Cadomin and its Beauty
Unless you look really hard for it, Cadomin is easily missed on any given map. It is directly between Hinton and Edson, Alberta. This untouched Alberta gem has something for everyone, from adventure enthusiasts to families and everything in between. This is a place where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The fastest way to get here is from Hinton. Then take the Forestry Trunk Road/AB-40 S from Hinton to Cadomin which will take you about 45 minutes. Most of the road will be paved, but near the end it turns into gravel as you pass the old Lascar Coal Mine. The most important thing to know about the drive to Cadomin from Hinton is that it is something you have never experienced. Some could say it is like driving through Banff National Park, but to locals it’s better than Banff. It’s almost guaranteed to see wildlife like black bears, bighorn sheep, moose elk and mule deer. Some have spotted cougars and wolves! The longer route would be from Edson via the same Forestry Trunk Road, but from Edson which will take you about an hour and 20 minutes.
History
In the late 1920s, Cadomin became the largest community within the Coal Branch at this time, leading the commercial centre for the entire region. Cadomin’s population at this point is the highest it will ever be at 1,800. The Cadomin coal mine was in operation from 1917 to 1952. Today, no more than 50 residents live there.
Mining coal was dangerous because of the large amounts of methane gas that was released during the process. The Cadomin Coal Company got to work and pioneered the IPRT or the Isolated Panel Rock Tunnel method. It is a unique technique that minimizes hazardous work environments. The method consists of dividing the mine into separate, independent districts. By doing so, once each panel of a district was used up, it would be sealed off by concrete, reducing methane gas build up, in turn relieving the possibility of an explosion. At the time, the people of Cadomin were said to be the most progressive in western Canada. There were a lot of talented people living in Cadomin, and many took an interest in music. So much so that the town developed an orchestra that drew large crowds through ticket sales. This led to a large creative community in Cadomin. Cadomin was so ahead of its time that when the Great Depression hit Canada, Cadomin continued to thrive.
What To Do Here, So Many Choices!
Cardinal Divide
The biological diversity and the sensitivity of the Cardinal Divide is so special, you almost feel like you are being touched by the surrounding nature. Many rare and at risk species call the Cardinal Divide their home like the grizzly bear and the harlequin duck. To this day there have been 277 plant species recorded in the Cardinal Divide alone, it is unmatched compared to the rest of the province’s biodiversity. There are two major watersheds in the Cardinal divide; Athabasca River that leads to the Arctic Ocean and the North Saskatchewan River that flows eventually to the Hudson’s Bay. Historically, the Cardinal Divide was used by the Cree, Nakota (stoney), and the Saulteaux Nations for hunting and gathering important plants. Now, it is a biodiverse treasure!
To take this epic trail it is recommended to bring lots of water and some food for the trek. It is a 5km hike to the very top and a 1.5km hike to the Cheviot mine lookout point. You start at the parking lot, then carefully cross the road and begin the 1.3km trek to the ridge overlooking the McLeod River and the Cheviot mine. If you are lucky, you can see the ginormous mining trucks in action. Take the next 2.5km along the ridge to the highest point of 2,220m! After admiring the view and having a bite to eat, you can head back the way you came.
Whitehorse Provincial Park
To get to Whitehorse Provincial Park you travel south of Cadomin and follow the signs to the park. It is an equestrian park equip with 26 total campsites, 9 of them have equestrian capabilities. If you wander past the campsites there will be a sign that says Whitehorse Provincial Park. You can take this trail by horse or by foot. There is even a spot where you can climb to the creek bed and see how breathtaking and powerful water can be.
ATV’s and more!
This area has a ton of ATV trails from decades of locals finding the best routes. There are trails along the side of the forested mountains and trails that lead across shallow creeks. There is so much to explore within this hidden gem. There are trails meant for quading and trails used by everything. From any direction there are trails to explore in Cadomin. People often use their bikes or horses on these trails since Cadomin is right next to an equestrian campsite. Many people come to Cadomin to do snowmobiling and birdwatching.
Hunting and Fishing
The hunting in this area is impeccable due to its lush vegetation. Not even two minutes outside of Cadomin there is the McLeod creek, people usually fly fish there. McLeod River is the prime fishing spot in the area. Be sure to respect the area’s ecosystem by only catching adult fish and only hunt for what you plan to eat. This part of Alberta is home to protected species like the harlequin duck and the grizzly beer.
Where To Stay in Cadomin
There are only two options for housing in Cadomin; Whitehorse Provincial Park campsite and Cadomin Motel.
Whitehorse Provincial Park campsite is operated by the West Fraser Mills-Fox Creek Development Association. The campsite has 26 overnight campsites with enough room for a trailer or tent in each. The camping season at the park lasts from May through until the end of October. The rate is $15 a night and you can book a reservation Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM by calling Sharon at 1-780-865-2154 or by email at sharon@fcda.ca. Unreserved sites are first come first serve.
Cadomin Motel is located 4812 54 Avenue and is owned by Leah Vallee and her husband Mitch. The motel however is not open year-round. Lean and Mitch work together to get the property running from May long weekend to December first. They both live on the property in their own home with their two cats. You are more than welcome to pet them if you can catch them! The best way to book a room here is to call Leah between 9AM to 9PM at 1-780-692-3663. All rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi. There are 8 rooms at the motel all with fully functioning kitchens. There are generic rooms and two premium rooms. One has a jacuzzi tub and a king bed, and the other is a separate house with its own washer and dryer along with its own BBQ on the deck. There is a shared picnic area for guests that has a firepit and firewood supplied.
Interview with Leah Vallee, owner of Cadomin Motel
References N.d (N.d) Cadomin, A Community of Culture, Alberta Culture and Tourism, retrieved from, http://history.alberta.ca/EnergyHeritage/coal/triumphs-and-tragedies-1914-1930/albertas-coal-town-evolution/cadomin-a-community-of-culture.aspx Bachusky J. (N.d) Cadomin, Ghost towns, retrieved from, https://www.ghosttowns.com/canada/alberta/cadomin.html N.d (N.d) Separating two major watersheds and spanning across the continental divide, the Cardinal Divide area has vital ecological significance, Alberta Wilderness Association, retrieved from, https://albertawilderness.ca/issues/wildlands/areas-of-concern/cardinal-divide/#:~:text=MammalsUngulatespeciessuchas,batsandlittlebrownbats. N.d (2017), Whitehorse Wildland Privincial Park, Alberta Parks, retrieved from, https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/whitehorse-wpp/information-facilities/trails/cardinal-divide-east/ N.d (2021) Whitehorse Creek Campground, Alberta Parks, retrieved from, https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/central/whitehorse-creek-pra/information-facilities/camping/whitehorse-creek/ Zeljkok (2018), Whitehorse Creek Cadomin Alberta, Club Tread, retrieved from, https://forums.clubtread.com/34-alberta/28918-whitehorse-creek-cadomin-ab.html Vallee, L (2021), Cadomin Motel, retrieved from, https://cadominmotel.com/
