"Big Valley - well worth the detour!" Big Valley by Bwana_Brown

Big Valley Travel Guide: 7 reviews and 34 photos

In February, 2008 I was making my third return trip in three months to Regina, Saskatchewan from the Sylvan Lake area of Alberta after helping my youngest daughter and her husband with construction chores in their new house. This time I decided I needed a change of scenery, so I veered off main North-South Highway 21 onto the almost deserted secondary Highway 590 heading directly east through the small community of Big Valley. It really amazed me how much difference it made to simply get off onto a 'back-road' where you could slow down a bit and take the time to enjoy some new vistas! Well worth the change of course if you ever get the chance! About half way along this stretch of road between provincial Highways 21 and 56, I came across this great view of the Red Deer River valley as I made the abrupt descent into it. It was the start of a very enjoyable drive!

Pros and Cons

Pros:A nice change to take in 'off-the-beaten-path' Alberta!
Cons:Sorry, I just enjoyed it
In a nutshell:There are lots of roads like this in Alberta, simply take a detour whenever the mood hits you!

Last visit to Big Valley: Feb 2008
Intro Updated Feb 22, 2008
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Reviews (5)

Moraines as far as you can see! - Big Valley

Remnants of the Ice Age Things to Do (5)

As I drove along Highway 590 and then south on main Highway 56 toward Drumheller, I could not help but be impressed by... more travel advice

A small farm on the east side of Big Valley Creek - Big Valley

Visit the 'real' Big Valley Things to Do (5)

The only community I passed through on this portion of my 8-hour drive back to Regina was Big Valley, located not far... more travel advice

A typical geologic scene along the Red Deer River - Big Valley

'Baby' Hoodoos Things to Do (5)

As I began my climb up the other side of the valley, I noticed some familiar sights at the side of the highway - eroded... more travel advice

Steel truss bridge across Red Deer River - Big Valley

Single-lane bridge at the bottom! Things to Do (5)

At this location, the highway crosses the Red Deer River on an old single-lane steel truss bridge, likely built in the... more travel advice

Comments (14)

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nomorewars Mar 17, 2008 at 9:57 PM

After seeing this page I have come to the following conclusion: I need to take a detour every now & then. As always you provide VT with exquisite Canadian scenery.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Mar 16, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Big Valley seems to be interesting from geologic point of view and very picturesque. Thanks colleague Glenn for sharing with your thinking about it.
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mircaskirca Mar 8, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Well, changes are in most cases good. It was definitely worth taking an alternative road for such amazing scenery! I liked the idea of steam-train.
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deecat Mar 3, 2008 at 5:31 PM

Pretty spectacular country from my perspective! The "one lane bridge" story was great. The ice age information and the Baby Hoodoos were most interesting.
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Dabs Feb 28, 2008 at 8:06 AM

Those baby hoodoos look like something you'd see in the interior of Turkey not in Canada! Interesting page Glenn :-)
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kyoub Feb 28, 2008 at 2:47 AM

Beautiful country.
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robertgaz Feb 28, 2008 at 1:14 AM

It seems that the ice age hasn't quite departed from Big Valley ;~)
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globetrott Feb 27, 2008 at 2:02 PM

Great idea to take that detour !
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ATXtraveler Feb 24, 2008 at 7:10 PM

Well written :)
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Ekaterinburg Feb 24, 2008 at 2:53 PM

The road not taken frequently yields the best surprises , so I'm glad you took it on this occcasion. Gorgeous photos - I loved the big, red grain silo :))