 |
| The Upper Falls above Troll Falls |
Destination 1: Troll Falls
 |
| Troll Falls |
For trailhead directions and a general overview of this hike please visit the Alberta Parks website where you can read all about the Troll Falls Hike.
We usually start at the Stoney Trailhead below Kananaskis Village.
From the Stoney Trailhead, the Alberta Parks website says it is a short 1.7 km hike (one way) to reach the falls. You'll be following wide multi-use trails (designated for cross-country skiing, hiking, and fat biking) and there are signs at every junction.
Note that while the trail is open to hikers and bikers, it's still appreciated if you stay off the ski tracks and that you give the right of way to skiers coming downhill towards you (since it's often hard to stop on steep hills.)
What to expect from this part of the hike:
This part of the hike is extremely family-friendly and you can even pull children in sleds. The trail is relatively flat with gentle hills that walkers will not find challenging. It's an excellent beginner hike, and most of the time you will be fine in your winter boots without ice cleats.
When conditions are icy (or if it hasn't snowed in a while) you will however appreciate ice cleats. You should never need snowshoes as the trail is always well packed down.
* As of 2021 there is now a barrier in front of the falls to encourage people to appreciate them from afar due to safety concerns. Some of my photos are from pre-2021.
 |
| Troll Falls is magical in winter |
From Troll Falls you can either turn around, or continue a short ways back down the trail, cross the creek, and continue to the second set of waterfalls, shown below.
This is where the true magic begins on this hike.
 |
| This is what awaits you if you go above Troll Falls! This is Marmot Falls (or the middle falls) |
Destination 2: Marmot Falls (or the middle falls)
From Troll Falls, hike back a short distance until you see a bridge (in the photo below) or hike further back to a junction with a sign that says "Upper Falls."
Follow the trail on the other side of the creek as it starts to climb. The trails is quite steep but there are stairs and handrails to help you.
 |
| The bridge to the Upper Falls Trail from Troll Falls |
There is a set of stairs that takes you down to the Middle Falls (known as Marmot Falls) and then another set of stairs that takes you back up afterwards so that you can continue hiking towards the Upper Falls. It's less than a 20 minute hike to reach Marmot Falls once you leave Troll Falls.
 |
| Standing behind Marmot Falls on the hike above Troll Falls |
Destination 3: Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls are located right on the trail, and thus are easy to find. They are also close to Marmot Falls, so you'll only be hiking another 10 minutes up the steep trail.
We often have a lot of fun playing around on these falls and my boys like climbing them.
 |
| Playing around on Boulder Falls |
Note, if you plan on climbing any of the falls, you may want to bring helmets for the kids. Spikes are also imperative.
And obviously, wait until they are well frozen before you go playing around on them! The same should be said for the creek.
And because I know Alberta Parks would not approve of going off trail to play on the ice, let me say that you are doing this at your own risk!! There are signs encouraging users to stick to the trail. The last time we played on the ice was back when the trail was much less official. Now we would likely question going off trail. I'm leaving the photos though for nostalgia.
 |
| Boulder Falls have been fun to climb on previous trips |
Destination 4: The Double Falls or the "Upper Falls"
The final set of waterfalls is really two sets, the "lower" and the "upper" falls, or collectively is known as "Double Falls."
This gorgeous multi-tiered waterfall is fun to play around on (if you're careful,) and when frozen, the creek is fun to explore.
 |
| We found his waterfall while exploring down along the creek |
Hike up beside the frozen creek and the waterfalls until you reach the final waterfall, the "Upper Falls." Here, it's possible to walk out on a ledge half way up.
 |
| Walking out on a ledge in the middle of the Upper Falls |
This is where the official trail ends. Return the same way you came. On our most recent trip, we returned via the Hay Meadows ski trail for a total distance of 5.3 km and 178 metres of height gain. Our trip took us just under 2 hours.
 |
| The Upper Falls at the end of the official trail above Troll Falls |
Need a Place to Stay nearby?
Spend the weekend at the HI Canada Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel where you'll get an amazing basecamp for hiking to Troll Falls. You can even hike right out the front door of the hostel for your hike, and then return later in the afternoon - without ever having to drive anywhere!
 |
| HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel |
The hostel has private rooms for families along with two dorm rooms separated by gender for adults (or for families with older youth.) We always stay in one of the private rooms.
Note that the private rooms sleep 3 people comfortably in a single over double bunk bed, but you can often put a child on the floor of your room, and the hostel will give you an extra mattress if you need. (Inquire directly with the hostel on this.)
Bathrooms are shared in the hostel, but there is indoor plumbing, showers, and electricity, so you won't be roughing it too much when you stay here.
We also appreciate being able to cook our own meals in the large shared kitchen, and we enjoy the cozy fireside room that we can retreat to after putting the kids to bed.
Read more on our previous adventures at the HI Canada Kananaskis Hostel below:
 |
| Playing games in the fireside room of the Kananaskis Hostel |
Interested in Other Ice Hikes near Calgary?
Check out these awesome hikes and the stories I've written on them:
Jura Creek, Kananaskis:
 |
| Ice sidewalk in Jura Creek |
Johnston Canyon, Banff:
 |
| Johnston Canyon Hike |
Grotto Canyon, Kananaskis:
 |
| Frozen icefalls in Grotto Canyon |
Happy Ice Hiking!
No comments:
Post a Comment