The Natural Area protects mixedwood forests along Clearwater Creek. The site was established or expanded as part of the Special Places Program (Alberta Parks website, 2012). As the name suggests, this NA is located near the geographical centre of Alberta, roughly 25 km northwest of Fort Assiniboine.
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
Geographic Centre of Alberta. Three-and-a half of Alberta’s four borders follow geographic constructs. Alberta’s southern border is the 49th parallel and its northern border the 60th parallel. To the east, the border with Saskatchewan follows the 110th meridian. The western border is the only one that is irregular. On the west Alberta’s boundary with B.C. follows the 120th meridian south from the Northwest Territories at 60oN until it reaches the Continental Divide at the Rocky Mountains, and then goes in a southeasterly direction until it reaches the Montana border at 49oN [1].
The geographic centre can be calculated approximately as 54.5°N, 115.0°W; however, this does not take into account the irregularity of the southwestern border.
A short hike of 3 km will take you from the information kiosk at the highway through the NA to the cairn marking the “Centre of Alberta”. Surrounding the cairn is a system of hiking and biking trails [2].
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Centre of Alberta |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Lower Foothills |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 519/95 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 545 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 529 |
| Total Area | 312.87 ha. (773.11 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | II |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Information & Facilities – Centre of Alberta Natural Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-01-02).
SAPAA 