Ancient glaciers, high mountain peaks, thick forests and raging rivers define these 4,597 km² of untamed wilderness. Backpackers and horseback riders seeking a true backcountry experience can explore over 750 km of trails where wildlife abounds. Visitors to Willmore must be experienced and well equipped for backcountry adventure.

Park AccessWillmore is located southwest of the town of Grande Cache in west-central Alberta, approximately 300 km northwest of the City of Edmonton. It is bordered on the west by the Province of British Columbia and on the south by Jasper National Park. The north end of the park joins with Kakwa Wildland Park, which forms the Kakwa-Willmore Interprovincial Park. There are three main access points into Willmore: Rock Lake Provincial Park, and Sulphur Gates and Big Berland Provincial Recreation Areas. Rock Lake and Sulphur Gates are equipped with equestrian facilities.

NoteMotorized vehicles (including motorized boats) are prohibited. Written authorization is required to land aircraft in the park.

ContactAlberta ParksWeb: albertaparks.caHinton Office: 780–865–8395Visitor Centre: 780–865–5600Toll Free: 1–866–427–3582

Fire Bans in AlbertaWeb: albertafirebans.ca

Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)Phone: 911

Conservation Officer on DutyPhone: 780–865–6972

Report-A-PoacherPhone: 1–800–642–3800

Forest FiresPhone: 310–FIRE (3473)

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1WillmoreWilderness Park

Hinton

Jasper

Edson

Grande Cache

To GrandePrairie

To Edmonton

WildlifeWillmore’s wildlife thrives in the natural surroundings of the park. Grassy slopes provide excellent winter ranges for sheep and goats. Almost 20% of Alberta’s mountain goats and 20% of the province’s bighorn sheep live in Willmore and the park is also home to woodland caribou, moose, elk, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, wolverine, and numerous small mammals.

Hunting & FishingHunting and fishing are permitted in Willmore, subject to Alberta big game and fishing regulations. To ensure personal safety, park visitors are encouraged to wear bright colours during hunting seasons. For detailed information on hunting and fishing in Willmore, obtain the Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations and the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing. Mountain whitefish and bull trout can be found in deeper pools. Bull trout are listed as a threatened species in Alberta and are “catch & release” only.

TrappingTrapping is a traditional activity in Willmore Wilderness. If you spot traps, do not touch them or interfere with trap lines. Keep your dog on a leash and do not approach traps with your pet.

• Avoid soft and marshy edges when watering horses.

• Salt should be kept in a waterproof container and elevated above ground; this prevents leakage into the soil which can attract wildlife.

CampingThere are no official campsites in the Willmore. However, as much as possible, use existing campsites; as it is always better to camp on sites that are already impacted; where additional use won’t be detrimental to the environment.

• Camp on durable surfaces (such as rock, gravel, and areas with sparse vegetation). Place tents on non-vegetated areas.

• Camp at least 60 meters from water. All toilet facilities, waste water disposal and fuel storage should be located at least 100 metres from lakes, rivers, and streams.

• In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine and pack out your waste if possible. Otherwise, make a cat-hole latrine (20 cm deep) that naturally decomposes human waste. All toilets and waste water pits should be filled with soil and levelled when you vacate your campsite.

• Avoid washing in streams and lakes. Detergents, soap and toothpaste are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Scatter all wash water so that it filters through the soil.

• Garbage should always be packed out of the backcountry, never buried. Wildlife can easily find and dig up old garbage pits, even in winter. Once accustomed to human food, these animals may become a problem for future visitors.

Bear SafetyThere are grizzly and black bears in Willmore Wilderness Park. By using a few simple techniques, you can minimize the risk of a dangerous bear encounter.

• If possible, never travel alone in the backcountry. A larger group is always safer than a single hiker.

• Carry bear spray on a belt holster for quick access, and know how to use it.

• Make plenty of noise when approaching blind corners, dense shrubs and streams, and when walking into the wind. A loud shout every few minutes is more effective than bear bells.

• Remain alert. Keep your ears open. Do not wear earphones while on the trails.

• It is best to leave your pet at home, but if you do travel with a pet, keep it on a leash. Loose dogs can attract and irritate bears.

