Experience in Grande Cache
Sulphur Gates Canyon Hike
Sulphur Gates is Grande Cache's best-kept secret, and one of Alberta's finest canyons. The Smoky River has carved a dramatic slot into the surrounding limestone plateau, creating walls of banded red, orange, and cream rock that rise 30 metres above the canyon floor. The 12km out-and-back trail follows the canyon rim before descending to the river through a series of switchbacks, offering increasingly dramatic views with each turn. The canyon itself is at its most spectacular in late afternoon when direct sunlight hits the west-facing walls. Wildlife sightings are a near-certainty: the canyon is a known corridor for elk, moose, black bear, and — if you're very lucky — wolf. The trailhead is 10km north of Grande Cache on an unpaved forest service road, so a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended. Bring bear spray; this is genuine backcountry.
- Category
- Adventure
- Location
- Grande Cache
- Duration
- 4–5 hours