Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial
A solemn memorial honoring Canada's deadliest mining disaster, offering a poignant look into history and remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Read plaques and explore safely
Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial
Best Time
Read plaques and explore safely
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial honoring Canada's deadliest mining disaster, offering a poignant look into history and remembrance.
"An eerie slice of Alberta's history, worth the drive for dark history buffs."
Allocate ample time
Give yourself at least an hour to read the storyboards and explore the cemetery respectfully.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the cemetery and memorial site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 127 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Memorial Plaque
Read the detailed story of Canada's worst mining disaster and the individuals involved. A poignant tribute.
Miner's Graves
Explore the cemetery and find the headstones of many miners who perished. A somber and reflective experience.
Informative Storyboards
Outdoor displays share stories and photos of the disaster and the people affected. Educational and moving.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate ample time
Give yourself at least an hour to read the storyboards and explore the cemetery respectfully.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the cemetery and memorial site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Learned some sad, but really interesting history today at Frank Slide.
Don't forget the Hillcrest mine disaster cemetery, Bellevue underground mine, and the CNP Museum in Coleman all great spots to learn about the area.
Bring water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the outdoor site.
Consider a guided tour
Some visitors found guided tours enhanced their understanding and emotional connection to the site.
Long since forgotten coal tipple- Crowsnest Pass, AB
If you’re in the area, I recommend going to see the Hillcrest Cemetery. Very sad how many died in the disaster.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate ample time
Give yourself at least an hour to read the storyboards and explore the cemetery respectfully.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking around the cemetery and memorial site, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated as you explore the outdoor site.
Consider a guided tour
Some visitors found guided tours enhanced their understanding and emotional connection to the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial as a poignant and essential stop for understanding Alberta's history. Many highlight the respectful presentation of the tragedy and the emotional impact of exploring the miners' graves and reading their stories. While the site is free and accessible, some note the seasonal availability of the washroom.
"We visited the cemetery as part of a larger tour. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable. We were each assigned an identity and learned about the individuals who lost their lives in the disaster. We then went and found their grave markers. This was done in such a respectful way and all the kids learned a lot about the people affected."
Lia Rogers
"This place is an eerie slice of Alberta's history. It's worth the two hour drive from Calgary if you are into dark history. There is a memorial with the full story, as well as many of the miners' graves can be visited. There are old graves from the early 1900s and a lot of interesting graves from the 1930s that are unrelated to the mining disaster as well. There is an outdoor washroom on site."
Sabrina Halge
"Just outside of the town this is a must visit when you are in the Crowsnest Pass. Follow the path to read the plaques describing the mine disaster and the people and animals involved. Excellent stories and photos."
Mitch Sprague
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located just outside the town of Hillcrest, Alberta, in the Crowsnest Pass. It's easily accessible by car. Follow local signage from the main highway.
Yes, there is parking available at the site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many travelers visit the memorial as part of a broader Crowsnest Pass exploration, often including Frank Slide and other historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Hillcrest Mine Disaster Memorial is free to visit. It's an open-air site for public reflection.
The memorial is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
Since there is no admission fee, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a memorial plaque detailing the disaster, numerous graves of the miners, and informative storyboards with historical context and photos.
Yes, it can be a valuable learning experience for children, especially when accompanied by an adult who can explain the history respectfully. Some visitors found it particularly impactful for kids.
An outdoor washroom is available on site, though it is seasonal.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours to fully absorb the history and explore the cemetery.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The memorial plaque, the rows of headstones in the cemetery, and the historical storyboards offer poignant photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit