I’ve lived in Crowsnest Pass since 2014 and I love it, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a small, tight-knit mountain community where the outdoors rules, but where amenities are limited and life moves at a different pace than in the city. If you value nature, history, and community more than convenience and speed, this place could feel like home. So, what is it like to live in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta?
Pros and Cons of Living in Crowsnest Pass
Pros
- Incredible access to outdoor adventure (hiking, backcountry, wildlife)
- Close, caring community where people look out for one another
- Rich local heritage and history
- Quiet, slow-paced lifestyle
- Affordable or moderate housing compared to cities (depending on area)
Cons
- Limited services (shopping, nightlife, entertainment)
- Some infrastructure quirks (e.g., directions, gym access)
- Difficult to meet people at first and it may take time to find your crew
- Eventually driving 20 minutes to get somewhere will feel like a lifetime
The Local Job Market & Economy
With a population of just over 6,000 full-time residents, it often means embracing a flexible or self-directed career path.
- The Crowsnest Pass has a specialized workforce in mining and energy, and construction .
- In the last few years it has seen a growing tourism industry along with related accommodation and food services.
- While the most common broad occupations are sales and service plus trades, transport, and equipment operation.
Numbers and information sourced from Alberta.ca
If you’re planning to relocate, it’s wise to have a stable remote income or a profession that thrives in rural mountain communities.
Weather, Seasons & Lifestyle
- Winter: Long, cold, potentially heavy snow. But the beauty is unmatched, which is great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Along with chinook winds can bring dramatic warmth to venture out and explore.
- Spring & Summer: Trails open up. This is when outdoor life thrives like hiking, berry-picking, camping.
- Fall: Brilliant foliage, moose sightings, and crisp air.
- Wildlife: Expect deer, moose, bears and other wildlife, sometimes literally in your backyard.
Living here means adapting to the rhythms of nature. It’s not just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle.
If you’re curious about what else you can explore beyond the season, bookmark our summer activities guide for the Crowsnest Pass. It pairs well with this post and helps visitors plan year-round trips.
And for guided, full-service experiences that eliminate the guesswork, explore all our Crowsnest and Castle offerings. Many visitors underestimate how fast weather changes in this region; having experienced guides often becomes the difference between a good trip and a memorable one.
Community Culture
One of the most special things about Crowsnest Pass is how deeply people connect to the land and to each other.
- Community bonds: It can take time to build connection with ‘your crew’, but you will find it. Volunteering and community events are great places to meet people.
- Heritage: The Pass has a rich mining history, old infrastructure, and stories you’ll only hear locally. Over time, you’ll find yourself pointing out historic buildings, speculating on old tunnels, and exploring mining remnants on hikes.
Getting Around & Finding Your Place
Navigating in Crowsnest Pass can feel like an insider’s game:
- Directions are local: People don’t typically use street addresses. You’ll hear things like “park past the bouncing bridge” or “go by the cattle guard” instead of formal directions.
- Information flows through the community: For most local intel, the Crowsnest Network on Facebook is gold. Need to know event news, trail tips, or local gossip? That’s your place.
Who Thrives Here vs. Who Might Struggle
You’ll probably thrive here if you:
- Love nature, adventure, and long walks (or rides) in the backcountry
- Are okay with slower, more personal ways of doing life
- Value community, craftsmanship, and simplicity
- Want a home that’s rooted in history and local culture
You might struggle if you:
- Need big-city services, nightlife, or frequent shopping
- Expect modern infrastructure at every turn
- Work in a highly specialized profession with few local opportunities
- Don’t like dealing with wildlife or rugged winters
My Verdict
If you embrace Crowsnest Pass, your neighbours will become your greatest friends. You will get excited to wave at everyone, including the strangers walking down the middle of the road. You will realize the deer are just part of the neighbourhood. If someone strange pulls up to your home, be sure that you will find out. Secrets don’t last long in ‘The Pass’. If you lose your dog or your Amazon parcel was delivered to the wrong address, it will show up on The Crowsnest Network. Your grocery store trips will seem short, but you will run into someone, if not everyone. You will feel at times that anonymity is not a thing, but then you will realize that you have no idea who anyone is. It is a simple life without constantly having advertisements infront of your face and it will calm you. You will quickly realize the comment about the wind being strong is to keep the masses from moving here, because the wind is strong everywhere at times. And when the wind does blow strong, you hide away on those secret trails, or curl up under a blanket to cozy up with your favourite people. Crowsnest Pass is home. It is small town in the Canadian Rockies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Crowsnest Pass a good place to raise a family?
A: Crowsnest Pass has an incredible school system, with programs that include outdoor education and teachers who care. Additional out-of-school programs exist, like competitive dance, gymnastics, and organized groups.
Q: How expensive is it to live there compared to a city?
