Highway 41 – The Buffalo Trail
Stretching along Alberta’s eastern border, the Buffalo Trail (Hwy 41) takes its name from the vast herds that once roamed these plains.The portion through the Kalyna Country and Regional area connects Wainwright on Hwy 41 North to Elk Point.
Railroad buffs will make tracks to the Wainright and District Museum, home to many CN artifacts and a model steam-era train. At the same stop you can find out more about pioneer life, the original Buffalo Park and Camp Wainwright POW.
Up the road, Vermilion boasts a popular provincial park. With over 100 species of birds, 16 km of trails, a trout pond, a mini-golf course and a wading pool, it’s a great spot to picnic or camp. Nearby, the Dewberry Valley Museum is well worth a stop.
At Elk Point, the Buffalo Trail meets the Ironhorse Trail. Open to hikers, horseback riders, ATVers and cyclists, this trail follows an abandoned CN railbed through rural scenery and forests for 34 km from Elk Point to Heinsburg. Whether you travel its length or just a few kilometers, you’ll wander through abundant wildlife and more than a little peace and quiet.
Just east of Elk Point, near the original site of two rival forts, Fort George & Buckingham House Provincial Historic Site uses modern technology to give you a feel for the fur-trading life of the 1700s.
Stay at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park or visit historic Heinsburg.
In the Buffalo Trail’s towns, you’ll find nearly every kind of accommodation. Camping is great, too – public and private campgrounds dot the route.