Nestled in the Rockies, you’ll find a small Alberta town with a big boardwalk, Canadian critters, and lush towering trees.
Hinton is a one-of-a-kind destination known for its expansive trail network and surroundings, but its sprawling wooden path is a global standout.
A wetland wonder
Founded in 1911, Hinton grew quickly. With the emergence of coal mining and the opening of a pulp and power mill, the small settlement soon became a bustling town, with businesses, shops, recreational centres, parks, and lakes.
The most notable being Maxwell Lake, home of the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk.
Known for its impressive beaver population, this three-kilometre pathway is a local treasure with interpretive signs, an observation point, and seating areas, but like Rome, it wasn’t built in a day!
The boardwalk took several years to complete and was only possible thanks to volunteers and corporate support.
What to expect
Keep your eyes peeled, because you never know what you might see splashing around in the water.
While the number differs from year to year, the town of Hinton estimates that around 12 beavers contribute to the area in the warmer months, which is when they actually suggest visitors hit the trail.
“Early morning or evening is the best time to see the beavers hard at work,” Hinton explains.
“Numerous species of birds, butterflies, as well as deer, frequent the boardwalk area and surrounding trail systems.”
According to Hinton’s website, these four-legged engineers have occupied the site for generations, shoring up their dam and lodges, and “creating memories for visitors and locals alike.”
This, of course, is not because Hinton’s beavers are naturally homebodies.
While the wetland remains a non-captive environment for wild animals, they have tried to keep them comfortable.
With the help of local and regional experts and biologists, the town has actually taken over the regular feeding of the animals.
“Regular feeding only occurs in the fall, beginning on the September long weekend and ending when Maxwell Lake freezes over,” Hinton writes.
“At this time of year, the beavers will actively seek out copious amounts of food to fill their winter food cache (located next to their lodge). They prefer Trembling Aspen, which will be brought in by the truckload from West Fraser’s Forest Management Area and delivered to Maxwell Lake. Without doing this, the beavers will seek out and fall trees around the Boardwalk area to fill their cache before the lake freezes. ”
If you’d like to check it out, now is a great time to do so.
The beavers are thriving, the air is fresh, and it’s a great place to stretch your legs.
Happy walking, and don’t forget to bring a snack for after your stroll.
You’ll definitely work up an appetite. It is, after all, the longest of its kind!
Where: 408 Collinge Rd., Hinton, Alta.
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