Jurassic-size, immersive #DinoTrail experiences in Grande Cache

Posted: Mon. May. 29/23

With vast mountain peaks, Grande Cache is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, but it’s more than that. Where there’s coal, there’s dinosaur remains...

Established in the 1960s as a mining town, the local coal mine closed in 2018 but the town found its second life as an adventure destination. Over 20 peaks surround the town, which is infamous for the Canadian Death Race, an annual ultramarathon race that draws competitors from around the world.

Of course, dinosaurs were the original ultra racers in Grande Cache, going everywhere on foot. And they left behind tracks and fossils for today's adventure seekers. Grande Cache is just one of four stops on the #dinotrail connecting northern Alberta and BC in epic prehistoric fun; check out the #dinotrail expedition page to learn more.

Grande Cache highlights and attractions

The region has great hiking, paddling, fishing and wildlife, with breathtaking sights like the Sulphur Gates (pictured above) that definitely need to top the list of places to see while you’re there.

A retired fire lookout, on the grounds at the Grande Cache Tourism & Info Centre.

And new this summer, the latest experience at the Grande Cache Tourism and Info Centre brings to life dinosaurs and the ancient natural history of the region through virtual reality!

Grande Cache Tourism & Info Centre

Not your average visitor centre! The Grande Cache Tourism centre features life-size wildlife displays, a historic mini-village and now, an amazing new virtual reality experience that immerses you in the time of the dinosaurs.

The new for 2023 experience offers visitors a chance to experience one of Alberta's most unique—but publicly inaccessible—sites where dinosaur tracks have been found, through photogrammetry.

An artist's rendition of the Grande Cache dinosaur VR experience.

Canadian Death Race

For those seeking an extreme challenge, you won’t find many that surpass this: over 120 kilometres, 24 hours, three mountain peaks and one river crossing, that you can run as a relay race or as a soloist, held over the August long weekend. Intrigued? Check out our FestivalSeekers Canadian Death Race listing.

Passport to the Peaks

You don't have to be a crazy trail runner to enjoy Grande Cache's peaks. Get in on the town's Passport to the Peaks program and hike nearby trails.

Your passport features trail info and if you collect enough stamps (found at the summit cairns), you get a distinctive pin to recognize your feat.

Plan your Grande Cache adventure now

Whitewater rafting

If seeing that rushing water below you from Sulphur Gates spikes your adrenaline, then why not get out on it? From floats to white knuckle paddling, few things will leave you feeling as refreshed. Read more here and check out Wild Blue Yonder Rafting.

Rafting down the Sulphur River near Grande Cache.

Golfing in Grande Cache

Golf with mountain views on a friendly, affordable nine-hole course that is minutes from town. The Grande Cache Golf and Country Club sits on a plateau just above town, looking out over the mountain valley with peaks in all directions. No need to bring your own clubs, you can rent on site.

For more planning resources Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Assocation provides info on other things to do, places to stay and where to eat on their website.