Banff 
It is fall in Alberta, which means some of our natural and gorgeous scenery is about to transition into warm and cozy hues of gold, red, purple, or orange.
This season can be one of the best to view our Alberta waterfalls as the blue or glacial waters create a stunning contrast to the changing leaves.
If you’re looking for a way to escape your house before the weather turns on us or just a bit of fresh mountain air, we recommend taking in some of these views along the way. Some waterfalls will need to be accessed by a variety of hikes: either through the forest trails, along paved paths, or some can even be viewed from the main roads.
Bridal Veil & Panther Falls – Banff National Park
Further south on the Icefields Parkway and into Banff National Park (or the northern end of Banff National Park/ ~112 km from Trans Canada Junction), there is a convenient roadside stop to make for some epic fall photos. The Parkway comes to a large curve with a roadside parking area; here, you can take off on a short trail (~1.5km) to get a good view of both waterfalls. In about late summer, or early fall, the surrounding larch trees will become a bright gold/yellow colour.
Athabasca Falls – Jasper National Park
These roaring waters are the crashing of the Athabasca River and can be accessed via the scenic Icefields Parkway. The drive alone to the falls will place you in the middle of post-card-like fall scenery and a variety of trees. When you arrive at the waterfall viewpoint, you’re met with a sweeping river view lined with golden trees that reach about halfway up the mountains. The falls are 23 meters high at the wide portion of the river.
Lower/Upper Bertha Falls – Waterton Lakes National Park
The trail leading up to Bertha Falls is in the Waterton townsite, making these stunning falls relatively easy to reach. You can choose to do a shorter hike to one or lengthen the journey to see both! They are both an impressive sight made even better by the surrounding forests.
In the fall, these trees turn all sorts of warm shades, from deep to light reds, golds to yellows, and a few remaining shades of green. It all provides a great contrast to each set of gushing falls.
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Lundbreck Falls – Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreational Area
The Lundbreck Falls site and viewing area is one of southern Alberta’s best-kept secrets or hidden gems. Just a short drive from Lethbridge, these waterfalls result from the Crowsnest River, which cuts through a limestone valley. The lush forests around the falls even creep through some limestone and frame the waterfall among some unique foothill scenery.
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Crescent Falls – Crescent Falls Provincial Recreational Area
There is fast and easy access to a viewing area over Crescent Falls or a 2–3-hour hike through the forest that works just as well! The hike brings you through the mature trees, along the edges of the Bighorn Valley, and to the bottom of the falls. From here, you can look up at the 89-ft wonder or out to the valley below. The Provincial Recreation Area, where you can park and take a short walk to the falls or camp until Thanksgiving Weekend (First-come, first-served).
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Ram Falls – Rams Falls Provincial Park
A fall trip to Ram Falls includes a beautiful drive through a quiet foothill area, coming to a close under the Provincial Park’s relatively small mountains. The Park has a parking lot with a short trail leading out to the viewing area where you can keep you eyes out for wildlife. The bighorn sheep often frequent the sides of the cliffs. The large enclave in the cliff faces and Ram River Valley reveal 20-m of water falling into bright blue pools below. It is all framed by a mixed forest of colour.
Sheep River Falls – Sheep River Provincial Park
Within the fairly large Sheep River Provincial Park are eight day-use areas, four campgrounds, and an epic waterfall view. The Sheep Falls Day use area connects to several kilometres of trails, some of which can be used for biking and equestrian riding too. Your view may include some lush greens combined with the rocky surface of the falls, and a backdrop of mountains. Stay a while, build a fire, and enjoy a riverside fall picnic- the day-use area is open until the end of November.
Sunwapta Falls – Jasper National Park
You can get a view from above the Sunwapta Falls, or hike down to get a view of both levels of the rockface! You can access the picnic and viewing area from the Sunwapta Falls Resort parking lot, and head through the forest to reach the low waterfall and its viewing bridge, which has you floating above the rushing waters. On a sunny day, the water shines a brilliant blue!
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Elbow Falls – Elbow Falls Provincial Recreational Area
The Elbow River is on the relatively small side in terms of mountain waterways, but that doesn’t mean these falls are any less impressive. You can follow a pretty boardwalk trail, lined with trees, out to the viewing area, or walk down to the riverbed below to get a different view.
There is also ample space around the day use area for picnics, skipping rocks, and after the falls is a popular kayak and canoe launch spot (for more experienced paddlers).
Siffleur & Whistler Falls – Kootenay Plains
These dramatically gorgeous waterfalls are along a forest hike, which can be extended beyond Siffleur. The entire 14km out-and-back hike can bring you to several stunning views of valleys, waterfalls, creeks, and lush mixed forests. The trailhead is within the Kootenay Plains ER, where you’ll start at a large bridge across the North Saskatchewan River. The falls themselves are located at the 5-6km markers.
