Nearby Attractions
	Brule was initially developed as a gathering place by explorers, trappers & traders before they entered into the Rocky Mountains but was later developed as a coal mining town in 1912. Situated between Brule Hill and Brule Lake, with a beautiful view of the Rockies towards the west, the hamlet is considered the “prettiest place in the County". The beautiful shot of the Rockies in the header above was shot from the guest deck of Blue Diamond Mountain Bed and Breakfast. Remnants of a thriving mining community can be found in the hills behind the town site of Brule. The cement wall structure of the old Brule School is also still standing. Located northwest of Brule are the remains of a German Prisoner of War Camp. Another historical site in Brule is the old train tunnel. There are many beautiful and interesting hiking spots including Ogre Canyon and the historic Blue Diamond Mine site. Lakes and rivers abound for swimming or fishing. Horseback riding can be arranged in Brule as well as overnight Packhorse Trips. The Nordic Centre, 15 minutes from Brule, offers cross-country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides can be booked over the Christmas season.
	Ogre Canyon This spectacular limestone canyon is located south west of Brule. In the 1900's the Ogre Canyon trail was used as a packhorse trail, transporting explorers and their goods through the mountains. The canyon and the sinkholes within it were carved out by streams and underground water. The mountain consists of many switchbacks, which rise up to a height of over 900 metres! Once at the top, hikers descend down until the trail ends at Bedson Ridge. The Ogre Canyon is a day trip which can be as difficult as you want depending on how far up the canyon you want to go. The full hike requires experience and proper climbing gear. The Ogre Canyon parking area is about seven km from the townsite. Road conditions are weather dependent: four-wheel drive is advised. You will be travelling through horse lease areas so you must remember to shut all the horse gates after you go through. Blue Diamond Mine Site The largest producer of high grade coal in the Jasper area was the Blue Diamond Mine at Brule, just east of the park boundary. By 1908, serious prospecting for coal was undertaken in the Athabasca Valley, adjacent foothills and front ranges in anticipation of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The mining town of Brule was founded by Mackenzie and Mann in 1912 on the newly established Canadian Northern Railway line. In 1919, the mine was in full production employing 170. In 1920, the mine was bought by the Blue Diamond Coal Company. By 1922, the mine's production had peaked and the town had a population of about 600. The mine closed in 1928. Hinton The nearby town of Hinton has over 30 restaurants, a hospital, golf course, and shops for any type of supplies (including alcoholic beverages). Hinton is also home to the Beaver Boardwalk, an amazing 1.5 km wooden pathway by Maxwell Lake that winds its way through wetlands and a living, fully functioning beaver pond. The Boardwalk features seating areas, an outdoor classroom, interpretive signs and an observation tower. A great experience and opportunity for people to experience and learn about Mother Nature up close. Click HERE for a map of this attraction. Cadomin Cave The Cadomin Caves have been temporarily closed to lessen the risk of the White-Nose Syndrome spreading to bats in Alberta. For more information, please visit www.albertaparks.ca Jasper National Park is a scenic 40 minute drive and offers souvenir shops and many internationally renowned sites such as Maligne Lake, Miette Hot Springs, Whistlers Mountain, Columbia Ice Fields, Sunwapta Falls and Medicine Lake. In the winter there is world-class downhill and cross-country skiing and any can be done in a day’s outing.
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