• Always keep your group together. Be especially diligent at keeping children with you at all times.

• Avoid areas if you see signs of recent bear activities: fresh digging on trails, bear scat, and claw marks on bear trees. A dead or scavenged animal site is especially dangerous.

• Hang all food, garbage, and scented items high in a tree at least 100 m from your sleeping area to discourage bears from investigating. Never store food or scented items in a tent.

• Make sure that your cooking area is 100 meters from your sleeping area to prevent food-odour contamination. Never sleep in clothes worn while cooking.

• Pack out all garbage in sealed bags. Never bury food scraps.

• At night, use a flashlight and move cautiously around your campsite.

Crossing Streams and RiversCrossing streams and rivers can be the most dangerous challenge that hikers confront. River crossings can be deceptively hazardous. Even a very shallow, swiftly flowing body of water can pack enough force to knock you off your feet. Use caution and common sense. After storm events, it may be best to wait until water levels drop, or backtrack to a different trail to get around a flooded area. When crossing, release your backpack so you can shed it quickly, use a hiking staff to provide balance, and cross facing upstream. If the depth of the water is above your thighs, turn back and look for a better location to cross.

Equestrian UseHorseback riding and outfitting in the Willmore are traditional activities with a rich history dating back to the fur trade. Local outfitters can be hired to take visitors safely on guided trips into the backcountry. Outfitters have first-hand knowledge of the landscapes and cultural stories. If you plan a horseback trip into the Willmore, please abide by these guidelines:

• Use established trails and routes.• Be especially cautious when passing hikers.• Supplemental feeds such as hay, grain pellets

and alfalfa cubes can be used to prevent over-grazing and reduce competition with wildlife for food. Supplemental feed should be stored in sealed containers to prevent tampering by wildlife. Using hay as supplemental feed has the potential to introduce noxious weeds into the backcountry; grain or alfalfa pellets are preferable.

• Use ropes or approved electrical wire to make corrals. Make sure that horse holding areas are located at least 100 metres from any watercourse or body of water.

• Don’t tie horses to live trees; this can cause damage to bark and eventually kill a tree.

• Scatter manure before breaking camp.

Backcountry CabinsThe majority of cabins in the Willmore are patrol cabins which are used by Conservation Officers on backcountry patrols. These cabins are locked and are off-limits to the general public. There are three historic cabins open for public use; these include: Summit Cabin, Sulphur Cabin, and Sheep Creek Cabin. Please use cabins with care and respect, packing out all garbage and leaving them clean and well maintained.

Campfires• It is recommended that backcountry travelers

use camp stoves. Backpacking stoves are lightweight, compact, efficient, and more convenient to use than wood fires. As well, they leave no scars in the backcountry.

• In emergency situations, a wood fire may be a necessity. As much as possible, use an existing fire pit. Use sites that are clear of dry grass, bushes, leaves, tree trunks, tree roots, peat moss and overhanging branches.

• Dig or scrape down to mineral soil. Clear away any flammable materials within 1 metre of the fire pit.

• Use only dead wood. Live trees in the subalpine areas grow very slowly and should never be used for campfires.

• Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure the fire is out and cold to the touch before retiring for the night and before leaving camp. Soak it thoroughly and stir it – and then soak it again.

• Do not bury your fire as the embers can continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.

• During periods of high fire hazard, campfires may not be permitted.

Cougar SafetyWillmore Wilderness Park is home to cougars. These large and powerful cats will generally avoid encounters with humans. However, if you encounter a cougar, do not run, but back away slowly. If the cougar approaches or shows aggression, prepare to use your bear spray. Show the cougar you are not a prey animal and that you will fight back. Shout at the cougar and make yourself look larger by waving your arms and a walking stick. Never play dead with a cougar.

Backcountry SafetyThe wild and rugged nature of Willmore Wilderness is an irresistible draw for many visitors. Yet, the dangers of Willmore can provide a challenge for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

• Only minimal trail maintenance occurs and there are no developed campsites in the park. To the uninformed, the 750 km network of trails and vast mountain ranges can be disorienting.

• Good maps, a GPS and survival gear are a necessity.

• There is no cell phone service in the park. • There are no bridges and river crossings can

be especially dangerous at high water. • Check local weather forecasts before you go.

