Heart Creek Bunker: A Hidden Cold War Relic in the Canadian Rockies

If you’re searching for an offbeat and adventurous hike near Canmore, Heart Creek Bunker is a fascinating destination that blends natural beauty with eerie Cold War history. Nestled in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, this trail leads to an abandoned military bunker, carved into a cliffside and tucked away beneath the towering peaks of Mount McGillivray.

Overview of Heart Creek Bunker Hike

This trail is a short and fun outing, perfect for hikers of all skill levels looking for something unique. The Heart Creek Bunker hike combines rugged scenery, shady forest paths, and a mysterious underground tunnel, which is a rare combo in the Rockies.

• Trail Length: ~4 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~150 meters
• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Heart Creek Bunker Trailhead

The bunker, officially known as the Cold War Emergency Government Headquarters, was meant to serve as a shelter for Canadian officials during a nuclear crisis, but was never used. Now, it’s a magnet for urban explorers, photographers, and curious hikers.

How to Get to the Parking

The Heart Creek Bunker trailhead is easy to access from Calgary and Canmore, making it a popular weekend destination.

Driving Directions:

• From Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west.
• Exit at Lac des Arcs / Highway 1X (just before Dead Man’s Flats).
• Turn right onto the gravel road and follow it to the parking area near the Heart Creek Day Use Area.
• The bunker trailhead is just past the paved parking lot on a gravel service road, heading toward Mount McGillivray.

Parking Info:

• Free gravel lot near the Heart Creek Trail.
• The lot fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early.
• No washrooms at the trailhead, but there are pit toilets at the Heart Creek Day Use Area.

Pro tip: This hike is often confused with the nearby Heart Mountain or Heart Creek Trail, so double-check your route to ensure you’re heading toward the bunker.

Trail Description

Forest Start

Heart Creek Bunker Trail is not an official trail, so you cannot find the sign showing you the way. The trailhead is located on the side of the Heart Creek Bunker Trail Parking, you will see the trail once you get closer.

Heart Creek Bunker Trail is a wide, easy-to-follow trail through shady trees, with the occasional mountain view.

You will see a few forks in the road, but most of them lead the same way, so you don’t have to worry about which is the right one.

The trail can be slippery with snow covered, put on your microspikes for better grip of the road.

Uphill Slopes to Hike

Heart Creek Bunker Trail is an easy hiking trail in Kananaskis, with gradual incline but definitely doable for everyone.

There’s a gravel shortcut that you can hike to the bunker, but it’s pretty slippery. You can choose to hike the trail on the left which leads the same way, and it’s a clear road.

Arriving Heart Creek Bunker

Finally you will see a cave, this is the entry of Heart Creek Bunker. Remember to bring along your headlamps so that you can see clearly in the bunker.

It is so dark inside that you won’t be able to see your fingers without headlamps. The first time we visited the bunker in winter, we forgot to bring our headlamps. We tried to enter the bunker using only the phone’s flashlight, but it’s not bright enough to lead us the way. We did not explore the bunker at last concerning safety issues.

The inside has graffiti-covered walls, long echoing corridors, and side rooms.

Essential Gear

Though this isn’t a technical hike, it’s still smart to come prepared, especially if you want to explore the bunker itself.

Best Time to Visit

It is best visited from May to October, when the trail is clear of snow and ice. While it can technically be accessed year-round, winter conditions make the short climb up to the bunker treacherous.

Seasonal Highlights:

Avoid rainy days, as the slope to the bunker can become slippery, and the interior can feel even darker and damper.

Pets and Kids-Friendly?

Yes, but with some important caveats. The Heart Creek Bunker trail is doable for both kids and leashed dogs, but there are a few things to consider before bringing the whole crew.

With proper supervision and gear, this can be a super fun and memorable outing for both families and pet lovers!

Nearby Adventure

If you’ve made the trip to Heart Creek Bunker, you’re already in one of Alberta’s best hiking and adventure hubs. Here are a few awesome stops nearby to round out your day:

1. Heart Creek Trail

Just a few steps from the trailhead, Heart Creek Trail is a scenic and peaceful walk along a bubbling creek with footbridges, wildflowers, and canyon views. It’s easy, family-friendly, and a great post-bunker cooldown.

2. Heart Mountain Loop

Ready for something much more challenging? Try the Heart Mountain Horseshoe Loop. This steep, scrambly 11 km trail offers breathtaking ridge views and is perfect for experienced hikers.

3. Grotto Canyon

Located just 15 minutes away, Grotto Canyon offers a cool, narrow canyon hike with ancient pictographs and small waterfalls. It’s a must-visit, especially in the shoulder seasons.

4. Bow Valley Provincial Park

Explore easy day-use trails, picnic spots, and interpretive walks in Bow Valley PP, just a short drive from Heart Creek. Great for birdwatching or a more relaxed afternoon.

5. Canmore Townsite

After your hike, head into Canmore for a bite to eat, coffee, or to browse local shops. It’s a vibrant mountain town with everything from craft breweries to gourmet bakeries.

Whether you want to hike more, relax, or grab a meal, there’s plenty to explore nearby.

Accommodations

Whether you want to camp under the stars or rest your head in town, there are plenty of accommodation options near West Wind Pass:

FAQs