Southern Alberta - PDF

From the imposing, world-famous peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the west to the seemingly endless fields of wheat and canola in the east, Southern Alberta is a land of great contrast, with recreation opportunities as diverse as its landscape. The Rockies are the most dramatic part of this region and attract hikers, campers and mountaineers from across the globe, while anglers and whitewater rafters ply and play in the mountains’ many streams. As you make your way east, you will discover fertile hunting grounds and endless ATV trails, with a wide-open prairie landscape that will stir your adventurer’s soul and inspire you to take the road less travelled.

To help you take advantage of Southern Alberta’s many outdoor adventure opportunities, the latest edition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook features extensive updates and upgrades from our last publication. Our maps now show Crown Forest Management Areas and Public Land Use Zone, along with labelled fish species for individual fishing lakes. We have also included bonus large scale park maps for Banff, Peter Lougheed and Waterton Parks along with an overview park map for Glacier National Park in the states. This Mapbook also contains fish stocking charts for the area’s main stocked species, along with trail charts for several parks and the Trans Canada Trail. We have also included brand new Backcountry Huts section among our carefully researched Adventure listings.

Backcountry Hut & Cabin Adventures

For those looking to explore the backcountry in style, we list the best in backcountry accommodation for hikers, skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers exploring the stunning wilderness of Southern Alberta. From remote alpine cabins nestled amid the peaks of the Rocky Mountains to easy-access day-use warming shelters, we've offer 20 backcountry hut and lodges from which to base your stay.

Backroad Adventures

In the latest edition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find 100 listings for the best things to see and do while traveling along the region's highways, rural road and backroads. From quaint small-town museums to First Nations cultural sites and unique geological formations, there is something to see in every direction.

Fishing Adventures

From the mountain streams of the Rocky slopes to the big rivers of the plains, Southern Alberta is a place of abundant angling opportunities. In your Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find detailed listings for close to 190 fishing lakes and over 130 fishing streams and rivers, complete with species and stocking information, access, regulations and other highlights. Fish stocking charts list and an additional 116 locations for stocked arctic grayling, brook trout, brown trout, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Hunting Adventures

From Bighorn Sheep hunting in the remote alpine of the Rockies to moose hunting in the lush valleys below, to bird hunting for ptarmigan and partridge in the sprawling prairies, there is no shortage of options for hunters in Southern Alberta. No matter your game animal of choice, we have you covered with species descriptions, tips, regulations and listings for over 45 Wildlife Management Units in the area.

Paddling Adventures

From challenging whitewater runs that will test even the most advanced paddlers to easy-access lakes and the long, meandering rivers of the prairies, Southern Alberta offers a great mix of paddling opportunities. In the latest edition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find detailed descriptions of 60 paddling routes, complete with put-in and take-out locations, difficulty, length, river highlights and more.

Park Adventures

In the newest addition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find detailed information for over 180 Provincial, National and Regional Parks, complete with access, activities, highlights and more. We also list Conservation Sites, Public Land Use Zones and Provincial Recreation Areas. From hiking in Banff National Park to horseback riding in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, we've got you covered.

Trail Adventures

From challenging, dramatic hikes in the Bighorn Backcountry, Crowsnest Pass and Kananaskis Country to easy, flat, but equally impressive routes around Drumheller and Medicine Hat, the newest edition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook contains close to 400 detailed trail listings for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Trail Charts offer additional trails for Cypress, Banff and Waterton National Parks, Peter Lougheed Park, and the Trans Canada/Great Trail, which features the dynamic High Rockies Trail through Peter Lougheed.

ATV (OHV) Adventures

Whether you are looking for easy trail rides or hardcore mud-bogging, Southern Alberta is a hotspot for ATV riding. With endless scenic landscapes, plenty of abandoned historic mine sites and the sprawling foothills of the Rockies, there is no shortage of terrain to explore on an ATV. In our newest Southern Alberta Mapbook, you will find over 60 detailed descriptions of some of the best places to ATV around Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and more.

Snowmobile Adventures

There are some great areas to explore on snowmobile around the Rocky Mountain foothills and Forestry Trunk Road, and a less noticeable impact on the environment means snowmobiles have more leeway when it comes to finding riding areas in Southern Alberta than ATVs. From Cataract Creek to Crowsnest Pass and the Ghost Snowmobile Area and beyond, we have you covered with detailed listings of close to 30 of the best places to sled in Southern Alberta.

Wildlife Adventures

With the lakes and wetlands of the prairies providing stopping points for thousands of migrating birds, and large mammals such as elk, moose, bear and bighorn sheep roaming the foothills and mountains of the Rockies, Southern Alberta supports startlingly diverse array of wildlife. In the latest edition of our Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find over 60 detailed listings for the best wildlife viewing locations in the area complete with directions, species, best viewing times and more.

Winter Adventures

From downhill skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking or just taking in the majestic winter scenery, the latest Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook will direct you to the best places to get out and enjoy this beautiful area during the winter months. With over 70 detailed winter recreation listings, you can find the perfect outdoor adventure no matter the season.

Topographic Maps

In your durable, heavy-duty, spiral-bound 21.5 cm x 28 cm (8.5"x 11") Southern Alberta Backroad Mapbook you will find 59 detailed topographic maps at 1:225,000 scale, complete with labeled recreation sites, amenities, highways, backcountry roads, trails and other points-of-interest. Not only are these maps user-friendly, but they boast a level of cartographic sophistication unparalleled even by government resources - making them the maps of choice for search-and-rescue.

Service Directory

In addition to our maps, we list Southern Alberta accommodations, services, tours and amenities.

Adventures

Our detailed adventure section is one of the features that makes your Backroad Mapbook so much more than just a map of Southern Alberta. From hiking to hunting, ATVing, paddling, wildlife viewing and beyond, our team of writers and researchers have come up with the most comprehensive adventure information for this region you will find anywhere.

Index

Our Index is divided into Map and Adventure sections to make it easier to use than ever before. You will find page numbers and map coordinates for each activity and location, plus important numbers, distance charts and an advertiser list for easy referencing.