Even though much of the area around Calgary is rolling hills and grassy farmland, there are still many awe-inspiring waterfalls you can explore because of Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies.
Credit: Lundbreck Falls/Alberta Parks
These waterfall hikes are all less than two hours from Calgary, so you can visit them and get back home in just one day. From trickling streams down rocky hillsides to cascading, roaring waterfalls that will take your breath away, there are plenty of day trips to choose from. The hard part will be picking just one!
Many waterfalls like Athabasca Falls and Crescent Falls are too far for a day trip (more than 4 hours round-trip). Those are not included here. Check out Icefields Parkway, Clearwater County, Nordegg, David Thomson Country, Rocky Mountain House and Weekend waterfall trips for more information.
If you are not familiar with Kananaskis Country, read this. Section of Highway 40 (Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House Junction) is closed from December 1 to June 14th.
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1. Lundbreck Falls
Lundbreck Falls is a gorgeous rushing waterfall, easily accessible from Highway 3 near the end of Cowboy Trail. These spectacular falls draw many visitors every year, who stop to enjoy a picnic and the spray of the falls from one of the many viewing sites. A nearby campground is available for overnight stays.
Cost: Free
Address: 24B Range Rd, Lundbreck – Directions
Details
2. Troll Falls
Troll Falls are a cool reward after a vigorous hike in Kananaskis Country. This 3.4 km loop is very popular with locals and tourists for its accessibility and even elevation (30m). The trailhead is located just off Highway 40 near Nakiska. Combine this hike with Marmot Falls.
Cost: Free
Address: Stoney Trail, Kananaskis – Directions
3. Marmot Creek Waterfalls
The Marmot Creek Waterfalls are best viewed in the spring when runoff from the mountains is strongest. The 2.3 km hike can be combined with the Troll Falls Trail (Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area) and others to make a loop. Many waterfalls in the area are easily accessible from here.
Cost: Free
Address: Stoney Trail Parking Lot – Directions
4. O’Shaughnessy Falls
O’Shaughnessy Falls is not necessarily a destination so much as it is a pit stop on your way to other waterfalls in the area. You can find this waterfall on Highway 40, with access clearly marked as a point of interest. This set of long slide falls climbs vertically for seven meters through the rocky landscape.
Cost: Free
Address: West side of Kananaskis Trail, near Mt. Allan Drive – Directions
5. Upper Spray Falls
This pretty set of waterfalls is a nice easy option for Calgary daytrippers. The falls are located off George Biggy Sr. Road, just 1km past Thunderstone Quarries. The Upper Spray Falls are a great place to stop, rest and enjoy the spray.
Cost: Free
Address: George Biggy Sr Rd, Dead Man’s Flats – Directions
Website
6. Bow Falls
Bow Falls wins the prize for the most rewarding set of waterfalls with the least amount of effort. Located in the town of Banff, you can reach them after a leisurely walk along the shores of the Bow River. The Bow Falls Trail connects to several other hiking paths in the area as well.
Cost: Free, with Banff National Park Admission
Address: Banff Town – Directions
Website
7. Sheep River Falls
The Sheep River Falls trail offers an easy, pretty hike with a picturesque set of waterfalls. This 0.5 km out-and-back trail is perfect for families with young children, though the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Located in the Sheep River Provincial Park, this is a great option for an easy day trip from Calgary.
Cost: Free
Address: Sheep River Rd, Turner Valley – Directions
8. Fossil Falls
Fossil Falls is K-country’s premier thundering waterfall during melt season, but you will have to work for it to get the full experience! This hike has a 280m height gain and is a total of about 18km return, with the final stretch being the hardest. Take a map to ensure you follow the correct path to the waterfalls.
Cost: Free
Address: Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park – Directions
Website
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9. Upper Kananaskis Lake Falls
The Upper Kananaskis Trail is another moderately-difficult hike in the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This beautiful area leads you through forest trails to spectacular views of the Upper Kananaskis Falls and Sarrail Falls. This 15 km hike is long, but flat, and will take you around the Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Cost: Free
Address: Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis – Directions
10. Elpoca Falls
Elpoca Falls is accessed via the Elpoca Creek Trail, near Kananaskis. This is a moderately difficult 5.8 km hike, with panoramic views and plenty of wildflowers. Take a hiking map for opportunities to loop back along other trails in the area.
Cost: Free
Address: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis – Directions
Website
11. Opal Falls
This unique multi-tiered waterfall is easily accessed from the Elpoca Lookout Site. Although the hike is easy along the Opal Creek, there are some slopes you will need to maneuver if you want a good look at the falls. This area is frequented by mountain goat and snow-tailed deer, so don’t forget your camera!
Cost: Free
Address: Valley View Trail – Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis – Directions
12. Livingstone Falls
Livingstone Falls is a beautiful set of rushing falls, located in the Livingstone Falls Provincial Recreation Area. This picturesque area sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The falls are easily accessed via the trails beginning in the campground parking lot.
