdoor weekend snowshoeing with your family at the Syncline Cross-Country Ski area. If you don’t have snowshoes, sign out an Alberta Parks Winter Family Explorers Kit at the Pincher Creek Municipal Library and Crowsnest
the Syncline parking areas, which will be maintained and plowed for the winter season.
SnowshoeingSnowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the Castle Parks unless otherwise posted. Know your routes, carry weather appropriate gear, and safety and navigation equipment. Snowshoeing is also permitted on the Syncline Cross-Country Trail system, however please keep off to the side of the groomed ski tracks.
Fat BikesFat bikes are allowed on designated trails unless otherwise posted. Caution is advised as most trails are not yet improved or regularly maintained, and are shared by motorized and non-motorized users. Know how to safely recreate in a winter backcountry environment and carry appropriate gear, and safety and navigation equipment.
Off-Highway VehiclesRandom Ride Areas (as shown the map) are permitted as in previous years. Use at your own risk. Know how to safely recreate in a winter
Firearms and HuntingUnder Provincial Parks (General Regulation): “firearm” means any device that propels a projectile by means of explosion, spring, air, gas, string, wire or elastic material or any combination of those things.
Provincial ParkPossession or discharge of firearms is not allowed in Castle Provincial Park without a discharge permit. Download a permit from albertaparks.ca/castle or contact 403–627–1165 for more information.
Wildland Provincial ParkHunters with a valid licence and tags to hunt in Castle Wildland Provincial Park under the Wildlife Act do not need a discharge permit. Hunters who access Castle Wildland Provincial Park without crossing through Castle Provincial Park would not need a discharge permit. They will need a permit if in possession of their firearm within the Provincial Park, as they travel to the Wildland Provincial Park, or during their stay in the Provincial Park.
LiquorIn accordance with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act, consumption of liquor is restricted to a temporary dwelling situation inside a registered and permitted campsite or camping area only.
Be Wildlife SmartThe Castle area is an important refuge and movement corridor for wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, wolverines, wolves, cougars, moose and elk. All wildlife can be unpredictable
Recreate ResponsiblyThe Castle Parks offer a wide variety of front country and backcountry winter experiences including snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing, wildlife viewing and backcountry camping. Previously designated snowmobile trails and areas are open for the winter 2017/2018.
• Stay on the designated trails and respect other users in the area
• Leave no trace of your visit and dispose of your trash in appropriate receptacles once you leave the area.
TrailsAll trails in the Castle Parks are being assessed to inform the development of a trails strategy. Be aware that some trails are not improved or maintained, and natural hazards are present. Trails may be closed for improvements, so be sure to “Know Before You Go”.
Cross-Country SkiingSyncline Cross-Country Ski Area has over 20 kilometres of packed and tracked ski trails, between the South Castle and West Castle rivers. The scenic beauty of these trails extends through rolling landscapes of montane forests and meadows.
The Syncline Castle Trails Association (SCaT) is a non-profit volunteer group that helps maintain these trails. Alberta Parks has recently upgraded
backcountry environment and carry appropriate gear. Ensure you have avalanche awareness experience and the necessary safety equipment. Be aware that snow machines can trigger avalanches in any conditions. Check Canadian Avalanche reports and updates at avalanche.ca.
Highway VehiclesAll vehicles (cars, trucks, Jeeps, SUVs) registered for highway uses are only allowed on highways and secondary highways that access the Provincial Park and Wildland Provincial Park. Highway vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas, or safely off to the side of the road when visitors are taking part in any recreational activity.
RegulationsRegulations under the Provincial Parks Act are enforced by Conservation Officers (Peace Officers in the Province of Alberta). Conservation Officers work with local police authorities to ensure the safety of park visitors. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply. A complete set of park regulations is accessible online or from park staff.
and precautions should be taken when viewing them or recreating in their habitat. Bears may leave their den at times in the winter. Try to avoid surprise encounters with wildlife by making noise, storing wildlife attractants such as food, garbage and pet food in a secure vehicle or bear/wildlife proof container. Keep children close to adults, and keep dogs on a leash. Carry bear spray, and learn how to use it before it becomes necessary. Bear spray is available for purchase at most retailers in the area.
