With the support of Crowsnest Pass’s profitable resource industry, Coleman quickly grew to be a lively cultural centre for neighbouring communities.
The [coal] industry brought prosperity to the area, and the town’s population soon surpassed the size of nearby towns, Blairmore and Hillcrest. Coleman even featured a popular opera house in 1908.
Today, visitors can join a walking tour of the Coleman National historic sites, featuring a small commercial street lined by miner’s cottages and historic buildings.
Coleman also is home to the Crowsnest Museum, the entrusted keeper of thousands of artefacts and chronicles, located in the old Coleman High School.
Surrounded by the picturesque natural landscape that attracts visitors year-round, the town is also close to the Crowsnest River, providing access to world-class fly-fishing for people at every skill level. In the winter, nearby trails at Allison Lake beckon those interested in cross-country skiing.
Whether starting the day or wrapping an adventure, delicious food and beverages are available all around. From coffee and pastries at the infamous Cinnamon Bear café to libations, pub fare and a trip down prohibition lane at The Rum Runner, Coleman is an unassuming stop worthy of attention.