A: When my husband and I first moved to Crownsest Pass, we noticed that services were less expensive, but things like food were more expensive. With the ease of ordering online, we never feel like we can’t get something we want and we don’t have to make a trip into the big city often. However, it does seem like we spend less money because there are less opportunities to spend money. Each person is different though.
Q: What is the job market like?
A: This can be the tricky part. Many families who live in Crowsnest Pass work in government, health care, school, or commute to coal mines across the border. There is a growing community of retirees, which means health care will continue to be a growing industry. Obviously, I work in tourism and this is a growing industry and I hope it continues to grow. In addition, people work remotely, start businesses, or work in the trades.
Q: Are there many trails and outdoor activities?
A: The trails are endless around the area. I would say there is access to thousands of kilometres of trails. The tricky part is that the area is not well signed. This makes exploring tricky for someone who isn’t comfortable without wayfinding signage. Some areas that are signed are Pass Powderkeg and Allison Chinook.
Q: How do people socialize or stay connected?
A: Crowsnest Pass has some great cafes and restaurants, especially for a small town. These meeting locations often host live music and events. A great way to meet people is on Adventure Club with Uplift Adventures, or getting involved in the community.
If you’re thinking of moving to Crowsnest Pass or just visiting, because exploration inevitably builds an appetite, you can reference our curated list of restaurants in the Crowsnest Pass to warm up and refuel after a day outside. Packed with “hidden gem” spots, and where locals actually hang out.
Comments 44
Awesome. I’m south of Pincher Creek, but have family in the Pass that go all the way back to the original mining times. You’ve written a great perspective on being a mountain resident that rings true here as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Kelly!
What great summary! You checked off all the quirky things about Crowsnest Pass that are endearing and special!
Thank you, Anna. Your opinion means a lot.
A great summary forsure,,, is the pass a place for seniors we’re 70
Author
Hi Gail – There are several people who are retired who live in Crowsnest Pass. I suppose it would depend on your interests and needs. While someone who is 70 years old can still be very active and active within the community, you might start considering health care availability. The doctors in Crowsnest Pass are top notch, but there are limitations as you will have to drive to see any specialists. We also have a shortage of doctors right now, so there is a long waiting list to get a family doctor. However, after living in the city, I much prefer the doctors who reside in a small community. So, not sure how to answer your question exactly, but hopefully this helps.
Nailed it!!!
I have literally lived “Getting around town” to a Tee, love it!
Well said Heather, well said!
Thank you, Trevor. Haha. I know, right!? I love getting the detailed directions. When I first moved here, all I wanted was an address. Now, I don’t even think about it.
love it
Thank you, Brian!
where is that mine building please?
also – the deer is just 2 houses from my place!
thank you kirk!
When you are around, I will show you. It’s really not hard to get to, but it’s tucked away and you need to know how to get there. Haha – Those deer! We have herds of them. I see them in front of your house all of the time! (New addition to story: Neighbours are awesome – they also post on my website! Haha)
proud to have have been born and raised in Coleman( crowsnest Pass) Although I do not live here anymore, I visit almost every year and we walk the miners path.
I also stop and turn to see if I know anyone. And usually I do . ( bev Fullbrandt) nee Collister
Hehe. When I moved to the city after growing up on a farm, I noticed that I did it. Eventually I stopped looking, but when I returned to a small town I now look at everyone who walks by me. It’s a good feeling 🙂
All I can say ,, this is nothing but so true. Love the article. Not to mention it’s the best place to live , wouldn’t change it for anything.
Thank you, Angela! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Crowsnest Pass is awesome.
Loved your article.Having grown up in the pass and raised 2 children their for the first 12 years of their lives I can say their is no place like home.I love winter,spring ,summer and fall in the pass.Had the pleasure of hiking Crowsnest Mtn,the turtle,window mt,andy good peak .Partied at the flats and various other fave teen bush party spots.The community of friends and neighbors are sorely missed ,I long to return after being away for over 25 years for all the reasons you write about.My biggest regret in my life was moving the family to the Kelowna..hells bells that place is a pit.I love my visits home,I can still walk into iga and know everybody there and feel like I never left.That is what living in the Crowsnest is all about.
Hi Judy – Sounds like you need to come back! Thank you for the message and I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Great write up!
Thank you, Desiree. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for reminding me of why I live here, Heather. You nailed it. A wonderful tribute to a beautiful community.
Rae, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the message. I had a lot of fun writing this article, which is saying a lot because I don’t consider myself a writer. Merry Christmas to you and John!
As I read along, I kept saying “Haha so true”! Such a good description of how life is around here! Thanks for sharing your love of our little piece of paradise!
Thank you, Emilie! I’m glad you enjoyed the article and happy that you are a part of this community.