Safety and Emergency CommunicationThe Castle area offers wilderness settings that range from accessible front country to remote backcountry destinations. Cellular phone communication throughout the area is not available so please ensure that you have properly planned your trip and arranged emergency communications before you arrive.• Visit mywildalberta.ca for ice safety information• When traveling in the backcountry ensure you
have avalanche awareness experience and appropriate equipment
• Provide family or friends with your detailed trip plans, including emergency protocols if you do not report back
• Pay phones are located at the Beaver Mines Store, Beaver Mines Lake (Camp Impeesa), Castle Mountain Resort, the Crowsnest Pass and at the Twin Butte General Store
• Emergency contact information is listed on the back panel of this publication.
Pass Library. There are track set trails for skiers. Just snowshoe alongside, not over top, so you don’t disturb the ski trail.
Or join park staff on a winter snowshoe adventure exploring the new Castle Park, its wildlife and landscape, while enjoying a day outdoors!
Alberta Parks is working to provide adaptive equipment in order to promote accessibility to trails in all seasons for people of all abilities. For more information search for “Push to Open Nature” at albertaparks.ca.
Day Use in Castle Provincial ParkAlthough most campgrounds are closed for the winter, day use is encouraged in Castle Provincial Park.
Beaver Mines Lake boat launch is plowed and accessible for day users throughout the winter. Day use in the Beaver Mines campground is available by foot, ski, snowshoe or fat bikes, and subject to weather and snow conditions. Carbondale parking area is plowed and open all winter. Castle River Bridge campground is open for day use (also open for winter camping). Syncline Cross-Country Ski Area parking lots are plowed and open all winter. Ski trails are packed and track set. Snowshoeing is welcome but please not on top of the track set ski trails, just ski alongside so the tracks are not disturbed. Day use at Castle Falls and Lynx Creek campgrounds is available only by foot, ski or fat bike access, and of course subject to weather and snow conditions. Lynx Creek can also be accessed by snowmobile. Park right on site and have a winter picnic in the day use area.
Media Inquries: (780) 427–8636
Updated December 2017
CastleProvincial Park & Wildland Provincial Park
Winter Guide
33
6
2
5
2
5
3
22
507
507
774
CastleProvincialPark
Lundbreck
PincherCreek
B.C.
Montana
FortMacLeod Lethbridge
Cardston
Magrath
To Calgary
CastleMountainResortInc.
LynxCreek
Castle Falls
Castle River Bridge
Beaver Mines Lake
Syncline
Oldman DamProvincial RecreationArea
Castle RiverProvincial RecreationArea
Lundbreck FallsProvincial RecreationArea
Beauvais LakeProvincial Park
Island LakeProvincial RecreationArea
West Castle WetlandEcological Reserve
Waterton Lakes National Park
CastleProvincial Park
Castle WildlandProvincial Park
Castle WildlandProvincial Park
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
42
56
55 54
53
52
44
43
41 40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33 323130
29
28
27
2625
24
23
22 21
20
19
18
17
15 1413
12
11
10
42A
4551
49
47
48
46
50
60
59
57
58
River
BeauvaisLake
Lee Lake
Beaver MinesLake
Crowsn
est
FishLake
Daigle Lake
MarnaLake
Lime KilnLake
FrankLake
BovinLake
Twin Lakes
LysLake
GrizzlyLake
SouthScarpeLake
Butcher's Lake
GoatLake
RubyLake
RainyLakes
RedfernLake
LostLake
SouthforkLakes
