Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre: Hours, Address, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Four levels of interactive exhibits and two high definition award-winning shows tell the story of Canada's deadliest rockslide. On April 29 in 1903, 110 million tonnes of rock fell from Turtle Mountain and buried part of the coal mining town of Frank. Most of the 100 people in the path of the slide were killed. First-hand accounts, dramatic images and talented guides bring emotion to this remarkable and tragic event. Open daily year 'round. Interpretive programs/education programs/special events/gift shop/picnic area/walking trails/visitor information.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
330 reviews
Excellent
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Prairieboy54
Grande Prairie, Canada14 contributions
An Underappreciated Albertian Gem
Sep. 2021
It was over 30 years since I was last at Frank Slide and what a change since I was last there. The interpretive centre was extremely well done and answered all the questions a person would have about the slide. This is a gem that if it was any were else but in the lower corner of the province would be packed. Take the extra time to visit, it will be worth it.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarah K
Edmonton, Canada1,011 contributions
Must see.
Sep. 2021 • Couples
Wonderful museum, with a theatre where you can watch a 30 minute doc on Frank Slide. The lower 2 rooms were the best, and seem to be the newest. They showcase the human experience that day and it's really well done. Also recommend doing the short hike outside. It's a loop. Wild to walk through the rocks.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Northern baker
Fort Mcmurray68 contributions
Great Historical Interpretive centre
Aug. 2021
This is a very good interpretive centre about the Frank Slide which happened in 1903. WE were visiting the area in Aug 2021.
I would recommend about 1.5-2 hrs to fully explore the centre.
It is situated amongst the huge boulders and remaining rock slide of the original event, which helps to impart its severity. I think that the centre has a good mix of historical, geological, and interactive materials to engage a wide variety of visitors.
I would recommend about 1.5-2 hrs to fully explore the centre.
It is situated amongst the huge boulders and remaining rock slide of the original event, which helps to impart its severity. I think that the centre has a good mix of historical, geological, and interactive materials to engage a wide variety of visitors.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jjluke
Calgary, Canada1,085 contributions
Amazing what nature can do in the span of a few seconds
Aug. 2021
We visited the Frank Slide Interpretive Center over the course of our long weekend trip to Southern Alberta to learn more about the coal business that drove the economy in the early 20th century, as well as the unfortunate disaster which caused so much damage in such little time.
The center has a few levels with multiple exhibits detailing the coal business of the area and what happened with the slide. Staff were helpful and professional. There are a number of historical artifacts as well as activities and science exhibits. In addition, the theater onsite has a few shows in rotation showcasing the disaster and coal business, all very interesting in the grand scheme of things. The path from the top of the center is not quite as expansive, and visits can opt to see and hike the rockfall area without paying for admission.
We also visited Head-Smashed-In Buffalo jump over the weekend and felt there was a greater value proposition there. Notwithstanding, the visit was educational, staff were great and it is worth checking out to learn about what caused the slide.
Please indicate if you found this review to be helpful as it will help me focus my efforts in the future!
The center has a few levels with multiple exhibits detailing the coal business of the area and what happened with the slide. Staff were helpful and professional. There are a number of historical artifacts as well as activities and science exhibits. In addition, the theater onsite has a few shows in rotation showcasing the disaster and coal business, all very interesting in the grand scheme of things. The path from the top of the center is not quite as expansive, and visits can opt to see and hike the rockfall area without paying for admission.
We also visited Head-Smashed-In Buffalo jump over the weekend and felt there was a greater value proposition there. Notwithstanding, the visit was educational, staff were great and it is worth checking out to learn about what caused the slide.
Please indicate if you found this review to be helpful as it will help me focus my efforts in the future!
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen BF
Edmonton, Canada445 contributions
Important history lesson
Jun. 2021 • Friends
Very few guests so easy to maintain distance. Loads of fascinating facts and some hands on experience for the kids. Walk around the main building and over the slide rocks at no charge, centre admission is only $11.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
digitalroc
Calgary, Canada1,282 contributions
The Frank Slide
Aug. 2020
I haven’t stopped at the Frank Slide since I was a child, decades ago. I made an effort this year on August 5th to stop after a camping trip to take it all in, and what a great decision that was!
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pandabear9196
Wainwright, Canada133 contributions
Wow is all I can say
Oct. 2020 • Couples
First time visiting the centre. Friendly staff who knowledge of the slide was great. Lots of hiking in area. Come visit if u are a tourist.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberta S
Jasper, Canada18 contributions
Great interpretative centre, VERY poor COVID precautions
Oct. 2020 • Solo
I enjoyed most of my visit to the Frank Slide Interpretative Centre. The exhibits, narrated descriptions of the event, the history of the Crowsnest Pass area were terrific.
Unfortunately, I couldn't spend the time I would have liked to read about every exhibit amd view the videos because very few people wore masks or practiced physical distancing.
Each area posts a maximum number of occupants but at Area #1 a staff member entered with a tour group of at least 10 people, none of whom were wearing masks or practicing physical distancing. With 6 other people (including myself) already in that exhibit area, it immediately exceeded the maximum of 10 people so I had to leave.
I would expect a facility funded by the Government of Alberta to set and enforce stronger COVID preventative measures.
I definitely did not get the full value of my admission fee because of the thoughtless behavior of others, including a staff member.
Unfortunately, I couldn't spend the time I would have liked to read about every exhibit amd view the videos because very few people wore masks or practiced physical distancing.
Each area posts a maximum number of occupants but at Area #1 a staff member entered with a tour group of at least 10 people, none of whom were wearing masks or practicing physical distancing. With 6 other people (including myself) already in that exhibit area, it immediately exceeded the maximum of 10 people so I had to leave.
I would expect a facility funded by the Government of Alberta to set and enforce stronger COVID preventative measures.
I definitely did not get the full value of my admission fee because of the thoughtless behavior of others, including a staff member.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Macle
Calgary, Canada221 contributions
Far more enjoying than expected
Sep. 2020
This is a great exhibition that explains many aspects of the past and current situation at the Frank Slide site. I'm usually not one for long movies at these sites but our group watched two 25 minute movies on different aspects and they were absolutely fascinating and interesting. Due to Covid there were not many people there and it was a great exhibition inside and offered great views of this slide area outside. Staff were very attentive and respectful of Covid protocols.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GEOS30
Calgary133 contributions
High Quality Interpretive Centre
Sep. 2020
Having never been to the interpretive center before, I was amazed. It definitely exceeded my expectations. There was a lot to see, the exhibits were well done, the place looks almost brand new inside. There were lots of interactive displays, movies, and information about the slide, mining in the area, and the history of the valley. I would highly recommend. The center followed all COVID-19 protocols and had lots of safety measures in place.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Getalife8
Warrandyte, Australia62 contributions
Hi, I'd like to know how much time to devote to this visit including the paths?
Monica F
Crowsnest Pass, Canada
Hello, glad you're planning to visit! Inside the Centre there are four levels of exhibits and two HD movies, each roughly 30 minutes to watch. You'll want to allow at least an hour to 1.5 hours. Outside the Centre there are walking paths with storyboards, and browsing these may take 30 minutes, depending on your level of interest. There is also a 1.5 km trail through the Frank Slide that takes about 30 minutes to walk, but longer if you take the self-guided brochure and stop and look at features. If you do everything, you might be here for a few hours.
Hope that helps. Let us know if you need more information.
Monica
Twins4andrea
Calgary, Canada205 contributions
Is this area dog friendly at all?
We are unable to allow dogs in the Interpretive Centre but they are welcome on our walking paths and boardwalk areas.
