Hiking Near Grande Cache Alberta Canada

We lucked out with gorgeous September weather for our adventure at Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area near Grande Cache, Alberta. Blue skies, warm sunshine and the first hints of fall made it a perfect day to explore.

Hiking Sulphur Gates

The trails to the Sulphur Gates viewpoints were easy to follow, and Little Seeker was more than happy to lead the way. It is a short hike, but there is plenty to see, from forest and rocky trail sections to towering cliffs and beautiful views over the Smoky and Sulphur River valleys.
The terrain gets rougher around the viewpoints, with uneven rocks and some significant drop-offs, so I kept my little adventurer close.

Sulphur Gates or Willmore Wilderness?

One thing worth clearing up: Sulphur Gates is its own Alberta Provincial Recreation Area. It is not inside Willmore Wilderness Park.

The two parks are neighbours, though, and the Sulphur Gates staging area provides access into Willmore. At the trail junction, we chose the Sulphur Gates viewpoints instead of continuing toward Eaton Falls in Willmore Wilderness Park. We had arrived too late in the day to squeeze that hike in before dark. Next time!

A Little Forest Detour

On our way back to the Jeep, Little Seeker led us onto a little side trail through the forest. It ended up being such a fun detour, with fantastic rock formations tucked among the trees and covered in thick green moss.

Sometimes letting the five-year-old pick the trail works out pretty well.

Sulphur Gates FAQ

Where is Sulphur Gates?
Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area is near Grande Cache in west-central Alberta, north of town off Highway 40.

Is Sulphur Gates part of Willmore Wilderness Park?
No. Sulphur Gates is a separate Provincial Recreation Area that neighbours Willmore and provides staging access into the wilderness park.

Is Sulphur Gates good for kids?
We found the short hike very manageable with our five-year-old. There are rocky sections and steep drop-offs near the viewpoints, so younger kids will need close supervision.

Can you hike to Eaton Falls from Sulphur Gates?
Yes. The trail toward Eaton Falls begins from the Sulphur Gates staging area and continues into Willmore Wilderness Park. We saved that adventure for another day.