Alberta is home to some of Canada’s most beautiful places to see. From the Rocky Mountains and turquoise glacier fed lakes to the open prairies and brilliant yellow canola fields.
Today I’m focusing on the pretty waterfalls you can hike to in Alberta.
My first waterfall hike in Alberta was one of the most magnificent falls (two waterfalls actually) in one hiking trail. That school trip from Calgary to Johnston Canyon many years ago kickstarted my love affair with hiking.
In this post I’m sharing 7 gorgeous waterfall hikes from my home province of Alberta Canada.
The first three of these beautiful hikes to waterfalls are close to Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. And I’ve done all of them as day trips from Calgary.
The other four waterfalls on the list you will find near Jasper Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies. What makes these hikes even more special is the road trip to get there, the spectacular Icefields Parkway.
If you are into nature, wildlife, camping, hiking, interesting geology, or watching the night skies then get on the road to the Rocky Mountains.
And now let’s look at seven beautiful waterfalls you can hike to in Alberta.
3 Waterfalls Near Calgary
The long summer days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. One reason Calgary often gets mentioned on the lists for top places to live is the abundance of outdoor activities nearby.
In winter some of the hiking trails are used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Chester Lake is a popular snowshoe trail in Kananaskis, also Rawson Lake and Upper Kananaskis Lake is a great winter hike.
All year round there is something to do outdoors in Alberta.
Troll Falls
Have a look around when you get to the falls and see if you can spot the trolls.
The hike to Troll Falls is mostly flat and since it’s a short hike it makes for a good family outing with the kids. In winter you can do this as a snowshoe or cross-country ski trip.
Get all the info on hiking Troll Falls here.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 10 Best Things to Do in Calgary in Winter
Johnston Canyon
One of my favorite hikes in Banff National Park, partly because it was my first hike as a kid, and due to the beauty of the waterfalls.
You can do the Johnston Canyon hike in winter but be sure to wear crampons on your hiking boots. The frozen waterfalls are extraordinary! Hiking Johnston Canyon is on our list of 12 best things to do in Banff in winter.
There are two official waterfalls along the Johnston Canyon Trail and one secret waterfall and cave that is slightly off the trail.
Find all the details and tips for hiking the Johnston Canyon in Banff.
Elbow Falls
This is a favorite spot for picnics during the beautiful summer weather in Alberta. Elbow Falls offers gorgeous views of the mountains while sitting alongside the Bow River and the waterfalls.
Get more info on Elbow Falls trail here.
4 Waterfalls Near Jasper Alberta
Getting to the Jasper waterfalls is half the adventure. One of the most amazing scenic drives in the world is the extraordinary Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta.
Also known as Hwy 93 N, the Icefield Parkway drive is outstanding because of the scenery and easy access to stop and take photos or do some hiking.
I’ve outlined all the best stops on the Icefields Parkway in one article you can read now, and bookmark for later, when you hit the road. Also be sure to read 11 Fun Things to Do in Jasper National Park.
Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is one of my top picks for places to stop on the way to Jasper and a wonderful place for a picnic lunch.
The short hike to Mistaya Canyon is instantly rewarding. Catch stunning views of the Rockies and spend some time sitting on the smooth rocks by the Mistaya River.
It’s a beautiful short hike to the waterfalls at Mistaya Canyon.
Get all the info about hiking Mistaya Canyon here.
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is another beautiful waterfall hiking stop on the Icefields Parkway scenic drive.
Upper Sunwapta Falls is close to the parking lot but continue walking after you stop on the bridge to view the falls.
Lower Sunwapta Falls is about 1.5 miles (2.6 km) round trip on a pretty trail through the forest and along the river.
Total elevation gain is about 285 ft (87 m) and dogs are allowed on the trail – just keep the furbabies on leash at all times please.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca is my favorite waterfall on the Icefields Parkway. It is mesmerizing to watch and listen to the power of these falls.
There is more than one viewing point for the Athabasca Falls and you can expect to get a bit wet from the spray of the falls sometimes.
Find out more about hiking the Athabasca Falls here.
Maligne Canyon
If you want to do an amazing hike in Jasper check out the Maligne Canyon trail where you can see the cool heart shaped rock hanging in the canyon and some beautiful waterfalls.
Maligne Canyon (pronounced MUH-leen) is one of the most photographed places in Canada but you have to go and see for yourself to appreciate the true beauty.
Get all the details about the Maligne Canyon hike here.
While you’re in Jasper be sure to check out the lovely hiking trail called Valley of the Five Lakes. It’s an easy hike and the colors of these lakes are jaw dropping gorgeous.
The five lakes trail is just south of the town of Jasper, watch for the sign about 8 km (5 miles) south on Hwy 93. Read more about hiking Valley of the Five Lakes here.
Tips and what to bring hiking in Alberta
Always check the weather report before you plan your hiking trip.
Bring a refillable water bottle and extra water. I always bring two stainless steel water bottles, one is 18 oz and I keep a reserve 40 oz Klean Kanteen water bottle in my backpack.
Snacks or picnic lunch to eat during or after your hike. You can burn a lot of calories on a hike so make sure you bring enough food to keep you going.
Wear layers and be prepared for a variety of weather. Bring cold weather clothing (even in summer) when hiking in the mountains because the weather changes rapidly and it can snow any month of the year.
In bear country always bring bear spray and always keep it in reach (I keep mine clipped to my backpack waist strap). To learn how to use bear spray watch this informative video.
Wear hiking shoes with good grip on the soles (such as Vibram) for better traction on various trail surfaces.
Wool socks are the best for hiking because they absorb moisture, insulate even when wet, and also dry quickly.
In winter use crampons or microspikes on your hiking footwear to get traction on snow and ice.
Waterproof jacket (or rain poncho if you’re on a tight budget). A waterproof jacket will also be windproof to help keep you warm in windy weather.
Bring a small backpack to carry your water, food, and other supplies for the hike. It’s best to buy a waterproof backpack or one that has a built-in cover. But you can also just bring a large plastic bag to cover your day pack if it starts raining during your hike.
Wide brimmed hat or a toque (knit cap) in cooler weather for protection from the sun, cold, rain, and ticks.
Sunscreen: especially on sunny days but also for overcast days to protect your skin from UV rays. For my face I like Elta-MD sunscreen and have used it ever since my dermatologist recommended it.
A lot of people like to use trekking poles especially on rocky or uneven terrain.
Insect repellent: I have tried the non-DEET stuff and it didn’t work at all. So, I went back to using the DEET insect repellent. Remember that using DEET insect spray also protects against ticks.
It’s always a good idea to pack the 10 Essentials on every hike (most of the items can fit into a small ziplock bag). You don’t want to get caught off guard lacking the basic supplies like waterproof matches or a compass when you really need them. Most emergency rescues are for day hikers who get lost or injured. You should always bring the basic gear and supplies to survive overnight if necessary. Learn more about wilderness survival skills.
Tip: If you are staying at a hotel in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper ask at the front desk if they have any extra bear spray. A lot of travelers will leave theirs behind since they can’t take it on a plane.
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