Be prepared for sudden changes in mountain weather.

• Snow is possible any month of the year. Hypothermia and wet cold conditions can turn a fun adventure into a life threatening emergency.

• Grizzly bears, black bears, and cougars live in the park.

• It is recommended that family and friends be informed of your planned route, camping spots and estimated return time.

HikingMany of the park’s well-established trails follow in the historic footsteps of Aboriginal hunters, fur traders, coal miners and trappers. The Rock Lake staging area provides a popular access into the Willmore via the Mountain Trail. For those with only a few days to explore, Seep Creek Trail soon heads north off the Mountain Trail to provide quick entry into alpine country with plentiful wildlife and extensive views. Further along, Mountain Trail bends southwest and climbs to Eagle’s Nest Pass, offering a fine base camp for day-trip explorations of the surrounding alpine lakes and ridges. Mountain Trail then heads northwest along Rock Creek and provides access via West Sulphur Trail, to higher alpine terrain.

While most trips into Willmore are multi-day expeditions, there are also day-trip options. The 2.5 km trail from Sulphur Gates staging area to the scenic Eaton Falls makes a nice half-day outing, and the 18.5 km climb to the panoramic views of Adams Creek Lookout from Big Berland River staging area is a reasonable overnight trip.

While you hike:

• Use well-defined trails and avoid short-cuts across switchbacks. Short-cuts result in erosion and create unwanted parallel trails.

• Never drop litter along trails; please keep a plastic bag handy and pick up any litter you find.

• Do not pick wildflowers. Collecting rocks, fossils and artifacts is not permitted – take a photograph instead.

• Your dog must be kept on a leash at all times. Remember, wildlife regard your dog as either prey or predator.

