Maps

• Our Willmore Wilderness Park map shows trails, cabins in the park and adjacent campgrounds.  
• The Northern Rockies Trail Map provides an overview that can help with trip planning. 
• For other maps, contact the Switzer Park Visitor Centre at 780-865-5600 or the Hinton Parks Office at 780-865-8395.
• There are currently no maps of Willmore available to purchase.

Backcountry Camping

• There are no official campsites in Willmore. Random backcountry camping is permitted.  
• Follow these restrictions and recommendations for random backcountry camping.
• Use a backpacking stove. If a wood fire becomes necessary in an emergency, know how to have a campfire safely.
• Pack garbage out of the backcountry. Check our garbage disposal tips.
• Never feed wildlife. Review other tips for safety around wildlife and visiting bear country. 
• Be familiar with cold water safety and tips for crossing streams and rivers.

Backcountry Cabins

• Most of the cabins in Willmore are patrol cabins used by Conservation Officers on backcountry patrols. Patrol cabins are locked and are off-limits to the general public. 
• Three historic cabins in Willmore are open for public use: Summit Cabin, Sulphur Cabin and Sheep Creek Cabin. Please use these cabins with care and respect.  Leave the cabins clean and well maintained.  Pack out all garbage.

Equestrian Use

Horseback riding and outfitting in the Willmore are traditional activities with a rich history dating back to the fur trade. Local outfitters can be hired to take you safely on guided trips into the backcountry. Outfitters have first-hand knowledge of the landscapes and cultural stories. 

If you plan a horseback trip into the Willmore, please abide by these guidelines.

• Use established trails and routes.
• Be especially cautious when passing hikers.
• To prevent over-grazing and reduce competition with wildlife for food, please use supplemental feeds like grain pellets and alfalfa cubes or hay. Grain or alfalfa pellets are preferred. Hay could potentially introduce noxious weeds into the backcountry.
• All supplemental feed should be stored in sealed containers to prevent tampering by wildlife.
• Use ropes or approved electrical wire to make corrals. Make sure that horse holding areas are located at least 100 metres from any watercourse or body of water.
• Don’t tie horses to live trees. This can cause damage to bark and eventually kill a tree.
• Scatter manure before breaking camp.
• Avoid soft and marshy edges when watering horses.
• Salt should be kept in a waterproof container and elevated above ground. This prevents leakage into the soil which can attract wildlife.

Hiking

In Willmore, only minimal trail maintenance occurs. Ensure you prepare adequately. While you hike, follow tips for hiking and backcountry safety.   

Many of the park’s well-established trails follow in the historic footsteps of Aboriginal hunters, fur traders, coal miners and trappers. See the trails on this Willmore Wilderness Park map.  

• The Willmore Staging Area in Rock Lake Provincial Park provides a popular access into the Willmore via Mountain Trail. 
• For those with only a few days to explore, Seep Creek Trail soon heads north off Mountain Trail. This provides quick entry into alpine country with plentiful wildlife and extensive views. 
• Further along, Mountain Trail bends south west and climbs to Eagle’s Nest Pass. This offers a fine base camp for day-trip explorations of the surrounding alpine lakes and ridges. 
• Mountain Trail then heads northwest along Rock Creek and provides access, via West Sulphur Trail, to higher alpine terrain.

While most trips into Willmore are multi-day expeditions, there are also day-trip options. 

• The 2.5 km Kvass Flats trail from Sulphur Gates Provincial Recreation Area staging area to the scenic Eaton Falls makes a nice half-day outing.
• The 18.5 km climb on Sunset Creek Trail to the panoramic views of Adams Creek Lookout from Big Berland Provincial Recreation Area staging area is a reasonable overnight trip.

Hunting & Fishing

Hunting and fishing are permitted in Willmore, subject to:

• Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations
• Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations

For more information, check hunting in Alberta Parks.

To ensure personal safety, visitors are encouraged to wear bright colours during hunting seasons. 

See our safety tips about hunting in bear country. If there is a bear at your kill site, don’t attempt to chase it away. Leave the site and the carcass to the bear. Report the incident to a Conservation Officer as soon as possible; call 780-865-6972.

Cold temperatures and low nutrient levels make some rivers and streams in Willmore unproductive fish habitat. However, mountain whitefish and bull trout can be found in deeper pools. Bull trout are listed as a threatened species in Alberta and are “catch & release” only.

Trapping

Trapping is a traditional activity in Willmore.  

• Do not touch traps or interfere with trap lines. 
• Keep your dog on a leash and do not approach traps with your pet.

Report a Poacher

If you see a poaching offense, please Report A Poacher. Dial toll free 1-800-642-3800. Violations include hunting or fishing out of season, night hunting, exceeding bag limits and destruction of natural habitat.

Prohibited

• Motorized vehicles are prohibited.  This includes motorized boats and OHVs.
• Written authorization is required to land aircraft in the park. Contact the Alberta Parks Hinton District office for more information.