Technically not YEG-Ville, but then I get to make up the rules, so I am including Eagle Hill. It is an intriguing out of the way site that is challenging to visit and ‘kinda’ undisturbed.
194km to Gretzky. Eagle Hill is a whopping 194km from Wayne Gretzky. Technically in YEG-Ville assuming you could drive cross country at 100km an hour. In practice, it is south of Highway 11 so ‘out of bounds’. Still, what else are you going to do while driving north from Calgary on a Sunday afternoon!
Surrounded by Private Land. The adjacent properties are all private lands. The parcels to the south and east have extensive oil and gas activities. Access was via a gate that looks like it is normally locked. If so, the walk to the NA would be that much longer and further (and in retrospect, I was glad me and my vehicle were not locked in!).
A Short Visit. I wish I could say that I had time to extensively explore the NA but traveling to the gate and then driving through the moonscape of resource extraction took a good portion of my allotted time. The area seems to be relatively undisturbed (based on this limited survey). Some older ATV tracks were evident as well as a healthy ungulate population. Eagle Creek runs through the northwest corner suggesting that camping an overnight stay might be possible.
When to Go? Numerous animal tracks and little underbrush makes summer travel possible. Winter travel could be more difficult. The site is fenced but not signed. An interesting Protected Area that makes one tempted to go back and explore a bit more. At the very least, it breaks up the Calgary – Edmonton drive!
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
The Fast Facts
- Winter Challenge Category: OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
- Worth Visiting if in the area and you have time.
- No Washrooms and not Kid Focused
Area Details
- Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council, Protected Notation Natural Area.
- Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 3/5:
- Wayne Gretzky Units: 194km
- Trail Classification: Overall (3 out of 5); Rating: 3; Access: Granted; Develop: Non-Human.; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: Three Seasons: Winter walking in deep snow could prove difficult.
- The Drive Out: Range Road 40 is paved and there are ample glimpses of the mountains to the west. Eagle Hill is a small locality with a curling rink, ball diamond, and farm supply business. Nice rural country.
- The Other Shoe: Botanical pursuits, hunting given the ungulate population; for example, I noticed a small herd of White Tail Deer north of NA.
- Frank’s Trip Notes
- First done: 2024-05-05. Weather: Cool and overcast early May day, low teens.
Looking northwest from the adjoining property towards Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
Looking east along the cutline that parallels the southern border Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
Looking west from the adjacent property, top right corner of the photo is Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
Looking north along the cutline from the southeast corner of Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
ATV track heading north into Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
Gate access to the NA in the southeast corner of Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
The very small amount explored of Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter. 
Numerous well worn animal tracks crisscross Eagle Hill Natural Area, 2024-05-05, P. Potter.
Notes and Reference
Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.
YEG Ville 