Rail Trails and Trestle Bridges- 2B (Nordegg area)

🚂 Ghost Towns & Trestle Bridges: The Saunders Historical Tour

If you love Alberta history, ghost towns, and stunning engineering—this beginner-friendly tour is for you! Join our guided hike and historical exploration of the old Saunders townsite.

This approximately 7 km day involves minimal rolling hills and no major climbs, making it perfectly suited for beginner hikers.

The tour is split into two parts:

Part 1: Saunders Ghost Town Exploration

We begin by walking back in time through the ghost town of Saunders. Your guide will share the stories of this old mining community as we explore historical points of interest, including a viewpoint, the old graveyard, Big John's spring, and the former cabin sites.

Part 2: The Stunning Trestle Bridge

From the townsite, we connect to the flat, wide rail trail. A quick 2.5 km walk takes us to the magnificent, reconstructed Taunton/Fortner Trestle Bridge! This is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch, take photos, and appreciate the views from the benches and picnic tables on the bridge itself, before we head back.

Meeting: We will be parking directly at the old townsite of Saunders.

Prepare for Adventure: Expect any weather in May—please dress warmly in layers and wear appropriate footwear. I will supply traction aids or snow shoes if conditions require them.

Hiking time is variable depending on the group. There is always plenty of time for lunch, photos and discussion. The end time in Eventbrite is just an estimate.

What's Included & Important Details:

Your safety and enjoyment are my top priority! Your tour is led by an experienced and certified guide who ensures a safe, fun, and informative tour that deeply connects you to the area's natural and historical significance.

Safety & Gear

• Your guide is equipped with bear safety information, bear spray, and a comprehensive first aid kit.
• The tour strictly follows all park regulations, including Leave No Trace principles.
• Sturdy footwear is mandatory. I strongly recommend dressing in layers to easily adapt to constantly changing weather conditions.
• Your guide will keep us well clear of avalanche territory.

Essential Communication & Logistics

• All important details including a complete supply list, directions and map to the trailhead, meet-up times, and further trail information will be provided via email 7 days before the hike.
• The route is subject to change if the primary trail is closed. Rest assured, your guide has hiked the area before and knows the way.
• Please ensure you provide a correct email address and phone number so we can stay in touch with these essential updates.

Policies

Emergency Policy: For your safety, we require up-to-date medical and emergency contact information for every hiker. This information is logged with a designated check-in person prior to the hike.

Refund Policy: Refunds or exchanges for your purchased hike will only be issued if requested up to 14 days prior to the hike date. No refunds or exchanges will be issued after this 14-day cutoff.

*Photo credit to Clearwater County