Alpine Destinations
Just one of many alpine destinations, Holzworth Meadows, with an elevation change of up to 900 meters, can provide a good workout for experienced hikers. Follow Ptarmigan Ridge to three peaks for some magnificent views. You can fill your entire day rambling on an interconnected series of ridges providing spectacular views of alpine and sub-alpine meadows.
Dinosaur Tracks
Over 90 million years ago dinosaurs left their imprints in the Tumbler Ridge area. Visit the Cabin Pools Trackway on the shores of Flatbed Creek where over 150 footprints can be seen including a rare dewclaw impression. A second trackway on the Wolverine River displays 60 impressions including skin imprints that are estimated to be 97 million years old. Include a visit to the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery and the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre’s dinosaur display to make your experience complete.
Waterfalls
Dozens of waterfall destinations are available in the area. Relatively short hikes through aspen and pine forests will lead you to easily accessible falls. These include Tepee (3 km), Quality (1.5 km), Bergeron (4.5 km), Flatbed (1 km), Barbour (1 km), Nesbitt’s Knee (1.5 km), Babcock Falls (1 km). If you have several days to hike, Kinuseo Falls and the Cascades in Monkman Provincial Park cannot be missed
Bergeron Ridge
Spend a whole day exploring the Bergeron Cliffs and Falls. Bergeron Cliffs provides a 3 kilometer hike to shear cliffs that provide an incredible view of Tumbler Ridge and the Rockies. With an elevation change of 400 meters, the hike can be a good workout. Combine this hike with a ten kilometer hike to Bergeron Falls, a 100 meter high waterfall that empties into an amphitheatre. Your adventure can include side trips to the base of the falls or take easier routes to Hidden Valley and Dipper Falls.
Monkman Park
Whether you’re planning on a full day of adventure or just want to experience Kinuseo Falls, Monkman Park is your destination. A 60 km drive takes you to the top of spectacular Kinuseo Falls where you can watch the Murray River tumble 60 meters to its base. For those who have more time, visit Nesbitt’s Knee and Barbour Falls enroute and take in the Stone Corral Trail just inside the park entrance. This 4 km hike leads you to fossils, caves, ponds, and the Stone Corral – a tarn encircled by vertical cliffs.
For the Kids
There are plenty of activities to keep children of all ages busy for an entire day. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.
- Start your morning off with a 2 kilometer walk to the dinosaur trackway on Flatbed Creek that children of all ages can enjoy. At the site, search for over 200 prints of dinosaurs dating back nearly 100 million years. Experienced dinosaur guides are available for your hikes.
- Spend the rest of the morning splashing at the Cabin Pools, a favourite swimming hole on Flatbed Creek or head to the Lion’s Flatbed Regional Campground and find the swimming hole under the bridge.
- Back in town, book the climbing wall for an afternoon of rock climbing, enjoy one of the many playgrounds around town, or spend some quiet time at the library curled up in the reading corner.
- Bring your skate board or bike and spend some time in our new skateboard park.
- End the day relaxing in the tot’s pool or in the hot tub at the Aquatic Centre.
Just an Hour
If you haven’t got much time to spend in Tumbler Ridge, you can still enjoy a quick taste of what we have to offer.
- Stop by the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery in its new location on Murray Drive. This is the home of the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre where hundreds of dinosaur footprints and bones are on display.
- Visit the free exhibits at the Community Centre where 17 displays feature some of what Tumbler Ridge has to offer. The exhibits highlight the Monkman Trail, the coal mining history, local athletes, and more.
- Also in the Community Centre, local artists feature their work in the Art Gallery Display. Exhibits change regularly.
- Check out our uniquely-design Municipal Hall where a mounted Grizzly Bear greets you.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife sightings are difficult to predict, however you can increase your chances of spotting wildlife with early morning or evening drives.
- The Bullmoose Marshes are a relaxing way to spend an hour or two where 74 bird species have been identified. Watch for bears, moose and deer, beavers, muskrats, and more.
- Hike the TR Trail and discover over 200 species of birds that have been identified and represent an exciting mix of eastern and western species.
- An evening drive down any side road is sure to provide more opportunities for wildlife viewing including grizzly bear, mountain goats, coyotes, and wolves.
- End your day with a lantern tour to the Wolverine Trackway and experience what it might have been like to be in the wild while the dinosaurs roamed in the shadows.
The Core Lodge Route
South of Tumbler Ridge lies the Core Lodge Road. Initially, the route lead only Alpine and Snowmobile opportunities. Today much more awaits you; bring your binoculars. Watch for coal haul trucks and drive carefully.
- First on the stop is the Boulder Gardens, a unique outcropping of sandstone that forms a maze of rocks to explore. Two short side trails provide interesting viewpoints where you can watch the mining activity of Peace River Coal while enjoying a picnic lunch.
- Continue on the trail to the Boulder Tarn, Pancake Rocks, and the Grassi Grind From caves to towers, the entire route is a must-see.
- Head back to the Core Lodge Road and continue for another ½ kilometer to the Babcock Falls Trailhead. Here you’ll find unique wetland flowers along the trail which ends the falls where swimming can be enjoyed.
- On the return route, turn down the Murray River Forest Service Road for a quick overview of the Quintette Mining Operation. Although not currently operating, the infrastructure still remains.
Easy and Short Hikes
Many of the Tumbler Ridge Trails are less than a 2 kilometer hike and are rated as easy hikes. Choose one or combine several for short excursions into the wilderness.
Babcock Falls – combine this with a trip to Boulder Gardens to end your day with a quick and refreshing swim.
- Barbour Falls – enroute to Kinuseo Falls. Short and easy but watch for dropoffs along the trail.
- Bullmoose Marshes – on Highway 29 – the first wetland trail in the area with great wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Gwillim Lake Shoreline – on Highway 29 – plan to camp at the Provincial Campground and enjoy some fishing.
- Kinuseo Falls – a trip on its own and a must-see for waterfall enthusiasts. The viewpoint is wheelchair accessible but offers more challenging hikes to different viewpoints.
- Mount Hermann – off the Murray River Forest Service Road with no hiking involved; drive to the summit and experience the alpine.
- Quality Falls – on Highway 52. The falls drop 10 meters – a peaceful and intimate experience.