Toronto 
It is easy to find beautiful scenery in Alberta’s Mountain parks.
And this is true of any season. And what are the must-see stops for these areas in the winter? Alberta’s frozen mountain waterfalls.
During the coldest winter months, the waterfalls slow down, making each area a little more peaceful. And, with the freezing water, we get magnificent ice formations in white, blue, or green.
Some of Alberta’s frozen waterfalls curtain over deep canyons, too. And whether you’re in Jasper to see Maligne Canyon, or Banff to see Johnston Canyon, there are opportunities to explore from below the frozen waterfalls. Both areas have expert tour guide companies who offer ice walk tours.
Some of Alberta’s frozen waterfalls can be viewed from picnic areas, rest areas, or from within the mountain townsites (Jasper, Banff, or Waterton). But if the frozen waterfall you want to see requires some hiking, keep a few things in mind:
- Some paths are icy or snow-covered, and it is important to check trail conditions online before you start your hike.
- Ice cleats, snowshoes, or boot spikes can all make these hikes a lot easier, and a lot safer.
- Use caution on all winter trails for wildlife, slippery conditions, and changing weather conditions.
- Drive to the conditions, and take it slow if need be. You may encounter slippery roads, snow-covered roads, or wildlife like big-horned sheep on the highways.
Here are 12 of Alberta’s Frozen Waterfalls (accessible within a 5km hike):
Lundbreck Falls
You won’t want to miss this quick stop off the Crowsnest Highway. You can easily access beautiful views of Lundbreck Falls from the highway with a stop at the Provincial Recreation Area (open year-round). The falls are part of the Crowsnest River and plunge over 10m into a rocky canyon. Southern Alberta’s milder winters mean frozen Lundbreck Falls isn’t always guaranteed. However, the views are just as lovely when the water is flowing, and the snow covers the rocks. Details
Crescent Falls
The most enjoyable way to view the frozen Crescent Falls in all its winter glory is with a winter hike. The 5.6km out-and-back trail is considered relatively easy as long as you bring proper winter hiking boots. Poles and spikes are the ideal hiking setup to see Crescent Falls from the bottom. It is also a short hike considering the end reward. With the recent mild winter weather, it is important to stay a healthy distance away from the waterfall.
Guided Tours:
Guided tours are available with Nordegg Adventures and their Crescent Falls & Ice Bubbles Tour which also includes walking around Abraham Lake.
Johnston Canyon Falls
Make your next or first trip to Banff this winter a little more awe-inspiring. The Johnston Canyon Trails are open year-round which make for short yet rewarding walks.
Winter hiking is easy enough for small kids in winter boots and takes about 10 minutes to reach the Lower Falls. Venture on the trail for another 15 minutes to enjoy the views of the Upper Falls.
Guided Tours: You can book guided hikes and adventures to the Johnston Canyon Falls with White Mountain Adventures.
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Bow Falls
Viewing the Bow Falls in the winter are simple and convenient for those staying in Banff, or those driving through town. The Falls are behind the iconic Banff Spring Hotel, which only adds to the scenery in which you’ll find yourself. The trails to the viewpoint lead back to Banff Avenue and the Bow River Bridge, making it easily accessible on foot from hotels. The frozen Bow Falls are often surrounded by snow-covered greenery which is all easy to see from above the glacial valley.
Guided Tour: Book the Winter Wonder Tour with Pursuit for a memorable hike around Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, and a ride up the Banff Gondola for Nightrise.
Troll Falls
It is a quick hike to the beautiful frozen Troll Falls from the Nakiska Ski Area parking lot. However, with current conditions, Alberta Parks highly recommend ice cleats or spikes on the trail (rent in Banff, Canmore, or Calgary). With proper footwear, this trail is suited to families with kids. Plus, you can make your way a little faster to Troll Falls on a fat tire bike, or snowshoes.
Location: Nakiska Ski Area Parking Lot, Evan Thompson PRA; the Kananaskis Trail beyond Peter Lougheed PP is closed until June, and you need to access Nakiska from the north side of the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40)
Athabasca Falls
Jasper’s Athabasca Falls aren’t the highest in Alberta, but given the river’s width, they are some of the most powerful falls. The river takes a 23-metre plunge where the shorelines narrow and creates thunderous sounds during the spring melting season. But over the winter, the flow is slower, and half of the waterfall freezes over. Use caution on the staircases and paths around the area as they’re likely to be covered in snow or slippery.
Siffleur Falls
The drive to Siffleur Falls will be half of the adventure out here! The waterfall is on the north side of the David Thompson Highway which runs from the North Saskatchewan River Crossing to Rocky Mountain House. So, it doesn’t matter from which direction you begin, there are wicked views the entire way.
Once you arrive at the trailhead in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve, it is an easy 2km hike to Siffleur Falls. Along the way are views of the North Saskatchewan River from the bridge crossing, and awesome mountain forest scenery. The paths are snowy, and solid winter boots are recommended.
Maligne Canyon
Before you enjoy the beauty of Maligne Canyon in the winter, you will get to take in a breathtaking view from the drive-up Maligne Lake Load. On a clear day or a snowy day, the forested area is a true winter wonderland. And once you arrive at the lookout, you can enjoy simple and quick views 5-minutes from the parking lot!
The surrounding areas are covered in unique ice formations, and you can choose your adventure. There are winter trails which extend for various distances to the Canyon’s different bridges. All areas are a bit slippery in the winter, and proper footwear is required.
Guided Tours: You can also enter the bottom of Maligne Canyon with expert guides! Maligne Canyon Ice Walk adventures are offered each winter by various tour companies.
Panther & Bridal Veil Falls
There will be a large curve in the Icefields Parkway, about halfway between the two National Parks. The aptly named Big Bend is a popular roadside stop as a hallway checkpoint, rest area, and picnic area.
The Big Bend has two other awesome surprises: Panther Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Both are likely frozen until spring and are a short drive from the rest area’s large parking lot. The walk to views of the frozen Panther Falls is 0.4km from the parking lot, and to Bridal Veil Falls is another 0.6km.
Elbow Falls
The Elbow Falls are the last stop on Highway 66 before you hit the area which is closed until May. Lucky for winter adventurers, however, is the fact that you can still access the Elbow Falls PRA with parking, washrooms, and picnic sites. From there, it is a short walk to the Elbow River and waterfall views. The paths can get icy around Elbow Falls and require caution in the winter. Luckily, it is only 0.5km from the parking lot to the gorgeous river scenery.
Cameron Falls
Southern Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park is often considered a summer destination. If you’re stopping on a drive through Waterton, you can make a quick trip out of a visit to Cameron Falls. Additionally, you can follow a townsite trail and take a lakeside stroll before the falls. Cameron Falls goes from a stunning icy blue colour while frozen, to a beautiful pinkish-reddish hue in the spring.
Lower Bertha Falls
A second of Waterton’s easier-to-access frozen wonders are the Lower Bertha Falls.
It is a 2.5km hike to the falls, and is on a path which warrants snowshoes, cleats, or spikes. Once you arrive, you are met with the stunningly unique ice formations building on the creek bed. Combine this hike with the hike to Cameron Falls for some added adventure; the frozen waterfalls are on the same trail.
