Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/89721
weekenders (left) Sulphur Gates, rock cliffs at the confl uence of Sulphur and Smoky Rivers near Grande Cache; (top right) ice fi shing at Victor Lake; cross-country skiing at Pierre Grey's Lakes Provincial Park. GRANDE CACHE the getaway Grande Cache didn't exist as a town until 1969 – it was established along with the Smoky River Coal Mine. The town's name, however, is a reference to the elevated log huts that trappers of the area would use for storing furs (stilts kept the pelts away from rodents). A model hut next to Hwy. 40 wel- comes visitors, who arrive to find them- selves surrounded by pristine mountain forests and a trove of jaw-dropping vistas: Grande Cache and Victor Lakes to the south, Smoky River to the north and Sulphur River to the west. Grand cache, indeed. the hideaway Misty Mountain Suites is smack in the middle of town, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. It's a quiet, comfort- able spot to relax after a day of skiing on caught fish), balconies with mountain views and easy access to Grande Cache's new Wellness and Recreation Centre. Be sure to ask for a room in the new wing. mistymountain.ab.ca –Kristine Kowalchuk the inside track local trails or ice fi shing on the lake. The suites are appointed with gas fi replaces, jet bathtubs, large-screen TVs with satellite, full kitchens (perfect for frying up freshly Rockin' view: Visit Sulphur Gates, the majestic rock cliffs at the confl uence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. Get there by rafting in summer or hiking on the frozen river in winter; either way, contact Wild Blue Yonder for a guide (wildblueyonder.ca). Egg up: Devour a superb omelette at the Bistro Cafe in Acorn Plaza Mall (780-827- 5134). Morning glide: Cross-country ski along groomed trails at Pierre Grey's Lakes Provincial Park, 30 km south of town (albertaparks.ca/pierre- grey's-lakes.aspx). Fix 'n' flicks: Sip a latte at Noelle's Cafe in Shopper's Park Mall. Then take in a movie in the attached 30-seat cinema (shopper- sparkmall.com). Go wild: Try to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep at Willmore Wilderness Park — almost 20 per cent of Alberta's populations are found here, along with bears, caribou, cougars and wolves. No vehicles are allowed in the park, though — you'll have to hike, ride, cycle or ski. Stop by the Willmore Wilderness Foundation to learn more (willmore wilderness.com). □ (Sulphur Gates) Travel Alberta, (ice fishing, cross-country skiing) Town of Grande Cache, Misty Mountain Suites WESTWORLD >> NOVEMBER 2012 15