History

Historically, natives, outfitters and trappers had used the northern end of Willmore Wilderness Park extensively. There is no written history of the area we travel. Oral history tell us that outfits used to travel though the area from Jasper and Mount Robson through to Sheep Creek and north. These were primarily hunting trips. Trappers also used the area to trap pine martin. There are oral stories of outfits bringing in trapper supplies in the fall from Hinton, Alberta, which is a 100-mile trip - one way. Trapper would use snow-shoes to move from cabin to cabin in the winter. The day light hours were short in the winter months and the nights were long. Trappers would get day light at 9 am and the sun would set by 5 pm. These were hardy men who had strong minds, bodies and spirits. There was no stores, hospitals or help of any kind. These men survived by their knowledge of the land.

During the past 50-years the elaborate commuting system made-up of old packtrails has become virtually impassible because of windfall, flooding, avalanches and trail erosion. A lack of traffic and trail maintenance made the travel available only to those who were willing to crawl over and under the dense dead fall. The situation was continually exacerbated because of a "no burn policy" of the Alberta Forestry Services, resulting in an extremely congested-forested area.

During the exploratory expeditions in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, you can expect to see "sign of yesteryear." It is exciting to see the tracks and "sign" left behind by those who traveled the same packtrails years ago. The wildlife and wildflowers are awesome.

Phone our toll free number at:
1.877.4.TRAILS or 1.877.487.2457
If no answer call
1.877.WILD.RUN or 1.877.945.3786

work phone:780.827.2696
home phone:780.827.3246
E-mail Us

High Country Vacations
Bazil Leonard & Susan Feddema
Box 537 Grande Cache,
AB, Canada TOE OYO

  

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