Cost: Free
Address: 60 km north of Crowsnest on Forestry Trunk Road – Directions
Website
13. Johnston Canyon Falls
Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Johnston Canyon is a very popular spot near Banff town, with more than a million visitors per year. This easy trail leads visitors to both lower and upper falls, with a spectacular view of the area’s natural ridges and ink pot spring pools. Plan for about two hours total to reach the upper falls and back.
Cost: Free, with Banff National Park Admission
Address: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9 – Directions
14. Elbow Falls
Elbow Falls is a fantastic place to witness the beauty of nature’s waterfalls and is less than an hour from Calgary. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river, with several lookouts and picnic spots. These popular falls are easily accessible from Hwy 66, with plenty of free parking.
Cost: Free
Address: Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Area
AB-66, Bragg Creek – Directions
Website
15. Cascade Waterfalls
The Cascade Waterfalls are accessed from the town of Banff and will flow heavier or lighter, depending on the season. A gentle 2.8 km walk around the Cascade Ponds, across the road,d will complete your tour. Visit in the winter to see the falls eerily frozen in place. The hike around the ponds is more enticing than the waterfall.
Cost: Free, with Banff National Park Admission
Address: Lake Minnewanka Road, Banff, Banff National Park – Directions
16. Silverton Falls
Silverton Falls are another quick option on a day trip to Banff, perhaps in conjunction with other falls in the area. This short and rewarding hike is only 1.4 km round trip and offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys in the area. The parking lot is easily accessed from the Bow Valley Parkway.
Cost: Free, with Banff National Park Admission
Address: Banff National Park, Rockbound Lake Trail – Directions
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17. Cat Creek Waterfall
The Cat Creek Waterfall is an easy hike in the Kananaskis area about one hour from Calgary. This 2.4 km hike is great for beginners or families with younger children. On a hot day, you will enjoy a quick dip in the falls at the end of the trail.
Cost: Free
Address: Cat Creek, Longview – Directions
18. Grassi Lakes Waterfall
The Grassi Lakes Waterfalls are conveniently located near the town of Canmore, less than an hour from Calgary. The complete 4 km hike will take you past a turquoise lake, views of the Bow Valley and of course, the waterfall. The trailhead is located on Ken Ritchie Way, just outside of town.
Cost: Free
Address: Ken Ritchie Way, Canmore – Directions
19. Edworthy Falls
The Elbow Lake Trail is a beautiful hike in K-Country, treating visitors to sweeping mountain views, a picturesque lake and the majestic Edworthy Falls. This trailhead for this 9.7 km hike is just off the Big Elbow Trail in Kananaskis, about one hour from Calgary. The turn off (50.6645734,-114.9973918) to the waterfall is a bit tricky to find.
Cost: Free
Address: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis – Directions
20. Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls is a long but relatively easy hike, measuring 19 km total with a 390 m elevation. Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular mountain scenery and a cascading white waterfall. The trail offers numerous spots to stop for picnics and photos.
Cost: Free
Address: Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40), Nakiska Mountain Resort exit – Directions
21. Jewel Falls
Jewel Falls is a pretty waterfall, accessible from the Barrier Lake Dam along the Jewel Pass Trail. Hikers will also enjoy views of the Barrier Lake. The shorter hike is almost 6 km round-trip, but many combine this with a longer hike along the Prairie View Trail in order to loop back.
Cost: Free
Address: Barrier Lake Dam, Kananaskis – Directions
Website
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22. Cataract Creek – Titan Falls
The Cataract Creek Trail is an easy 6.6 km return hike with minimal elevation (50 m). Access to the trail is from the Cataract Creek campground and will take visitors across the creek, so proper footwear is essential. Watch for moose and other wildlife who frequent the area.
Cost: Free. Fees for camping in the park.
Address: Cataract Creek Campground, Kananaskis – Directions
Website
23. Three Sisters Waterfall
The Three Sisters Waterfall is a popular hike in the Canmore area. This 5 km roundtrip hike is rated as difficult but is well worth the effort. Apart from the waterfall, the journey offers beautiful scenery, wildflowers and interesting remnants of Canmore’s coal-mining history. The first part of the trail is also for mountain biking, so be alert for cyclists.
Cost: Free
Address: Three Sisters Blvd, Canmore – Directions
24. Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls is a unique blend of natural and man-made. Alberta’s first large-scale hydro-electric plant was built at the site of the original Horseshoe Falls and still provides power to Albertans today. You can still see the original falls that form the base of the dam, which is easily accessed from two trailheads off Highway 1X near Seebee.
Cost: Free
Address: Bighorn No. 8 – Directions
Website
25. Rainbow Falls Park
This may not be your typical waterfall excursion, but this man-made waterfall park is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy walk near Calgary. This is also a nice place to take small children to show them a waterfall, without the dangerous canyons and ridges. A peaceful stroll will wind you around the park, along a gently flowing creek.
Cost: Free
Address: 301 Rainbow Falls Dr, Chestermere – Directions
Website
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I have a photo for waterfall #5