Must See Waterfalls Around Calgary

Calgary is a perfect basecamp for adventure, especially when it comes to exploring the many natural wonders that Alberta has to offer. One of those wonders is waterfalls, and Alberta has plenty of stunning falls to visit. Our province has everything from waterfalls that are easily accessibly from your parking spot to places that require a bit of a hike to view, and family-friendly falls to jaw-dropping thundering water. You can find all of this and more within a two-hour drive from Calgary. Pack a picnic basket, grab your camera, and prepare to be amazed!

Elbow Falls

Located just outside of the hamlet of Bragg Creek, Elbow Falls features rushing water set against a Rocky Mountain backdrop. There’s a short, 0.8 kilometre trail you can take to explore the falls from different angles. Afterwards, make the 20-minute drive into Bragg Creek to enjoy a meal, grab an ice cream, or wander through the unique shops.

Location: Elbow Falls, AB-66, Bragg Creek

Distance from Calgary: 55 minutes

Edworthy Falls

Take the 9.7 kilometre Elbow Lake Trail to reach the stunning Edworthy Falls . The scenic trail leads you to Elbow Lake, where you’ll find a cairn marking the turnoff for the waterfall. The falls have a picturesque view from the top, and the loop around the lake is also worth hiking!

Location: Edworthy Falls, Elbow Lake Trail, AB-40, Kananaskis

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 35 minutes

Lundbreck Falls

Twenty minutes from Pincher Creek is the awe-inspiring Lundbreck Falls , a popular spot for fishing, wading, and sightseeing. You’ll find a photo-worthy bridge spanning the river, dirt paths to stroll along, and a viewing platform at the top. If you want to make a night of it, Lundbreck Falls Campground offers unserviced, power, and walk-in tenting sites. Or, add this spot to your southern Alberta road trip if you’re heading to Pincher Creek, and be sure to check out the brewery in the town of Lundbreck while you’re at it!

Location: Lundbreck Falls, Range Road 24B, Lundbreck

Distance from Calgary: Two hours

Troll Falls

Known for its short, family friendly hiking trail, Troll Falls is surrounded by mountains and lush forests and is a great spot for all ages! Located in Kananaskis Country, the easy, 3.4 kilometre hike offers a perfect way to get in touch with nature. You can even snowshoe here in the winter months. Plus, the trail is located near the beautiful Lac des Arcs, which offers another good spot for photo opportunities.

Location: Troll Falls, AB-40, Kananaskis

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 10 minutes

Sheep River Falls

You’ll find Sheep River Falls at the end of a short, easy trail that’s located 30 minutes west of Turner Valley. Sheep River Falls is a gorgeous spot to enjoy a picnic, splash around in the water, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It's the perfect place to get out of the car and stretch your legs while road tripping through the small towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Nanton, and Longview.

Location: Sheep River Falls, Sheep River Road, Turner Valley

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 20 minutes

Grassi Lakes Waterfall

The cascading ribbon falls on the Grassi Lakes hike are worth the climb! That said, there is both an easy and a more difficult route on this trail, so not to worry if you aren’t up for a challenging hike. The easy route takes you up an old road through dense forest, and is a good option for families. The harder route climbs through forest terrain and opens up to incredible views of Canmore and the waterfall. Either way, you’ll be rewarded at the top by the turquoise waters of Grassi Lakes.

Note: Grassi Lakes Trail is currently undergoing construction for trail drainage and will have intermittent closures from May 21 to July 31, 2024.

Location: Grassi Lakes, Ken Richie Way, Canmore

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 20 minutes

Johnston Canyon

Located in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is a popular year-round hike. Through the spring, summer, and fall months, you can view the Lower and Upper Falls. The Lower Falls are just a 30-minute hike from the parking lot, while the Upper Falls take a little longer to reach, at an hour each way. In the winter, the area transforms into an ice climber’s paradise.  As the Upper Falls freezes, it  creates a great climb for both beginner and advanced climbers. Guided ice walking tours are available if you want to explore the area during the chilly months. Note: The road to the trailhead is closed during summer months so plan ahead to either take Roam transit or bike to the trailhead.

Location: Johnston Canyon, Bow Valley Parkway, Banff

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 50 minutes

Grotto Canyon

Grotto Canyon is stunning no matter the season. The trail is open year-round, and is a well-known place for hiking, snowshoeing, and birding. The 7.1 kilometre out-and-back trail is relatively easy, and makes a fun challenge for younger kids. About halfway through the hike, you’ll find a waterfall, cave, and Inukshuk garden, creating an inviting stopping point. In the winter, the falls freeze over and offer an opportunity for ice climbing. Hikers should also be on the lookout for interesting pictographs along with routes.

Location: Grotto Canyon, Grotto Mountain Pond, Bow Valley Trail, Bighorn No. 8

Distance from Calgary: One hour and five minutes

Cat Creek Falls

The Cat Creek Interpretive Trail leads to a beautiful six-metre waterfall. Cat Creek Falls is an amazing spot to cool down during your hike at, and even to swim  in the warmer months.. The hike is about 2.6 kilometres out-and-back, and signs bordering the trail outline the natural history of the area.

Location: Cat Creek Falls, Cat Creek, AB-40, Longview

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 25 minutes

Bow Falls

Easily accessible from the parking lot, Banff’s Bow Falls are a must-see. If you’re up for a challenge,  you can walk  the 1.2 kilometre route from the Bow River Bridge to the falls. Bow Falls is incredibly scenic, with vistas of the mountains and forest, and has been shown in several films as the site of famous movie stars being swept away, including Marilyn Monroe.

Location: Bow Falls, Buffalo Street, Banff

Distance from Calgary: One hour and 30 minutes