WestScarpeLake
BarnabyLake
Jake SmithLake
NorthScarpeLake
River
River
Cast
le
Castle
HudsonBayLake
EmeraldLake
Phillipps Lake
Island LakeCrowsnest
Lake
OldmanReservoir
Dam
Creek
Dryw
ood
Foothill
River
Castle
Dung
arva
n
Yarrow
York
Rock
Kettles
Beav
er
Lyon
s
Glad
ston
e
Grizzly
Star
Spionko
p
South
Cree
k
Lynx
Creek
Byro
n
Screw
drive
r
Gard
iner
Scar
pe
Drum
Creek
Jackson
Goat
Creek
Lost
Broo
k
Lost
York
Creek
Jutla
nd
Chipman
Cree
k
Cree
k
Red
Cree
k
Crowsnest
Pincher
Pinc
her
Creek
Cree
k
Mill
River
Carbon
dale
Lynx
Castle
Font
Broo
k
CreekRiver
West
Wes
t
River
Cast
le
Creek
Barnab
y
Suic
ide
Sync
line
Creek
North
Creek
Cree
k Cree
k
Creek
Creek
Creek
North
Creek
Sout
h
Lost
Creek
Mac
dona
ld
Carb
onda
le
Cree
k
River
River
Creek
Cree
k
Creek
CreekCree
k
Mines
Creek
Creek
Whit
ney
Mill
Creek
Creek
Cree
k
Creek
Creek
Pinc
her
Cree
k
Creek
Drywood
Dryw
ood
Cree
k
Cree
k
Creek
Bauerman Cree
k
Cree
k
Lost
Hors
eRock
York
CreekBlairm
ore
Gold
Connelly
Todd
Cow
Oldm
anRiver
Creek
Creek
Creek
Cree
k
Cree
k
Island Cree
k
Crow
snes
t
Creek
East
Ptolemy
Creek
AllisonCreek
Green
Cree
k
Creek
Crowsnest
Haig Lake
Bathing Lake
Rg.3 Rg.2Rg.4 Rg.1Rg.5
Tp.5
Tp.6
Tp.4
Tp.3
Tp.7
Rg.30
Rg.1 Rg.30
Tp.3
Rg.3
Tp.4
Tp.5
Tp.6
Tp.7
Rg.5
Rg.4
Tp.2
Rg.2
Fift
hM
erid
ian
Tp.8
Tp.8
Tp.2
Rg.5
Coleman
Blairmore
Bellevue
HillcrestMines Burmis
Lundbreck
Cowley
PincherCreek
BeaverMines
HazellSentinel
507
510
510
507
507
774
774
775
3
3
22
3A
3
40
IronstoneLookout
PassPowderkeg
Ski Area
FrankSlide
CarbondaleLookout
MassacreButte
BritishColumbia
Closed Sept 1to June 15
O’Hagen
Adanac
Sartoris
SentryMountain
TentMountain
MountPtolemy
ChinookPeak
MountMcLaren
MountParrish
Andy GoodPeak
MountCoulthard
TurtleMountain
MountMcGladrey
MountPengelly
TrailHill
BluffMountain
RobertsonPeak
TallonPeak
ByronHill
GingerHill
CherryHill
MountMcCarty
MountBackus
TableMountain
MaverickHill
MountDarrah
HollebekeMountain
SynclineMountain
WhistlerMountain
SouthforkMountain
St. EloiMountain
MountGladstone
NorthCastle
CastlePeak
WindsorMountain
VictoriaPeak
WestCastle
ScarpeMountain
La CoulottePeak
JutlandMountain
MountMatkin
FontMountain
SageMountain
DrywoodMountain
LoafMountain
PrairieBluff
NewmanPeak
LostMountain Anderson
Peak
MountDungarvan
MountBauerman
MountHaig
CarbondaleHill
HillcrestMountain
MountGlendowan
Coulotte
Ridge
Avion
Rid
ge
Cloudy
Ridg
e
Windsor
Ridge
VictoriaR
idge
GravenstafelRidge
Three LakesR
idge
La
Barnaby
Ridge
Ridge
Ridge
Hastings
Loop
Rid
ge
Pinc
her
Ridge
Spionkop
Ridge
LysR
idge
Christie Mine Ridge
Willoughb
y
Isla
nd
Rid
ge
Willoughby
Ridge
CrowsnestPass
PhillippsPass
PtolemyPass
TentMountain
Pass
NorthKootenay
Pass
MacdonaldPass
MiddleKootenay
Pass
SagePass
RR20A
GladstoneValleyRoad
Crowsnest
River
Lyon
s
Creek 51
Pass PowderkegSki Area
ForestryOffice
CPR 20Ave.
19Ave.20Ave.
19Ave.
21Ave.
21Ave.
22Ave.
124S
t.
132S
t.
133S
t.
18Ave.
131S
t.13
1St.
129S
t.127S
t.12
7St.
16Ave.
22Ave.21Ave.
20Ave.
19Ave.
119S
t.
121S
t.
125S
t.
130S
t.16Ave.
Blairmore Access
BlairmoreStaging Area
3
3
Sar
tori
s R
d
Calgary
Lethbridge
Airdrie
High River
Pincher Creek
Claresholm
Nanton
Municipality ofCrowsnest Pass
British C
olumbia
Castle Provincial Parkand Wildland Provincial Park
Waterton LakesNational Park
507774
22
22
2
2
2
3
5
5
3
6
6
3
22X
Directional Map
N0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Hillshade: 2007 LiDAR BE data
1Metre Accuracy
SCALE
KilometresNAD 83 (CNTv2) UTM Zone 11
© 2017 Government of AlbertaBase Data provided by the Spatial Data Warehouse Ltd.
