This historic Alberta coal mine lets you step 150 feet below the surface

Bellevue Coal Mine sits beneath the Crowsnest Pass in Alberta, where hundreds of kilometres of old mine workings once stretched below the surface. Part of that underground history has been preserved for visitors, with 300 metres of restored tunnel open to explore. That means you can actually make your way inside the historic mine and see a small piece of the network that once operated here.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you head into the tunnel.

What’s waiting for you inside the Bellevue Underground Mine

Now, before you head in, it helps to know just how much of a role Bellevue Mine once played in the area. The mine was a massive operation, with about 240 kilometres of shafts, rooms, and haulage routes spread throughout the underground workings.

Today, the Bellevue Underground Mine Tour maintains about 300 metres of restored tunnel at the entrance to the former mine. Although it’s only a small part of what once existed beneath Crowsnest Pass, it gives visitors a chance to see the tunnel and get a sense of what working underground would have been like.

According to Bellevue Mine Tours, the tunnel is a designated Alberta Historical Site, meaning it’s officially recognized for its importance to the province’s history. The designation helps preserve the site and the story of the people who worked in the mining industry at the time.

When you visit the mines, you’ll head 150 feet below the surface as part of a roughly one-hour guided tour. Each visitor is given a miner’s helmet and a lamp before heading into the tunnels. There will also be a Heritage Interpreter who will lead the way and explain what you’re seeing.

Tickets, timing, and details

The Bellevue Underground Mine is located in Bellevue, Alta., in the Crowsnest Pass region. If you’re coming from Calgary, it’s roughly a two-hour drive, and it’s an easy stop to add onto a trip if you’re heading out to the Waterton area.

Tour pricing starts at $20, making it a pretty affordable way to spend an hour outdoors. Although you’ll want to check the current tour schedule and reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during the warmer months, as tours can fill up quite quickly.

And even if it’s hot and sunny above ground, it’s quite cold inside the mine. You’ll definitely want to bring a warm layer, along with comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking through the tunnels.

So, if you’ve ever been curious about the history that lies beneath Alberta, this is your chance to see it for yourself!

When: Open seven days a week
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 2531 213th St., Bellevue, Alta
Cost: Starting at $20

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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