Buried deep in the heart of a Rocky Mountain, Heart Creek Bunker trail is one of Alberta's hidden gems offering an adventure suitable for all ages year-round. Located under an hour from Calgary, it's easy-to-follow path leads to the cave-like interior. It's made up of a series of two main tunnels and can be explored relatively quickly, depending on how adventurous your crew is.

Heart Creek Bunker

Heart Creek Bunker is a man-made structure located within Heart Creek Canyon that was built during the Cold War era as a potential bunker for government officials. Abandoned before completion, the mysterious atmosphere is thick with history as the passage of time whispers through the stillness. The eerie tranquility is only broken by the occasional drip of water from the ceiling and the crunch of your footsteps. Listen. Take a deep breath and smell that dankness. It's an out-of-this world, unique experience right here in our backyard!

Summary of Heart Creek Bunker Hike

• PERMITS: Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, available for purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre. Day-use permits cost $15, while an annual pass for three vehicles at the same address costs $90.
  

‍Check out our Kananaskis Conservation Pass Guide!‍

• DISTANCE: The Heart Creek Bunker hike spans approximately 4.0 km (2.5 miles) round trip, with an elevation gain of 235 m (771 feet). ‍
• DIFFICULTY: Rated as an easy hike, it typically takes 1 - 2 hours for the return journey. You can choose to take your time and enjoy the scenery, or turn up the pace and use it as a trail run.‍
• ATTRACTIONS: A cave that's accessible in all seasons!
• PARKING: Heart Creek Bunker trailhead can be accessed right off the main parking area across from Exshaw, Alberta.

• ‍SERVICES: If, like us, you often run off caffeine to fuel your adventures - restrooms are available in the parking lot. Be warned, like all the Alberta Parks washrooms, the toilet paper is one-ply and requires patience and finesse to whittle enough together for wipage!‍
• FAMILY/DOG FRIENDLY: Kid-friendly terrain, and on-leash dogs are allowed. If you're planning to lug your toddler into the Heart Creek Bunker trail, try to convince someone to tag along for the adventure and share weight of your heavy, wiggly backpack! ‍
• PLANNING: Prior to setting off, download a trail map and check the trail reports for the Heart Creek Bunker hike. ‍
• ALL SEASONS: In winter, carry microspikes and hiking poles to navigate icy sections. Hiking in bear country always requires easy access to bear spray, even in winter.

Heart Creek Bunker History

According to Ben Gadd, the Heart Creek Bunker story begins in 1969, a time overshadowed by the tensions of the Cold War. Rocky Mountain Vaults and Archives, spearheaded by the visionary Rokosh brothers, embarked on an ambitious venture to carve out a sanctuary within the ancient Palliser limestone of Mount McGillivray. Their mission? To construct a subterranean fortress capable of withstanding the wrath of nuclear conflict, a refuge where precious documents would find safe haven amidst the chaos of uncertain times.

Heart Creek Bunker Trail

The Heart Creek Bunker trail doesn't start off the main parking lot (the bigger one on the left with the washrooms). There's a second, smaller parking lot to the right (where Sylas is looking in the image below).

The trailhead starts on the right of that smaller parking lot and goes due West towards Canmore, Alberta (where the people are heading in the image below).

The majority of the trail to the cave is essentially a road and relatively easy to follow. The trail is wide and has gradually incline through trees with one bigger downhill.

About 1.5 km in, you come to an intersection with three directions, take the left.... This climb is the hardest part of the trail.

Insider Tip: On the way into the cave, anytime you meet a crossroads or intersection, head up to the left!

Follow the trail to the left uphill about .5km (stay left to hike the gentlest line rather than taking any of the various shortcuts). If your crew is feeling adventurous, you can take the short cut (after climbing the first hill after the intersection, go straight up rather than left). This is a great, short steep incline where you kids can practice scrambling!

Once your at the top of this steep, head right -- you'll quickly discover the entrance of Heart Creek Bunker at the base of the cliff just left of Kahl Crack.

Views from Heart Creek Bunker aren't the nicest, but the hike is definitely worth it overall!

TOP TIPS TO PREPARE FOR HEART CREEK BUNKER HIKE

• Ensure you have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, available for purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre. Day-use permits cost $15, while an annual pass for three vehicles at the same address costs $90.

Check out our Kananaskis Conservation Pass Guide!

• Choose the Right Trail: When selecting a trail, consider the length, difficulty, and elevation gain, as well as the availability of facilities such as bathrooms and water stations. It's a good idea to start with shorter, easier trails and gradually work your way up to more challenging routes.
• Know your Capabilities: Hiking with a baby can be physically demanding, so it's important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. If you feel tired or uncomfortable, it's okay to turn back or take a shorter route.
• Pack Smart: Make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, and other essential supplies, as well as extra layers. A carrier or backpack is essential for family hikes.
• Be Mindful and Observant: Keep a close eye on your baby at all times and stay aware. You may come across hazards such as loose rocks or slippery surfaces. Use micro-spikes and poles during winter family hikes.
• Plan for Breaks: It's important to take breaks along the way to rest, and hydrate and feed yourself and your baby. Take a real, deeeeeeeep breath and take it all in!
• Respect, Appreciate and Leave NO Trace: How lucky are we to be able to do any of these world-class family hikes?! Avoid going off trail and disturbing plants and wildlife and pack out all your trash. Show your gratitude to those who have taken care of our Earth since immemorial.

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