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Overview

Hinton is a picturesque town in Yellowhead County in the Province of Alberta, Canada. Sitting at the entrance to the Jasper National Park, the town is considered as the “Gateway to the Canadian Rockies”. Formerly a town that thrived on coal mining and pulp milling, Hinton now serves as a supply town for the mountain resorts frequented by tourists during the months of summer and winter. The town’s proximity to the park and the Rockies make it a popular home base for visitors looking to experience the adventures the area provides. Hinton also offers a number of attractions and interesting activities that are well worth a side trip.

Things to Do

Being at the entrance to the Jasper National Park, Hinton is a melting pot of outdoor activities. Whatever your idea of an adventure is, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat in the town’s varied terrains. If you come during the summer, you can take your pick from ATV riding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, game hunting and swimming. The Alberta wilderness provides limitless venues for explorations, fishing and wildlife watching. During the winter months, Hinton is transformed into a wonderful playground ideal for cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling and other activities on snow. Those who seek less active adventures can spend a relaxing afternoon in the hot springs that Hinton is known for.

Tourist Spots

There are plenty of attractions to see and explore in Hinton and the surrounding area. The Brule Sand Dunes is a popular recreation area that has trails fit for ATV and horseback riding, biking and hiking. Rumor has it that the Grand Trunk Pacific Station and some old telegraph poles are buried in the sands. The Orge Canyon, meanwhile, features sinkholes, meandering streams, and towering cliffs that are simply breathtaking. Another must-see when in the area is the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, Miette Hot Springs. Water from the mountains is cooled from 54 to 40 degrees Celsius as it enters the pools, from where guests can enjoy not just the warm soothing water but the stunning scenery as well.

Accommodation Tips

As a popular home base for tourists headed to the Rockies, Hinton provides plenty of accommodation options to fit different travel styles and budgets. If the purpose of your visit is business-related, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is conveniently located close to a good number of corporate locations in the area. The hotel also features a business center and complimentary Internet access. Another good choice of accommodations is the Holiday Inn, a three-star property that is close to many attractions like the Yellowhead Raceway and the Brule Sand Dunes. There’s no elevator in the hotel but the attendants would be happy to bring your luggage up to your room. Get to save 20% off published hotel rates if you book early.

Best Dining Spots

Visitors in Hinton will find a lot of fine restaurants that offer delicious fare and excellent service. The best place to fill an empty stomach is at Rachers. The restaurant serves excellent Canadian food in huge portions and at very reasonable prices. Gus’ Pizza Place is a local favorite for pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes, while Queen’s Bakery & Café is the go-to place for pastries and homemade sandwiches. If you’d like something new to tickle your taste buds, sample the specialties at the Olympia Greek Restaurant and Taverna.