Big Hill Springs Provincial Park

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is located approximately 37kms north west of downtown Calgary, and 10 kms east of Cochrane Alberta. From Calgary, follow highway 1A west to Lochend Rd, turn right (north) 11kms to SR 567. Turn left (east) 3.3km to the park turn off. There are easy to see signs for Big Hill Springs along the way so it is easy to find.

What You Need to Know

This short (1.5km), picturesque hike is suitable for all dogs. There are no major obstacles, only 4 bridges to be crossed at the beginning of the hike. Two of these are small, spanning a narrow trickle of water. The other 2 are a bit longer with handrails and span a wider part of the creek bed. There is gentle uphill climbing that you and your dog may feel in your muscles if you are not used to hiking uphill. Lots of water at the start and end of the hike, but none at the top of the hill.

The hike starts past the picnic tables to the west of the parking lot. This is a wonderful spot with Big Hill Creek flowing down the coulee and over rock outcrops creating some beautiful waterfalls. Great place for picture taking and letting the dogs play in the water if they are so inclined.

The trail climbs up beside the waterfalls and then heads back into the woods. This is where it starts to go uphill. There is a bench facing one of the waterfalls and one further up the trail near the top of the hill. When you reach the top, it flattens out for awhile and then starts to descend in gentle switchbacks to the parking lot and picnic tables.

This is a popular hike with mountain bikers and families, especially on hot summer weekends. The trails are hard packed dirt and well maintained, but will become quite muddy in the rain.