Alberta's Iron Horse Trail News Maps Communities

To register for the ride call Lionel Romanchukat (780) 724-3220 or (780) 614-4647
For more information email: arlapirtle@gmail.com
Click here to read more

Attention: Trail Closure – Smoky Lake to Spedden

A section of the Iron Horse Trail will be closed from January 14th to May 31st for water line construction. The trail from the Town of Smoky Lake to RR 171 is open so snowmobilers can access the Smoky Lake Trail Twisters N.E. trail system (ASA pass required). The trail from RR171, north of Smoky Lake to Spedden will be closed to all trail users while the construction is taking place. For yours and the construction crew's safety, please stay off the trail and adhere to all posted signs. There are no detour routes established around the construction area

READ MORE...

Trail Counters on the Iron Horse Trail

Thanks to funding from the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, two trail counters were purchased for the Iron Horse Trail. These counters are going to benefit trail users in several ways. Knowing how many trail users there are, lends support to and validates the need to build additional facilities along the Iron Horse Trail. It also provides much needed statistics to potential developers and entrepreneurs who are interested in providing services to trail users. Riverland Recreational Trail Society can now monitor which sections of the trail are heavier used thus requiring more maintenance or grooming. This makes the trail a better and safer experience for everyone.

PLEASE BE ADVISED...
The Bonnyville Museum Parking Lot can no longer be used as an offloading site.
Please respect the landowner and use an alternate location.

›› Iron Horse Trail Etiquette ‹‹

• Always Slow and Yield to other users on the trail

• If encountering livestock (including equestrian trail users) on the trail, slow to an idle or stop, pulling to maximum safe edge on the side of the trail, and be prepared to Stop if animals appear to be coming agitated in any way.

• Removing helmets (ATV's and Bicyclists) may be helpful and should be considered in maintaining stability in passing animals.

• Expect to share the Trail with others (including Cyclists, ATV'r, etc). Orienting horses well to encountering other users is highly recomended prior to enjoying the good trail experience, and if in doubt, riders may choose to dismount and more comfortably lead their animals past other users.

• Cars, trucks, jeeps, motor bikes and dirt bikes are not authorized to use the Iron Horse Trail. You can receive a fine (up to $1000) for driving on the trail.

• Portions of the Iron Horse Trail are under camera surveillance to combat violations and vandalism.

ATV SAFETY BROCHURE - PLEASE READ

TRAIL NEWS....

Zero Tolerance

Volunteers Saluted for Developing 'Jewel' in the Province
St Paul Journal Article (read more)

St. Paul Journal Article (read more...)

SEE OUR PROMOTIONAL VIDEO (click here)

Greetings and Welcome to our Website.

Please explore the many features designed to help you enjoy Alberta's Iron Horse Trail (AIHT).

We have maps and trail information to help you plan and make the most of your trip. You'll also find trail news, safety and trail ethics tips, and background information of all kinds.

Most of all, we want to present your stories and pictures of the trail. There are so many special places to share. For instance, this photo was taken on a Sunday in July when my husband and I cycled from Cold Lake to the Beaver River trestle. I highly recommend this trip. If you start from the Cold Lake Marina and cycle both the Millennium Trail and the trail to Cold Lake 4 Wing Base, it makes quite a day. Finish the round trip with a stop at Clark's Restaurant on the marina. Very nice.

Though some parts of AIHT are too rocky or soft for cycling, this stretch is hard packed for the most part - with the occasional soft spot to keep you alert. You'll see beautiful wildflowers, beaver lodges and now and then, a moose. The trestle itself is spectacular. It is in line with a Four Wing landing strip , so you may even get your own private airshow. This is just one of the spots I love along this incredible trail.

We want to hear about your favorite places and experiences. Send them to us through our forum. We are also looking for your pictures. We want to see the trail from your perspective, so please send us your pics and stories. I look forward to hearing from you.

Approved Users
There are regulations for users of the Alberta's Iron Horse Trail (read more...)

For Tourism Information in French
click here

Check out the photo of trail users
(read more...)

Sheila Thompson and Rick Dees filming along the trail.

You never know who you are going to meet along the trail!

Happy Canada Day!
These friends and neighbors traveled by quad from Heinsburg for Canada Day festivities in Elk Point.
(click on photo to enlarge)

Plan Ahead
Alberta's Iron Horse Trail is an unsupervised backcountry trail. Plan accordingly and use at your own risk. Whether your taking on all 300 km, or just planning a town to town trip, planning rest stops, staging areas and checking the weather make the trip that much more enjoyable.