JASPER NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 394

remains are still visible. Grande Cache is a planned town. Construction started in 1969 in
response to a need for services and housing for miners and their families working at a new
coal mine. The town was developed 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) south of the mine to main-
tain a scenic environment.
Sights and Recreation
For great views of the surrounding area, consider climbing Grande Mountain, along a
trail that has 800 meters (2,400 feet) of elevation gain and takes around three hours one
way. It's a steep trail, gaining 730 meters (2,400 feet) of elevation in 3.5 kilometers (2.1
miles), but from the summit, the view across the Smoky River Valley to the Rocky Moun-
tains is spectacular. The trail follows a power line the entire way to the peak and is easy to
follow. To get to the trailhead, head northwest of town one kilometer (0.6 mile) and turn
right at the cemetery gate. Park, walk along the road to the power line, veer right, and start
the long slog to the summit. Grande Cache Lake, five kilometers (3.1 miles) south of
town, has good swimming, canoeing, and fishing; rainbow and brook trout, whitefish, and
arctic grayling are commonly caught.
In recent years, Grande Cache has placed itself on the calendar of extreme ultra-
marathoners the world over as host of the early August Canadian Death Race
( www.canadiandeathrace.com ). The footrace takes place along a super-demanding
125-kilometer (78-mile) course, which summits three peaks.
Accommodations and Camping
Room rates in this mountain hideaway are surprisingly inexpensive, but because fewer
than 250 rooms are available in the whole town, reservations should be made in advance.
On the highway through town, the Big Horn Motor Inn (780/827-3744 or 888/880-2444,
www.bighorninn.com , $75 s, $85 d) is the best value. Each of 37 rooms has a small fridge
and wireless Internet, and some have kitchenettes. A laundry room and a restaurant are
on the premises. Also along the highway is the similarly priced Alpine Lodge Motel
(780/827-2450). If you're looking for something a little different, consider a stay at
M Sheep Creek Back Country Lodge & Cabins (780/831-1087, www.sheepcreek.net ,
June-late Sept., $125-200 s or d), which is accessed by a short walking trail and a sus-
pension bridge from 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of town. It attracts an eclectic array
of guests—anglers, hunters, mountain bikers—but everyone is welcome. Each rustic cabin
has a simple kitchen, bedroom, deck, chemical toilet, and gravity-fed shower. A commun-
al fridge/freezer is located in the main building. Guests bring their own food and towels.