Tawatinaw NA (East and West Parcels)

Accessing this NA is challenging, deemed not worth the effort currently. This assessment may change with future visits.

Three signs in the NE corner corner of the West-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
Three signs in the NE corner corner of the West-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.

Tawatinaw Valley Ski Club is the largest feature in the town of the same name. While not a resort destination, it is good enough to get ready for larger mountain hills. The hamlet is otherwise one of the rural localities that is slowly slipping into oblivion with a population of 15 in 2021 [1].

2,000 Acres West. The Natural Area is broken into two, non-adjoined, properties with the intervening land private. A driving survey could find no way to access the East parcel without landowner permission. The West parcel is accessible from RR 232, south of TWP 614.

No Trails from 232. An attempt was made to access the West parcel from RR 232 and there were no trails to speak of. Satellite images suggests that it can be accessed from the West or South boundaries. Unfortunately, the satellite does not tell you if there are posted no trespassing signs or locked gates.

Next Visit. The route map shows to hiking icons which I will try next visit. For the West parcel, it is from TWP 614 and roughly south of RR 233. For the East parcel, it is the terminus of RR 230 south of TWP 615.

Go Back, But Currently Not Worth It. If I am up that way again, I will check out these other access points. For the moment though, I am listing both parcels as not worth it from a YEGVille perspective.

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: NOT MUCH HERE.
  • Not Worth Visiting
  • No Washrooms.
  • Not Kid Focused
  • Nice Drive out, stop by the Ski Hill and visit the hamlet if in the neighbourhood.
  • The Other Shoe: Not Much Here.
  • First done: 2024-10-07. Weather: Warm and sunny, light winds. Comments: done as part of a SAPAA field trip

Area Details – West Parcel

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 1/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 82.0km
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 2; Access: Granted; Develop: Non-Human. ; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: Two Seasons: The track was visible in the fall colours and would be passable in the winter. Otherwise, the wet conditions would make accessing this parcel from the East route a bug-ridden slog in the Spring or Summer.

Area Details – East Parcel

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 1/5: Unable to access the site from the West.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 82.0km
  • Trail Classification: Overall (1 out of 5); Rating: 0; Access: Not Granted; Develop: No trail; Maint: Abuse; Season: Two Seasons: These ratings are speculative based on viewing the parcel from across private land.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Route map for Tawatina with the green hikers showing future possible access points, P. Potter.
    Route map for Tawatina with the green hikers showing future possible access points, P. Potter.
  • Abandoned tractor cab blending in with the fall yellow colours, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Abandoned tractor cab blending in with the fall yellow colours, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Ski Club in the town of , Tawatina, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Ski Club in the town of , Tawatina, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Abandoned church, town of Tawatina, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Abandoned church, town of Tawatina, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Memorial to Cumley Park School, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Memorial to Cumley Park School, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • End of TWP 613 and access to the East-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    End of TWP 613 and access to the East-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Three signs in the NE corner corner of the West-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Three signs in the NE corner corner of the West-parcel of the NA, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Following the animal track West into a colony of Aspen trees, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Following the animal track West into a colony of Aspen trees, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • A beaver run about a metre below the surrounding area - great for breaking legs, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    A beaver run about a metre below the surrounding area – great for breaking legs, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Looking SW across one of the two small ponds in the area, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Looking SW across one of the two small ponds in the area, Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
  • Berries ready to be eaten (and dispersed), Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.
    Berries ready to be eaten (and dispersed), Tawatina NA, 2024-10-07, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Tawatinaw | Wikipedia
  2. Tawatinaw NA | SAPAA
  3. DONOVAN, LARRY. ALBERTA PLACE NAMES: The Fascinating People & Stories behind the Naming of Alberta. Canada: DRAGON HILL PUB, 2007.

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.