WillmoreWilderness Park

Park Guide

Updated August 2016

ISBN: 978–1–4601–2503–8

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The Notch

Mount May

Vega Peak The Quoin2454 m

Wolf Pass

Side Pass

Bess Pass

Rim Ridge

Byng Pass

Vega Basin

Laura Pass

Black Pass

44-40 Pass

Sheep Pass

Mt Laut2408 m

Snow Creek

Blue Creek

Draco Peak2587 m

Jones Pass

Loren Lake

Mt Bess3216 m

Rocky Pass

Loren Pass1542 m

Mount Jobe

Dry Canyon

Bear Creek

Mount Côté2391 m

Shale Pass

Mt Campion2484 m

Bury Ridge

Sheep Basin

Sirius Peak2509 m

Mt Perce2754 m

Mt Chown3884 m

Korlei Pass

Smoky River

Mt Barra2515 m

Ridge Creek

Fault Creek

Goat Cliffs

Llama Flats

Pearl Creek

Sunset Peak3265 m

Copton Pass

Putzy Creek

Mount Louie

Kvass FlatsCasket Pass

Babala Basin

Mt Kelsey2482 m

Mount Jessie

Glacier Pass

Cecilia Lake

Mount Gaunce2286 m

Abrams Creek

Turret Ridge

Chalco Creek

Narrow Creek

Mt Hunter2603 m

Noonday Peak

Mt Forget2121 m

Abbott Creek

Haight Creek

Mount Stearn

Franks Creek

Mt Holmes2502 m

Mount Hamell

Morkill Pass

Phroso Creek

Mt Harvey2436 m

Mt Talbot2373 m

Willow Creek

Daybreak Pass

Surprise Pass

Mount Renshaw

Mt Sprague2530 m

Mustard Creek

Sweeney Creek

Goodell Creek

Caribou Creek

Anthony Creek

Arcturus Peak

Daybreak Peak2332 m

Jackpine Pass2040 m

Gentian Creek

Mount McQueen2286 m

Renshaw Creek

Mt Pauline2653 m

Mt Lucifer3060 m

Arcturus Basin

Moosehorn Pass

McLaren's Pass

Jackpine Creek

Syncline Hills

Zebra Mtn2558 m

Flood Mountain

Adolphus Creek

Twintree Creek

Jackpine River

Knife Mountain2057 m

Avalanche Pass

Paradise Basin

Llama Mountain2301.4 m

Mount Mawdsley2134 m

Mt De Veber2573 m

Beaverdam Pass

Desolation Pass

Blueberry Creek

Persimmon Range

Chalco Mountain

Interpass Ridge

Grande Mountain

Starlight Range

Brewster's Wall

Ambler Mountain

Mitayimin Creek

Casket Mtn2231 m

Saghali Mountain

Bench Lake Creek

Mount Bazalgette2438 m

Eagles Nest Pass2103 m

Blue Grouse Pass

Forgetmenot Pass

Saurian Mtn3016 m

Twintree Mtn2543 m

Bastille Mountain

Mount Braithwaite2134 m

Childear Mountain

Jackpine Mountain

Wolverine Mtn2777 m

Barricade Mtn2593 m

Snake Indian River

Hardscrabble Creek

South Muskeg River

Resthaven Mtn3125 m

La Crèche Mountain

Whiteshield Mountain

Fetherstonhaugh Pass

Snake Indian Mtn2929 m

Monte Cristo Mtn

Mt Fetherstonhaugh2088 m

Perseverance Mtn2426 m

Intersection Mtn2452 m

Deer Creek (Bri Mac) Pass

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Sheep Creek

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Cote Creek

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Sheep Creek Cabin

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Willmore Wilderness Park

Kakwa Wildland Park

Province ofBritish Columbia

Rock Lake -Solomon CreekWildland Park

Jasper National Park

Rock LakeProvincial Park

Big BerlandProvincial Recreation

Area

Pierre GreysLakes Provincial

Park

Sulphur GatesProvincial Recreation

Area

Green Mountain

Rock LakeEquastrian

Moose Landing& Home Bay

Rock Lake

LegendTrails

Primary

Secondary

RoadsDivided Highway

4 Lane Undivided Road

2 Lane Undivided Road

1 Lane Undivided Road

Interchange/Ramp

2 Lane Gravel Road

1 Lane Gravel Road

Unimproved Road

Railways

Index Contour Line (500m)

Contour Line (100m)

Park BoundariesNational Park

Provincial Park

Provincial Recreation Area

Wildlerness Park

Wildland Provincial Park

Campsites# Jasper National Park, Hiker Campground

# Jasper National Park, Horse Campground

# Primitive Campsite

qp

Camping

!È Staging Area

Cabins

× Patrol

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Points of Interestæ Grave

# Fire Lookout

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Glaciers

Background ShadingAlberta

British Columbia

0 5 10 15 202.5km

1:130,000Map Projection:NAD 1983 10TM (Tranverse Mercator) AEP Forest

Willmore Wilderness Park

Willmore Wilderness Park Map

Map Points of Interest

Willmore Wilderness Park is rich in culture and history. During your explorations of the park, you may encounter these points of interest:

• 1A. Steam Engine – from the Blue Diamond Coal Company, 1928.

• 1B. Coal Mine Cabins – from the Blue Diamond Coal Company, 1928.

• 2. Grave of Thappe – a member of the Beaver tribe who died on a winter hunting trip.

• 3. Grave of Baby Delorme – died 1908.• 4. Resthaven Mountain – highest point in

Willmore Wilderness Park (3,125 metres).

• 5. Ptarmigan Lake – largest lake in Willmore Wilderness Park.

• 6. Grave of George Hargreaves – died in his sleep in 1936 and buried at the base of Coffin Mountain.

• 7. Clark’s Crossing – a very dangerous river crossing named after Stan Clark,

superintendent of the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve in 1912.

• 8. Kvass Lookout – decommissioned in 1972.

• 9. Sulphur Gates – dramatic cliffs and confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur rivers.

• 10. Washy Joe Anges – Washy Creek was named in honour of Washy Joe, a trapper and rancher and member of the Alexis Band.

• 11. Adam’s Creek Lookout – named in honour of Adam Agnes. The tower opened in 1941.

• 12. Grave of Madelaine Fraser – the mother of Adam Joachim; died in 1904.

• 13. Grave of Pierre Delorme – died in 1906 after falling off his horse and hitting his head. Pierre Delorme was 6 foot 8 and blind.

• 14. Rock Lake Lookout – decommissioned in 1969.

• 15. Curly Philips Historical Cabin