From 1910 to 1950, the community of Mountain Park in the Alberta Coal Branch was the highest year-round inhabited community in the Commonwealth at a height of 6200 feet.
The community was born in 1911 with the creation of the Mountain Park Coal Company, becoming the first community along the Coal Branch’s western line.
Because the community was located in the remote wilderness at the end of the western line, residents often faced extreme isolation and loneliness, but spirits were kept high with local gatherings, sports and other activities.
At its peak, Mountain Park had approximately 1500 residents.
Mountain Park was the first mine on the Coal Branch to fall to the coal depression following World War II.
Although nothing is left of the town today, the Mountain Park Cemetery— the highest cemetery in North America– overlooks where the bustling town once was and is possibly one of the most picturesque cemeteries you will come across!
Visit yhcounty.ca/explore/heritage-program-splash/heritage-inventory-map-videos/ for the exact location of the Mountain Park Cemetery.
You can also tour Mountain Park virtually at www.gallowaystationmuseum.com/yellowhead-county-virtual-heritage-tour!