Love the Pass, if only I could convince my wife the same. I grew up in small town Sask and now in Calgary which isn’t my style. When in Canmore or Banff it already feels big city and for sure big city prices. Great article that gives me hope to be there some day!
Thank you for the comment, Russ! If you move here (or visit), be sure to get in touch!
Hope to be living there by next summer! We love that area!
Yes Lynda! Come move here and we are excited that you want Crowsnest Pass to be your home!
I have been thinking about making the move to the Crowsnest, but all I hear about is the wind and how bad it is….. as someone who lives there, what do you say to this?
Hi Ken – Thank you for the comment. I personally do not find it to be an issue. During the season changes, I find the wind to be stronger; however, the wind is stronger everywhere along the eastern slopes. I’m not entirely sure why people say Crowsnest Pass is windier than other places, because I don’t find that it is true in relation to any other place along the eastern slopes. I do find the further west you go, it does get less windy.
Thank you so much for this article! We are living on Vancouver Island and plan on moving to AB within 3-4yrs when we retire. We are done with big cities and want a small community! This is definitely a place that we are seriously considering! Thank you for answering so many of our questions!!!
Hi Eileen – We are so glad that this helped you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. Maybe we will meet each other in the future 😉
Hi Eileen, I’m just checking out the pass too and found your comment. It sure looks like a beautiful area eh? I wonder what the winter temps are like and property rentals. Maybe we’ll see you there one day. We just don’t want to spend another winter here in Edmonton.
Just reading this now in 2023! My family and I are considering a relocation to the CNP from the Elk Valley. Any insight on the schools in the area?
Great article!
Author
Hi Chris – Thanks for reading the article. We assume you are referring to the schools for your children? We can only say great things about the schools here. Teachers who care, outdoor programs, lots of options for students to learn and participate. Highly recommended!
Mental health and addictions nurse seeking an active supportive community, looking for access to good paddling, biking, hiking, skiing, camping and great people to enjoy it with. Looking to move in 2025-26, open to your thoughts
Author
Oh boy, it is endless here. There is a paddling scene here and I recommend looking up Pinch o Crow. I only paddle at the end of May and June, then the water gets lower, but there are several people who still go out and know the good spots. Below the Oldman Dam there are some engineered features in the river where you can practice. Sweet Riders and UROC for biking and information. Hiking, backpacking and climbing is us. There is a large bouldering crew here. Pass Powderkeg, Castle and Fernie Resorts are all very close and super fun as well. Let us know when you make the move!
Crowsnest Pass offers a unique and picturesque lifestyle and I am grateful to know about it. What are the biggest advantages and challenges of living in Crowsnest Pass?
Author
Hi! We agree that it is unique and picturesque. It is certainly an under-rated place in the Canadian Rockies. Biggest advantage is knowing your neighbours, waving at everyone, and having hundreds of kilometres available from your doorstep. Biggest disadvantage a rehigher grocery prices (so we stock up on non-perishables) and not as many amenities as a bigger centre.
Loved your story it was exactly what I was looking for in a community, Im from Scotland originally born and raised but now live in Calgary, I have a small town heart as Im big on being active and supporting my community by getting involved in my environment and the people that live there, I wanted to know about Crowsnest as a community of people and you spoke to my heart on that curiosity. I suppose I should just come visit and stay a few days to get a feel for it and see what my heart and soul tells me as I believe in the signs so far my gut instincts lead the way. Im looking forward to meeting the locals and I will as Im a sunflower and not a wallflower lol !
Author
Sounds like small town living is calling your name! If you come mid-week, come join Adventure Club (under day hikes on our website). We have several locals who join these trips and it is a great way to meet others. We hope to meet you!
Does anyone remember where the basins are? I remember as a kid back in 1969 or 1970 the area was south from the Main Street in Blairmore, we’d walk south from Twilight confectionery or through the park with the band stand, I don’t remember how far we would of walked to get there, but as a young kid it was a cool place, same as Crazy Joes pond but were talking 55 years ago, we moved away in 1972 to Cranbrook BC which was good move for us, I drive through a couple times a year and reminisce about how much fun we had back then, Mr Hall from Halls Pharmacy would put a sheet over him self and chase us around the block by the old swinging bridge which is gone now, but he was a stand up guy to make sure we all had fun, we had a lot of friends there my two older brothers and my sister she was the oldest, I also recall a horrible fire in Blairmore where a few people lost there lives, we went to watch what was going on and that seared into my head and still have visions from that terrible night, we played lots of hockey at the rink had a great coach Mr Baylog , some of you I’m sure remember those days if you still live there, we’ll I’m sure I’ve texted way to much, take care everyone
Hi!!
We have been looking into leaving Calgary and joining your community, we have noticed a lack of rentals. Is there a place to check out available rentals that maybe we have not looked at?
Author
You can look up Crowsnest Property Management: https://www.cnp-pm.ca/