Blairmore Travel Guide

Welcome to Blairmore!

With a population of 6,500, Blairmore is the main economic and commercial centre of the Crowsnest Pass. Originally a lonely Canadian Pacific Railway stop, disembarking passengers soon decided to stay and take advantage of the endless supply of coal underneath the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The remains of the Leitch Collieries, a huge processing plant that was a remarkable enterprise, churning out thousands of tons of coke daily, are nearby, standing as a testament to the early industry of the Pass.

Blairmore's most recognizable former resident is the gregarious Emilio Picariello, otherwise known as —Emperor Pic—. An immigrant from Sicily, Picariello acted as mayor of the town at the same time as operating a lucrative rum-running business. He was sentenced to hang after an infamous incident where an Alberta Provincial Police officer was shot and killed following a high-speed chase involving Picariello's son. The town's historic courthouse was built shortly thereafter. A good base for exploring the Pass, Blairmore's streets are lined with period housing, and views of the mountains inspire many local photographers and artists.