If you’re looking for a hike, Nordegg is the perfect place to explore. The area has something for everyone, with trails varying in difficulty from beginner to advanced levels. Two favourite beginner hikes are Fish Lake and Goldeye Interpretive Trail. Both of these trails have very little elevation gain, and take you around a beautiful lake with a few rest stops around each loop. A moderate hike is the Coliseum Mountain Lookout which has switchbacks and finishes across the ridge to the summit. Tuff Puff is a more challenging route with steep incline, but the reward is in the finish with stellar panoramic views across the Abraham Lake valley. There are also a number of  multi-day backpacking routes in the David Thompson Corridor. If you’d like to hire a hiking guide, visit our Nordegg Adventures page.

David Thompson Country is a great place for fishing enthusiasts to explore. Whether fly fishing or spinning, Nordegg has many popular rivers and lakes to choose from. Some locations are easily accessible from Highway 11, while others are a little more tucked away. Looking for something more easily accessed? Try Fish Lake, also known as Shunda Lake. Many people choose to camp at the beautiful provincial campground next to the lake. Those willing to drive a bit further will enjoy fly fishing along the Ram River. Anglers can expect to catch bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish.

Camping is an activity that brings in many visitors to David Thompson Country. There are a few private and provincial campgrounds in the Nordegg area with services for RVs and trailers available. Some of our favourite spots include Upper Shunda Creek Campground, Fish Lake Campground, and Gold Eye Campground. Some of the campgrounds fill up early, so be sure to book ahead if needed. Further west, there are less serviced sites and random camp sites along with backcountry camping sites. Group sites are also available at some of the campgrounds. Remember to grab your Public Lands Camping pass for both backcountry camping and random camping.

A favourite activity for the Girth Hitch Guiding team in the Nordegg area is rock climbing! The Alberta Rocky Mountains offer all levels of climbing, with a handful of venues a short hike from road access. Climbers can expect to find sport climbs, trad climbs and even alpine routes.

The David Thompson Climbers Association has done a tremendous amount of development in the last 5 years. If you don’t already have a guide book, you can track one down at the local gift shop or cafe just off the main road in Nordegg.

Not ready to go rock climbing on your own? Hire a local guide! Girth Hitch Guiding is one of the premier companies that offer guided rock-climbing adventures in the area. You can choose from a variety of options they have available. You can opt for an introductory course or hire an experienced guide to take you on a Multi-Pitch route. The possibilities are endless!

Another favourite activity for the team at Girth Hitch Guiding! There are two spectacular via ferrata routes in David Thompson Country. Via ferrata is Italian for “Iron Road”, and it is a climbing route up a mountain using pre-installed ladder rungs and cables. Individuals are securely tied to a cable that runs along the route with safety lanyards and a harness.

The Fox is great for beginners, while the second route called From Nordegg with Love is designed for individuals with more experience. Both are great adventures and offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guide on via ferrata routes. If you have never been on a via ferrata before, it is highly recommended that you hire a guide.

The sport of mountain biking is quickly growing in popularity, and Nordegg is just another place where visitors will find a range of trails for all biking abilities. If you’re looking for a scenic cross country trail or even a technical downhill trail, there are options available. Fish Lake (Shunda Lake) and Nordegg area have a few easy-intermediate trails.

A favourite is the Fire Smart Trail which can connect over to the Goldeye Lake Trail. Looking for something a bit more technical? Try some of the trails located in South Nordegg. A reminder to review local maps and information to ensure you are on properly designated trails.

For those looking for an unforgettable adventure in David Thompson Country, a horseback excursion is the perfect choice. With tour operators offering single or multi-day trips, there’s something for everyone. These trips offer a unique opportunity to explore the countryside in a way not possible with regular tours. You can take in spectacular views while enjoying the thrill of riding across rugged terrain and peaceful meadows.

Visitors to the area can also explore the area on their own, but be sure to check local maps and regulations.

Nordegg has a very unique history and there are a few fun ways to learn about the history of the area. The Nordegg Historic Site is located right in Nordegg, and showcases the ghost town and mining site at Brazeau Collieries. The Nordegg Heritage Museum has a great exhibit with some captivating stories, and offers guided tours, exploring a number of the historic mine-site buildings. Make sure you check in to book your tour, as tour times are limited.

There are also a few historic points of interest in David Thompson Country including Siffleur Falls and Mount Baldy Fire Lookout. Heading further west, you can find various stops and points of interest along the North Saskatchewan River.