The Brooks Aqueduct is a historically significant elevated concrete irrigation structure built between 1912 and 1914 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It carried water across a 3.1–3.2 km shallow valley on ~20-metre-high concrete columns to irrigate southeastern Alberta farmland.
Although it ceased operations in 1979, the aqueduct remains preserved as a National Historic Site of Canada and a Provincial Historic Site, showcasing early 20th-century engineering and agricultural development.
Getting There
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Location: 8 km southeast of Brooks, off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), near the entrance to Tillebrook Provincial Park.
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Address / Coordinates: 142 Range Road, Newell County, Alberta.
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Access roads: Local gravel roads and Range Road 142 lead to the site.
Hours & Admission
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Admission: Free.
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Hours: The site is open year-round for self-guided exploration (no staff on-site).
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Washrooms: Currently closed (not available).
Amenities & Accessibility
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Picnic Area: Day-use picnic facilities near the site.
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Wetland Hiking Trail: A trail through the surrounding marshland for nature viewing.
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Parking: Available at the site entrance. Parking for buses/motorhomes is limited.
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Trail / Road Surface: Gravel roads and trails—may be challenging for wheelchairs.
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Access: The aqueduct structure, wetland, and picnic area are accessible by foot only.
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Pets: Permitted if leashed.
Things to See & Do
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Walk the designated paths to observe the concrete columns and remnants of the flume.
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Stop at vantage points that allow you to appreciate the scale and sweep of the aqueduct across the prairie.
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Explore the wetland trail and picnic zone for natural scenery and birdlife.
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Read interpretive signage that recounts the history, construction techniques, the aqueduct’s role in regional irrigation, and its decommissioning.
Visitor Tips
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Wear sturdy walking shoes; the ground is uneven and gravelly.
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Dress for variable prairie weather—sun, wind, fast weather changes.
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Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks (washrooms are closed).
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If arriving in a large vehicle, note that parking is limited.
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Check the weather forecast ahead of time; prairie storms can develop quickly.
Getting Back
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Retrace the local access roads back to Highway 1 for return to Brooks or onward destinations.
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The gravel surfaces extend through the access route; drive carefully, especially under wet conditions.
Final Note
Though no longer operational, the Brooks Aqueduct stands as a dramatic monument to past irrigation engineering. Standing before its rows of concrete columns provides a tangible connection to the region’s agricultural transformation and the ingenuity of early 20th-century infrastructure. As you walk its trails under open skies, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the bold efforts that helped tame the prairie and sustain farming in southern Alberta.