NE – Northwest of Bruderheim

Bruderheim, founded in 1894 by Moravian German immigrants, has a rich history marked by railway growth and oil discoveries. Initially known as Bruederheim, it transformed into a town by 1980. The Prairie Crocus is a notable feature near this area. This two parcel site offers both access and challenges, including illegal activities and environmental degradation.

Prairie Crocus (Pulsatilla patens), NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
Prairie Crocus (Pulsatilla patens), NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.

The namesake settlement to the Southeast of the Natural Area was founded by Moravian German immigrants from Volhynia (in present‑day Ukraine) in 1894. They came for cheap land and religious freedom the area offered [1].

On March 4, 1960, the Bruderheim meteorite fell nearby, becoming one of Canada’s best‑known meteorite finds.

Fact Facts

Northwest of Bruderheim is one of those relatively isolated areas that attracts resource development, critters, and individuals looking to dump, shoot, and ride. By way of a destination, it is on the bubble YEGVille wise because of the distance but also the risk of being shot at due to illegal shooting. Walking past illegally cut trees and and dumped living rooms sofas also detracts from the experience.

On the plus side, the site is accessible and offers wet areas, spruce, and sandy jack pine forests. The ATV tracks makes for easy access.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council, Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (3 out of 5) The site has (unfortunately) multiple braided trails created by motorized traffic. This makes the site reasonably easy to access but is off set with illegal shooting and dumping.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 45.0 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 16; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: All Season: The West parcel has more extensive ATV tracks ranging from low use to heavily eroded. The East parcel has more single track trails.
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: The town of Bruderheim is worth driving through. Stop at the butcher as the sausage was excellent.
  • The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking, snowshoeing.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2021-03-08. Recent visits: 2026-05-05 and 05-09. Weather (May 5): cool in the morning but warming considerably in the afternoon and becoming warm and sunny.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Track of areas visited on 2025-05-05, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    Track of areas visited on 2025-05-05, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
  • Charles, the old man of the Natural Area, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    Charles, the old man of the Natural Area, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
  • Spotting the first crocus of the trip, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    Spotting the first crocus of the trip, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
  • Looking into a wet area in the NE corner of the site, too deep to walk across, NW of Bruderheim (East Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    Looking into a wet area in the NE corner of the site, too deep to walk across, NW of Bruderheim (East Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
  • A lonely boundary sign, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    A lonely boundary sign, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
  • Garnet and Wade, County Peace Officers, taking a swing through the NA while patrolling nearby County land, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.
    Garnet and Wade, County Peace Officers, taking a swing through the NA while patrolling nearby County land, NW of Bruderheim (West Parcel), 2026-05-05, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. The Town of Bruderheim – 100 Years Young! | Travel Lakeland.

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.