Willmore Wilderness Park is directly north of Jasper National Park. The Willmore Wilderness Park western boundary follows the Great Continental Divide. An untouched alpine frontier, the park is 4597 sq. km. of pristine wilderness. It's one of the last virgin expanses of this planet earth. The park is often referred to as "Walking in the Sky Country", with it's epic sweep of high alpine meadows among peaks over 8000'. The only way into the park is on horseback, mountain bike or by hiking. Even helicopters are only used in emergencies. There are no permanent buildings or roads, just age-old trails left from trappers and caribou. The area is remote, and relatively few venture there. Only a few people access this back country - it's a land of lakes and mountains so remote they have often have no names. People wanting to venture into the Canadian Rockies may want to hire a guide to show them the trails, as the area is more remote and less travelled than in other areas. The wildlife and wildflowers are spectacular.

Continental Divide as seen from Mt. deVeber in Willmore - photo by M. Saleese

Access Willmore from Grande Cache:
Willmore Park is accessed from of the town of Grande Cache, Alberta, Canada. Resting on the flank of Grande Mountain, Grande Cache is said to be one of the last unknown spots in the Rocky Mountains. A small town surrounded by majestic views of the front ranges of Willmore's beauty. The community creates easy access to the mountain playground. Willmore and the areas that border the park are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Rafting, trail riding, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, golfing, mountain biking, extreme adventure racing, exploratory expeditions, holistic health retreats and using all-terrain vehicles, are popular activities. For the most part, every trail and river is a wilderness experience with virtually no signs of civilization.


Solitude at the base of Mt. deVeber in Willmore
photo by M. Saleese

After your adventure in Willmore you can access the towns services. There are several good restaurants and other retail services available. Amenities include a Tourism Interpretive Centre, a fully serviced Recreation Centre & Arena, a Hospital, and Medical Centre. The population of about 4000 is friendly. Accommodations are very economical, with rates less than 1/4 of the national parks. Visitors can stay in Hotels, Motels, Vacation Apartment Suites, or at a Bed & Breakfast. There are five campgrounds with a fully serviced municipal campground located adjacent to the town site.


Mt. deVeber as seen from Victor Lake. Mt. deVeber - Photo by Dr. Darcel

Mt. deVeber, which is the most majestic mountain seen from Grande Cache was named after Dr. Leverett G. (George) deVeber 1849-1925. Dr. deVeber became one of four senators, at the turn of the century from Alberta, after whom a mountain was named. A. O. Wheeler used Mt. deVeber (8494 feet), as the last camera platform in Alberta/BC border from where the survey parties took their readings. The mountain is situated southwest of Grande Cache.


Smoky River Valley from Upper Coral Creek in Willmore Park

The northern access to Willmore Wilderness Park is located north of Jasper on The Bighorn Highway 40. Grande Cache is about 2 hrs drive from Jasper. Take Highway 16 east, then turn north onto Highway 40. The drive is very scenic. Try staying at Blue Lake Lodge when you pass through William Switzer Park and beside many lakes & rivers.....or try an overnight stay at spectacular Rock Lake Lodge which sits on the southern boundary of Willmore Wilderness Park. The mountain ranges pass from view as the highway heads over the Berland Pass. As you near Grande Cache, and pass by a trio of mountain lakes, the Rockies' northern front ranges dramatically unfold.