There are many reasons for the scenic bridges you’ll find across Alberta.
Some were built for industry, to connect people on foot, or to connect people to nature. With Alberta’s rivers and mountain landscapes come several scenic bridges to visit on a road trip or daytrip. Many of these gorgeous Alberta bridges are even more special to take in at sunrise or sunset.
The Bridges of Maligne Canyon
The famous bridge system along the Maligne Canyon can make a short and easy, or longer and more difficult hike- it just depends on how many bridges you’d like to see! The final bridge leads you to a beautiful lookout over the Athabasca River.
Siffleur Falls Trail Bridge – Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
As though the hike to the Siffleur Falls isn’t scenic enough, there is a large suspension bridge as well. It is at the beginning of the hike to the falls and crosses the North Saskatchewan River. You can continue for just 2km to see the highlight of the hike, the waterfall.
Via Ferrata – Banff
Visit Mt Norquay and jon for a guided Via Ferrata experience where lead by a certified guide you can make way up the cliffs above the ski area assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge.
Walterdale Bridge – Edmonton
This is one of Edmonton’s newest bridges and is one of many in the downtown core. In true Edmonton fashion, the Walterdale is lit each night, and helps to connect river valley pathways. On the south end of the bridge is a large park area on QEII Hill, and the Indigenous Art Park. The north side can connect you to downtown and more river valley trails.
Edmonton High Level Bridge
There are many ways to get across Edmonton’s High Level Bridge, which towers over the city’s other North Sask. crossings. You can walk across, take the LRT, drive (southbound only), or via the High Level Streetcar. We recommend the Streetcar, or a walk on the path across, as these give you the most time for photography. The City of Edmonton will light the bridge at night based on holidays, commemoration, celebrations, or other events.
Peace Bridge – Calgary
Calgary’s Peace Bridge, which stretches over the Bow River, is for pedestrian use only. The bright red structure stands out over the blue waters and is an excellent place for photos. The Peace Bridge can connect you with downtown Calgary and the trails within Eau Claire.
Rosedale Suspension Bridge – Drumheller
The Rosedale Bridge (formerly the Star Mine Bridge) has been closed for a couple of years, but we are hoping for its return to visitors this summer. The bridge gives you a perfect view of the badlands, the lush river valley, and the Red Deer River.
Black Shale Suspension Bridge – Kananaskis
Embark into the Kananaskis forest to find the Black Shale Suspension Bridge. Once on top, you can walk across and get 360-degree mountain views. The full hike is about 6km both ways inside Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and is considered an easier mountain hike.
Dunvegan Bridge – Fairview
The historic Dunvegan Suspension bridge crosses the mighty Peace River in western Alberta. It is still in operation and is a site to see after a drive through the hills or prairies. You can snap great shots from under the bridge, the Dunvegan PP parking lot, or within the Historic Site. Another great viewpoint is via the trail on the south side of the highway which takes you up the hills to see the bridge from above.
Beaver River Trestle Bridge – Cold Lake South
Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail is a marvel to see on its own; but not because of how it looks. While it is awe-inspiring to see, especially from below, it is even cooler to think about the thousands of travellers, and several trains, which came down this path long before us. The bridge is a 60m high landmark along the IHT corridor and can create an epic backdrop or subject for any photographer.
High Level Bridge – Lethbridge
As another trestle bridge in the prairies, you can expect that the Lethbridge High Level bridge is a tall one. It is in fact the tallest bridge of its kind in the entire world at a stunning 96m-tall, and 1.6km-long. You cannot walk across the bridge, as it is still an active rail crossing. But the parks below like the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, or Indian Battle, both provide awesome viewpoints, especially for sunsets over the Old Man River.
The Nancy Pauw Bridge (Pedestrian Bridge) – Banff
This is one of the newest free attractions you can check out in Banff: The Nancy Pauw Bridge and take you across the rushing waters of the Bow River while offering stunning views of the valley and Rockies. It also makes getting around the park/town a lot more accessible.
Brooks Aqueduct Provincial Historic Site
While you can not walk on the aqueduct, it has a similar structure, and historical significance to the area. There are a couple of plaques to read, and picnic areas. Come sunset during your picnic, you’ll have several backdrops for family photos.