Here Are The Top Alberta Waterfalls Worth a Weekend Getaway
Want to get away this weekend? Want to feel like you’ve travelled to exotic locations without breaking the bank? Alberta has so many wonderful destinations to view, but waterfalls are on the top of any list. You won’t believe your eyes – or your ears – when you visit these sites.
With most of these Falls located with Alberta Parks/National Parks, you can either camp at the park (cheap/free camping in wilderness parks) or stay at the nearby towns if you want a more cosy accommodation!
1. Waterton Lakes Falls
Waterton Lakes National Park, in the southwest corner of Alberta, is one of the planet’s most distinctive mountain parks and with it come some of the most distinctive waterfalls. Blakiston Falls, Lower Bertha Falls, Lineham Falls, and – one of the most photographed spaces in the park – Cameron Falls will take your breath away. While you’re catching your breath, activities from horseback riding to rock climbing await. Restaurants regularly bring in local bands or experience high tea at the iconic Prince of Wales, overlooking an indescribable view. If you time it right, you can attend the Waterton Wildflower Festival in June or the Waterton Wildlife Festival in September. Take in a shoreline cruise or go paddleboarding for a unique adventure.
2. Lundbreck Falls
The rushing Crowsnest River plunges 12 m down Lundbreck Falls into a deep pool below in a sight that is often compared to Niagra. Watch from the observation deck, then head down into the limestone gorge to take it in from below. While you’re there, visit the surrounding area for history and culture.
Step back into history at Pioneer Place/Kootenai Brown Village to experience pioneer way of life. Pincher Creek’s Lebel Mansion hosts a public art museum, pottery studio, and an annual market each November. No matter the time of year, you’ll find outdoor activities to take part in – fly fishing, kayaking, skiing, and much more. Discover local festivals, outdoor movie nights, and family events all year long.
Want more of Alberta’s history, visit Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site, go on Bellevue Underground Mine tour, and The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. Things to Do at Crowsnest Pass.
The falls is also a spectacular site to behold in winter. Combine your waterfall tripping with a ski trip to Castle Mountain Ski Resort!
3. Bow Falls & Johnston Canyon Falls
Movie buffs may find Banff’s Bow Falls familiar – several classic Hollywood films have depicted famous figures being swept over the falls, including Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum, and even the Son of Lassie. You’re sure to be more careful than these characters while visiting Bow Fall, though.
Want more excitement, combine your trip to a visit to Johnston canyon and trek to upper and lower falls. See the Johnston creek creating the mighty waterfall from the lower platform and sense the sheer drop of the 30 m canyon from the top-viewing platform. Go ice walking or ice climb at the falls.
There’s no surprise that there is lot to do while in the area – rain, snow, or shine. Get the blood pumping with via ferrata at Mt Norquay, explore National Parks history at Cave and Basin and soak away your worries at Banff Hot Springs.
4. Elbow Falls
Elbow Falls is a unique set of waterfalls along the Elbow River, just west of Bragg Creek. They’re a great place to spot wildlife, both birds and animals, so make sure you have a camera on hand and a sharp eye on the lookout. They are also in Kananaskis – Alberta’s Mountain Playground.
Whether you’re planning your own weekend getaway or booking a guide to help you out, you won’t run out of things to do in this year round playground. From fine dining with breathtaking views to small cafés filled with locals, there are plenty of places to grab a bite. Travel around on bike, horse, boat, or foot to see all the area has to offer. In the winter, snowshoe, snowmobile, or dogsled your way around.
5. Crescent Falls
Located on the Bighorn River in west-central Alberta, Crescent Falls is a series of two waterfalls, powerfully moving water from one pool to another. Get a great view from Bighorn Lookout, just 2.5 miles from Highway 11. Play some high tech hide and seek by geocaching in the area, on foot or on horseback. The Falls is located near the David Thompson Highway, making it a great stop for a weekend road trip. Stop at little towns along the Highway, such as Nordegg, find hidden treasures and photo ops, and camping spots that you’ll never want to leave.
The Falls is also not too far from Rocky Mountain House, making it a great weekend getaway. Take part in events such as Christmas Lightup, Parks Day, and the Big Horn Stampede throughout the year. Teach your kids to fish from the dock, see how high you’ll rock climb, or book a reservation for some fine dining, and make it the perfect weekend for whatever you’re in the mood for.
7. Siffleur Falls
Siffleur Falls, nestled in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve, is famous for the multiple hikes in the area, staging hikers across the open plains and up the gorge. But there’s so much more than that to consider when planning your weekend getaway. Carpeting the side of David Thompson Highway, the ethereal blue coloured Abraham lake caused by glacial silt deposit against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains is a sight to behold and definitely another reason to visit Siffleur Falls.
Whether you’re lacing up your hiking boots, channelling your inner cowboy while horseback riding, getting the adrenaline pumping on a mountain bike, or just relaxing by a mountain stream, you’ll find the perfect way to relax at the David Thompson Resort, located next to the area.
8. Icefields Parkway Falls
Every turn of the Icelands Parkway reveals a new view of nature’s splendour. Athabasca Falls is among the most breathtaking of all of Canada’s waterfalls, impressive for volume and force of water. Sunwapta Falls, on the other hand, has the impressive height of 60 feet. The views don’t stop there. Visit the Glacier Skywalk, a glass observation deck 918 feet over the Sunwapta Valley. You’ll know when you arrive at Big Hill and Big Bend – they’re aptly named and you can’t miss them. Can’t believe a mountain can cry? You’ll think twice after visiting the Weeping Wall, where Cirrus Mountain resembles a wall of tears. No road trip will ever be the same after travelling along the Parkway.
9. Castle Falls
There are two different kinds of camping in Castle Provincial Park, home to Castle Falls. There are four formal campgrounds with first come, first served sites. Designated Camping Areas, on the other hand, are free of charge areas where you can find your own place to pitch the tent. If you’re looking for a getaway to really get away from it all, these are the falls to visit. Surround yourself with nature by hiking, biking, and canoeing far away from the sights and sounds of civilization. Visit Beaver Mines Lake – where you can also buy homemade picnic lunches at the general store!