Star Mine Suspension Bridge
We had seen the announcement for this activity everywhere and as I had never walked on a suspension bridge and I already love thrills at my young age, my mother thought it a good idea to bring me. The 117-metre pedestrian bridge crosses the Red Deer River to bring us into a whole new world. On one side of the parking lot: trees of a blazing green; on the other side of the bridge: a desert, sandy landscape, without vegetation except for some dry twigs sprouting from the ground here and there!
When you set foot in the badlands, whether for the first time or for the twentieth, it’s always exceptional because of the lunar landscape, the dry and intense heat, the warm intertwining colours and the small hills which can be climbed without difficulty, but still with a little heart.
The original structure of the bridge, built in 1931, gave Star Mine workers easier access to the workplace. Once the mine closed, the Alberta government decided to rebuild the bridge and maintain it to commemorate the region’s mining history while providing an entertainment area for the public and a tourist attraction. What a good idea!
Now, is it worth it? This small stop is well worth the detour, whether you are a senior, a family or a tourist travelling alone. It is relatively easy to get to the summit in minutes. For my part, my father had to carry me to the top of the mountain while my grandmother stayed down with her sandals!
Good to Know
When to visit
How long to plan
How to dress
Do not miss
Highlights
Weakness
Cost
Message From My Parents
Superb view of the river, the bridge and the badlands once at the top of one of the sandy hills. Not accessible with a stroller. The baby carrier or backpack-style child carrier is a must. The crossing of the bridge is still stable and all the children I saw did not seem to be afraid to cross it freely without holding their parents’ hands. Be careful all the time at the top of the hills, because the baby traveller was always eager to throw himself down the cliff!
