Leitch Collieries

The Crowsnest Pass in southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia is renowned for its rich, and sometimes tragic, coal mining history. When approaching from Alberta along Highway 3, you’ll first encounter the ruins of Leitch Collieries.

Leitch Collieries is a Provincial Historic Site preserving the remains of Leitch Collieries Coal and Coke Company which operated here from 1907 to 1915. At the time, it was the only coal company 100% owned and operated by Canadians. While an ambitious undertaking, events would conspire to ruin the company in relatively short order.

The seasonal tour at Leitch Collieries is entirel self-guided and accessible by donation. There are two dominant structures, well ruins of structures, remaining at the site. Plenty of historical information is provided to educate you while you explore them. The site also doubles as a roadside picnic area.

Located 7 km south and east of Frank Slide, it’s easy to incorporate a pit stop at the collieries into a road trip through the Crowsnest.