Calgary 
The winter trails of Kananaskis are nearly as abundant as the summer trails. Whether you choose to hike, bike, ski, or snowshoe, Kananaskis has a trail for it!
Among the winter hiking trails are paths which lead to some of the region’s best views and lookout areas, or more unique scenery. In some cases, those Kananaskis and mountain views are within a short winter hike.
The Troll Falls trail, near Nakiska Ski Area, is considered one of the area’s best family hikes, given the ease and simplicity. Plus, as the trail name suggests, the hike includes more than one rewarding view. To add even more convenience to the Troll Falls trail, almost all winter recreation is permitted in the area.
Getting to Troll Falls Trailhead
During the winter and spring (December-June), the southern portion of Highway AB-40 is closed to vehicle traffic. This makes the entire area, including Peter Lougheed PP, Spray Valley PP, Evan-Thomas PRA, and Bow Valley PP, accessible only from the north and Highway AB-1. Use Hwy. 1 to access Hwy. 40 south toward Troll Falls.
Troll Falls sits within the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area and is near the parking area for the Nakiska Ski Area. This makes for abundant parking and the chance to lengthen your trail time via other nearby trails.
A Multi-Use Path to Troll Falls
The snow-covered trails around Evan-Thomas PRA and Kananaskis are excellent for winter hiking, fat biking (with a small section requiring bikers to walk), snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And the trail leading to Troll Falls permits all these activities. Given the winter conditions, hikers are also encouraged to use ice cleats or walking poles for better safety on the trail.
- The linear trail to Troll Falls from the trailhead and back again is about 4km. The area is, however, lined with other trails like the Hay Meadows and Stoney Trails, on which you can extend your hike and time on the trails.
- Continue about 0.5km further to see the smaller Marmot Falls. Both waterfalls are on Marmot Creek and may be frozen solid when you arrive, depending on winter temperatures. The trail leads to a viewing platform near the base of the falls, enabling you to look up at the rugged and solid sheet of ice. The area’s rocks and cliffs create serious hazards, so it is important to keep to the marked trail and viewing area.
- Part of the trail requires a bit of an uphill climb, but the Troll Falls trail is rated as easy overall and is well-suited to families and children.
You may like:
Winter Trails to Explore near Troll Falls
- A 2km multi-use trail loops Kananaskis Village with connections to The Terrace Trail, another multi-use trail. The Terrace provides the chance for a nearly 10km trail adventure, but these hikes or other activities are easy to shorten with the option to turn back toward the Village at any time.
- The Stoney Trail is over 20km in length and allows for winter hiking, fat biking, or snowshoeing. Get access to Stoney from the Troll Falls Trailhead day use area, or Barrier Dam day use area. There is normally access from the Ribbon Creek day use area, but this and the area’s trails are closed for winter 2025.
- Cross-country skiers, skate-skiers, and fat bikers can enjoy the 9.5km of the Bill Milne Winter Trail. The path leads along Highway AB-40 from Kovach Pond to Wedge Pond.
More Kananaskis Winter Adventures
Evan-Thomas, while a comparatively small Provincial Recreation Area in Alberta, has enough winter adventure to fill an entire week’s itinerary and possibly longer.
- The Nakiska Ski Area is at the heart of Evan-Thomas with downhill sports, including snow tubing, snowshoeing, weekly events at the lodge, various dining options, and equipment rentals.
- Kananaskis Village, next to the ski area, is where you will find plenty more dining options, cozy lodging, and simple trail systems for cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing.
- One of the more thrilling ways to get on the Kananaskis and Canmore-area trails is with the local Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours. Trips range from 2 hours to 8 hours, while an overnight trip is also available.
Winter Accommodations in Kananaskis
For many in southern Alberta, including Calgary, a trip to Kananaskis might mean a day trip to the mountains. But if you’re from outside of the area or simply want to take time exploring all Kananaskis has to offer, then there is a multitude of accommodations. This includes a variety of different types of accommodation.
- Choose between a handful of comfy and cozy winter stays within Kananaskis Village. This includes Kananaskis Nordic Spa at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Mount Kidd Manor, or the HI Wilderness Hostel.
- The Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino is on Highway AB-1 beside the entrance to Kananaskis and the road which leads to Troll Falls. The resort has plenty on-site to offer as well like a pool with hot tub and waterslide, two restaurants, and live entertainment.
- Dozens more hotels, motels, condo rentals, and private rentals are available in and around Canmore.
Planning your Trip – Troll Falls
What: Troll Falls runs as a result of the drops in elevation along Marmot Creek. The smaller waterfall completely freezes over in the winters to create stunning winter scenery. The area is within Kananaskis Country and Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. The area’s lush forests and lower mountain peaks are visible throughout different parts of the hike. The trail is about 4km out and back, depending on your route. Access Troll Falls on cross-country skis, winter boots, snowshoes, or a fat tire bike.
Location and how to get there: Troll Falls Trailhead day-use area
Use Highway AB-40/Kananaskis Trail to access Mt. Allen Drive; use this to access Ribbon Creek Rd and the day use area
Cost: Kananaskis Conservation Pass $22.50 per day; $135 per year
Best time to go: trail open year-round
For more information:
Trail Reports & Maps for Evan-Thomas PRA
Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area
