Calgary 
Southwestern Alberta is filled with hundreds of natural hidden gems. Some of the natural areas are best enjoyed according to the season, though, like skiing in the Castle area, wildflower or larch hunting in Waterton in spring and fall, or river swimming in the summers.
Any time of year is a good time to see the waterfalls of southwestern Alberta. Even in the winter, many of these waterfalls (aside from the Crypt Lake Trail) are easy enough to access with the proper footwear.
A few of southwestern Alberta’s most beautiful waterfalls may all be viewed in a day. Take, for example, those waterfalls along the Crowsnest Highway. These could all be viewed in one day, as each hike is under 3km in length. This is also true for some of Waterton’s waterfalls.
These adventures will grant you access to a ton of other incredible Alberta scenery with hikes through forests, over creeks and rivers, or up mountains.
Waterfalls in Waterton Lakes National Park
Cameron Falls
If you have dogs, small kids, or anyone with accessibility limitations, then Cameron Falls is the most convenient waterfall for viewing in the entire park! Cameron Falls is visible from the Cameron Creek and Carthew Alderson Trail. It is only a few minutes of walking from the parking lot to the falls and viewing platform.
Trail length: <1km
Lower Bertha Falls and Upper Bertha Falls
The Lower Berth Falls are the first set of waterfalls to be encountered on a hike to Bertha Lake. To the Lower Bertha Falls and back is considered a relatively easy hike, especially considering the view at the end. The challenge increases if you continue on to the Upper Falls and Bertha Lake. This hike doubles your time on the trail and includes the gorgeous lake scenery and the extra waterfall.
Lower Falls: 5.2km out-and-back
Upper Falls and Lake: 14.2km loop
Blakiston Falls
Use the Blakiston Valley Trail to access views of Waterton’s Blakiston Falls. The trail starts from the Red Rock Canyon lower parking lot, taking hikers to Blakiston Creek. This is a nice and easy hike, perfect for families and kids! However, the Blakiston Valley Trail does continue on for another 20km or so for more serious hikers. Along with views of the waterfall are pretty forest views along the way.
Trail length: 2.4km out-and-back
Crypt Lake Trail
There are only few more days left to hike the challenging Crypt Lake Trail in Waterton Lakes NP! This is due to the fact that the trailhead is on the opposite side of Upper Waterton Lake as the townsite. The Waterton Shoreline Cruise is available until Thanksgiving Monday (as long as the weather cooperates) to take you across the lake before you begin the 20km trek.
This hike involves 885m of elevation gain but includes a handful of waterfalls as part of the reward. Crypt Falls is the final waterfall, but on the hike, you will also pass Hell-Roaring Falls, Twin Falls, and the smaller Swirling Mist Falls.
Trail length: 18.8km out-and-back
Waterfalls near Crowsnest Highway & Castle Provincial Park
Crowsnest Creek Falls
The Crowsnest Creek Falls are south of the highway and Crowsnest Lake in the Livingstone Public Land Use Zone. This waterfall doesn’t require much hiking, and is more of a roadside stop. The road out is rougher (dirt/gravel), but the small picnic area makes it well worth the short drive from Highway 3.
Allison Creek Falls
Many of the waterfalls located near the Crowsnest Highway (3) require short and simple hikes to access and view. The Allison Creek Falls are on the north side of the highway beside the Chinook Provincial Recreation Area. The short trail to Allison Creek and the waterfall includes signs to lead your way, forest views, lake views, mountain views, and the cascading waterfall at the end.
Trail length: 2.6km out-and-back
Star Creek Falls
The Star Creek Falls loop brings the waterfall tour to the south side of the Crowsnest Highway. This is another simple hike filled with scenic spots for an afternoon picnic, or endless photo opportunities. The area is scenic no matter the time of year: many choose to hike the trail in the winter to view the Star Creek Falls completely frozen over the rocks. And in the fall, the trails are lined with colourful foliage.
Trail length: 2.1km loop
Lundbreck Falls
Last but not least for easy-to-view waterfalls along the Crowsnest Highway is the Lundbreck Falls, and its surrounding Provincial Recreation Area. A stop here means access to facilities like washrooms, firepits, and picnic tables. Enjoy time exploring the shores of the Crowsnest River, watching for birds and wildlife, and listening to the crashing of the waterfall. The day use area is open year round, and the Provincial Recreational Area offers seasonal camping from May to September.
Trail length: <1km
Castle Falls
Castle Provincial Park offers one of the most gorgeous settings in Alberta (maybe Canada?) for a camping trip. The park’s Castle Falls Campground is located beside the Castle River, an incredibly pretty mountain river. And while the campground is closed for the season, the park still offers reason to visit in the off-seasons. The Castle Falls are directly beside the campground as well! Use the camping area to access the short trail for incredible views. In the summer, the Castle River is popular for swimming and fishing, too.
Trail length: <1km
How can we reach the bottom of Star Creek falls ? We only saw a trail leading to a towering point way above them.