Big Hill Springs, Calgary, Alberta T2K1H6

## Overview Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, located just west of Cochrane in Alberta, Canada, is home to a beautiful natural spring that feeds a series of cascading waterfalls and tufa formations. The spring emerges year-round, flowing over ancient limestone deposits and creating a picturesque waterfall-style flow that has drawn visitors for generations. The park encompasses approximately 24 hectares of mixed grassland and aspen forest along the spring-fed creek. The spring water at Big Hill Springs has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers passing through the area. Visitors have reported the water tastes clean and refreshing, and the spring has long been regarded as a reliable source of natural freshwater in the region. This is one of the few publicly accessible natural spring water locations in the greater Calgary–Cochrane corridor. ## Directions The park is situated along Big Hill Springs Road, near Cochrane, AB. GPS coordinates: **51.250572, -114.384549**. **From the east (Calgary direction):** 1. Head west on **Route 567** (also known as Big Hill Springs Road area). 2. Pass the MC Equestrian Centre on your left. 3. Continue a short distance west and take the **first right at the next crossroad**. 4. Drive straight on this road — it will lead you directly to the park entrance. **From the west:** 1. Drive east on **Route 567**. 2. Continue past the intersection of **Route 567 and Route 766**. 3. After a short distance, take the **first left at the next crossroad**. 4. Follow this road straight to the park entrance. There is a designated **parking lot** at the park, so you can leave your vehicle safely before exploring on foot. ## What to Expect Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is a moderately sized park with well-maintained trails that wind along the spring-fed creek and past the waterfall formations. The main attraction is the natural spring water cascading over layered tufa rock — a type of limestone deposit formed by the mineral-rich spring water over thousands of years. The result is a striking, terraced waterfall effect that is especially scenic during warmer months when the surrounding aspen and poplar trees are in full leaf. The trails are generally easy to moderate and suitable for families, though some sections near the creek can be uneven or slippery when wet. The park is large enough to warrant setting aside a good chunk of time for a visit — plan for at least an hour or two to fully explore the trails and enjoy the spring area. The spring flows year-round, though water volume may vary seasonally. In winter, the cascading water creates dramatic ice formations that attract photographers and hikers alike. If you're traveling through the Cochrane or northwest Calgary area and looking for a natural freshwater spring, Big Hill Springs is the primary publicly accessible option in the region. Note: There are no fees to enter the park or access the spring. Facilities at the park include picnic areas and basic amenities near the parking lot.