Whiskey Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whiskey Gap
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Unincorporated community
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 Whiskey Gap
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Region | Southern Alberta |
| Census division | 3 |
| Municipal district | Cardston County |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Postal code span |
T0K 2P0
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| Area code(s) | +1-403 |
| Highways | Highway 501 |
| Waterways | Milk River |
Whiskey Gap is a fascinating ghost town located in Cardston County, Alberta, Canada. It was originally known by the name "Fareham." This former community is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of the city of Lethbridge. It is also about 31 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of the town of Cardston. Whiskey Gap sits roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of the Canada–United States border.
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Exploring the History of Whiskey Gap
Whiskey Gap has a rich and colorful past. Its story is closely tied to early trade and important historical periods.
Early Trade and Pioneer Trails
In the 1860s and 1870s, American traders often crossed into what is now Alberta. They came to exchange goods and drinks for valuable buffalo robes and furs. One important route for this trade was the Riplinger Road. It crossed the border just west of where Whiskey Gap is today. Even now, you can still see wagon trails from these early settlers. These trails are more than a hundred years old and are visible throughout the valley.
The Era of Prohibition and Smuggling
The area around Whiskey Gap played a role during the time of Prohibition. This was a period when alcohol was illegal.
- Between 1916 and 1924, alcohol was not allowed in Alberta. During this time, people secretly brought alcohol from the United States into Canada through this area.
- Later, from 1920 to 1933, the United States also had Prohibition. Then, alcohol was smuggled in the opposite direction, from Canada into the U.S.
How Whiskey Gap Got Its Name
The local post office was first named Fareham in 1918. The community grew quickly when the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived. It soon had three grain elevators, a store, and other businesses and homes near the railway. In 1929, the community was officially renamed Whiskey Gap. This new name reflected its long history and important location.
What Remains of Whiskey Gap Today
Today, not much is left of this once busy community. You can find a historic plaque and some old foundations. These are spread out in the overgrown prairie grass. They sit along the abandoned railway next to Highway 501.
A small church building was moved to Whiskey Gap in the 1980s or 1990s. It came from the community of Jefferson. This building was used as a private home. It is now the only structure still standing in Whiskey Gap. Many of the old commercial buildings from Whiskey Gap were moved to nearby Del Bonita, Alberta. These buildings were once part of a tourist spot called "The Little Ghost Town on the Prairie Ltd." It used to be an antique store, a bed and breakfast, a café, and an ice-cream parlor. This attraction is now closed.
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Geography of Whiskey Gap
The town site of Whiskey Gap is located in a natural pass. This pass goes through the Milk River range of hills. It sits on a watershed, which is a dividing line between two river systems. These are the Missouri and Saskatchewan River drainage systems. This unique location, a "gap" in the hills, likely inspired the name.
Whiskey Gap in Media
Whiskey Gap has even been featured in films!
Days of Whiskey Gap
In 1961, filmmaker Colin Low created a short film called Days of Whiskey Gap. He worked with the National Film Board of Canada. The film tells stories about the North-West Mounted Police. They worked hard to keep law and order in Western Canada. Their goal was to prevent the area from becoming a lawless place, like the early "Wild West" in the American frontier.
Days of Heaven
In 1976, Whiskey Gap was a filming location for the movie Days of Heaven. This was a period film directed by Terrence Malick. During filming, the area was bustling with activity. There were covered wagons, old coaches, and vintage trucks. Hundreds of people dressed in clothing from that time period were also present.