The information as depicted is subject to change, therefore the Government of Albertaassumes no responsibility for discrepancies at time of use.
Alberta Environment and Parks, Parks Division, Southwest Area, Lethbridge, 2017
Legend Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park
Parks and Protected Areas
Private Land
Facility Zones1
Random Ride Areas
Designated Winter Trails
Trail Intersections
Towns and Villages
Fire Lookout
Mountain
Pass
Roads - Paved
Roads - Gravel
#
Winter Camping
Staging Area/Parking
Parking
Forestry Office
Cross-Country Ski Area
Fat Biking
Snowmobile Shelter
Information Kiosk
Day Use Area
Snowshoeing
Ice Fishing
Group Camping
Accessible
Refer to Hunting Regulations and Fire Permits
1
CarbondaleStaging Area
Truck BoxMeadow
Lake Loop 2.6 km
Lake Loop 0.6 km
River Loop
Rab
bit H
ill
River L
oop Meadow Trail
Chickadee
1.0 km
1.0 km
0.6 km0.3 km
0.6 km
1.0 km
Racers Loop
BlueJay
WhiteTail
Fox Run
Chinook Loop
Front Link
Back Link
0.7 km
0.8 km
1.7 km
3.2 km
3.5 km
South CastleRiver
West CastleRiver
0.3 km
0.2 km
To Pincher Creek North Loop~1.5 km Informal Trail
To Castle MountainResort
To Castle MountainResort10 km
Moose Meadows
Table Mountain
Bench
Bench
Bench
Bench
Bench
Bench
Bench
7
6
8
3
4
5
9
13
12
11
10
774
N
0 200m
Know the RulesIn accordance with provincial regulation:
• Every person within the Castle Parks shall comply with the lawful orders and instructions of a Conservation Officer
• Every person within the Castle Parks shall comply with the instructions, prohibitions and directions contained in signs and/or notices
• Snowmobile users must stay on designated trails (trails are marked with a winter trail sign)
• No cutting, removing, or damaging live trees or any other vegetation
• Do not deposit any foreign materials into any watercourses (fuel, soap, body waste, grey water)
• A Conservation Officer may order a person to refrain from doing anything that, in the opinion of the officer, is dangerous to life or property or detrimental to the management of or use of any road, trail or route
• Pets must be kept on a leash (2 metres), supervised and under physical control at all times
• Please clean up after your pet if within any facility area or on a trail.
Every snowmobile operating in the Castle Parks must have:
• Valid registration and insurance• Operators and passengers wearing approved
helmets as required• License plate properly affixed in a visible location• Tail lamp on the vehicle rear capable of
emitting a red light visible from at least 60 metres (185 feet)
• At least one white headlamp on the front must be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person, another vehicle or a thing that is at least 60 metres ahead (185 feet)
• Proper exhaust muffler.
To operate a snowmobile in the Castle Parks, people from another jurisdiction must:
• Carry proof of residency• Follow the rules, regarding registration of the
vehicle and the display of license plates, that are required by their home jurisdiction
• Produce valid proof of insurance• If you have been in Alberta for more than 30
days, all Alberta requirements apply• Operators under 14 must be supervised by
an adult.
Know Before You GoIt is your responsibility to become familiar with the activities allowed in this area before you visit. Please refer to the information and map in this publication for further details. Pick up or download the Alberta Parks regulations brochure, look for park information kiosks and contact park staff, if you have any questions.
Caution to Trail UsersThis area is mostly undeveloped, and hazards exist. Use at your own risk. The terrain can be physically challenging and conditions may change due to weather and other factors. Users are responsible for their own safety and should have skills and equipment necessary to enjoy their outdoor experience. This map is for general wayfinding using roads and designated trails. If you require more detailed maps for wayfinding, you will need to purchase topographic maps.
Castle Provincial Park Map
Syncline Cross-Country Ski Area
NoteNon-motorized use only. Please bike and snowshoe to the side of the cross-country ski tracks.
Information
Cross-CountrySkiing
Parking
Washrooms
Viewpoint
IntermediateTrail
DistanceMarkers
Easy Trail
Informal Trail
Snowshoeing
Fat Biking
