There are some astonishing waterfalls near Calgary, Canada’s west coast region which is nature-rich and exquisitely scenic. If you are planning an outdoor trip on a sunny winter day, don’t miss the opportunity to witness some of the magical frozen waterfalls near Calgary. We recommend you carry reliable hiking shoes with you while you are ready for the outing.
Note- However, we are listing waterfalls that are free to visit and are accessible within shorter and easier hikes, but you need to have a park entry ticket to visit the waterfalls within the Banff National Park.
Following are the most popular waterfalls near Calgary that are perfect to visit in winters.
1-Elbow Falls
Located around an hour southwest of Calgary, Elbow Falls is the top recommendation when it comes to the most popular waterfalls near Calgary. From the Rockies to Calgary, the Elbow River flows for 120 kilometres before merging with the Bow River. In the summer, the falls are a popular destination, with picnic tables and family-friendly walks nearby. In fact, there are various hiking alternatives, including the shorter Fullerton Loop and more challenging hikes like Prairie Mountain.
2-Sheep River Falls
Sheep River Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls near Calgary, located at Sheep River Provincial Park, which is a lesser-known region in Kananaskis Country. It takes around a day to explore the falls and the scenic landscape around them. Just drive 30 minutes to the east, where you can enjoy delicious lunch in Turner Valley.
3-Crescent Falls
Crescent Falls is 3 hours away from Calgary or Edmonton. Therefore, whether your base location is Calgary or Edmonton, Crescent Falls is accessible at a similar distance. Despite the location from where you started your trip, on this prominent destination, you can witness two majestic waterfalls near Calgary. From here you can extend your trip to Abraham Lake, which is just 30 minutes away. Otherwise, you can enjoy a road trip on Highway 40 to visit spectacular Alberta’s wild horses roaming on the plains.
4-Troll Falls
You can reach Troll Falls on one of Kananaskis’ most well-traveled routes. This one of the most visited waterfalls near Calgary is an excellent choice for families with children or anyone looking for a shorter outing. Summer and winter, the waterfalls form a spectacular environment, and you can even walk behind them. Troll Falls, near Kananaskis Village, is in the centre of K-Country, with plenty of hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities nearby.
5-Marmot Falls
You have the option of going further into the mountains to see Marmot Falls from Troll Falls. One of the prominent frozen waterfalls near Calgary, this magical waterbody is around one hour away from Calgary. There are no signs directing you to this frozen waterfall, making it a little more difficult to find. Look for a small tipi on your way to Troll Falls; the trail down to Marmot Falls is very near to this tipi. You’re on the correct track if you see a brook on your left!
6-Upper Falls
Upper Falls is another spectacular frozen waterfall near Troll Falls. Shorter backtracking from Troll Falls will take you to a marked junction for Troll Falls. This icy path will lead you to a bridge on a vertical hill, therefore, you are suggested to take microspikes with you. Thrilling scenes of this one of the frozen waterfalls near Calgary would be surely worth the extended distance from Troll Falls.
7- Ice Falls in Grotto Canyon
Grotto Canyon is located just outside of Canmore and is slightly over an hour away from the city. This place is a popular summer hiking and tourist destination near Calgary. It’s a popular place to visit in the winter because of the frozen bay, ice slides, and waterfalls. The twin waterfalls are only 2 kilometers away in Grotto Canyon, and it’s a pleasant hike. You might even see some folks attempting to scale these cliffs!
8- Johnston Canyon Upper and Lower Falls
One of the most popular frozen waterfalls near Calgary, Johnston Canyon is also a prominent spot for hiking trails in Banff National Park. This spot includes some family-friendly hikes and is known for adventures and sightseeing. If you visit this gorgeous place during the winter, you will be able to avoid the crowds. View the ice of Upper Falls on a beautiful trek just above the canyon. After that, you’ll walk even further along the catwalk to see the frozen Lower Falls, which are both spectacular at this time of year.
9- Lundbreck Falls
Lundbreck Falls is one of the numerous waterfalls near Calgary that Southern Alberta has to offer. The Crowsnest Pass area is a fantastic road trip destination, and these falls are a wonderful stop along the way. It’s only about 2 hours from Calgary, so it’s a quick day trip. Alternatively, you might spend the weekend at Beaver Mines Lakes or another location in Castle Provincial Park. There are other excellent hikes in the area, including Table Mountain and Turtle Mountain.
10 – Cameron Falls
Cameron Falls is an amazing waterfall located in Waterton Lakes National Park, which is one of the five magnificent national parks in Alberta province. It takes 3 hours to drive from Calgary to reach here. Perhaps it is one of those waterfalls near Calgary that offers numerous hiking trails and tremendous sightseeing. This waterfall is apt to visit in both summers and winters.
Finishing Note
The surroundings are sometimes as charming as the waters themselves because the majority of these waterfalls are located near Calgary, Alberta. Every waterfall that we have mentioned above has its own allure; from large to small, accessible to hidden, there is a fall for everyone to discover throughout this vast region. A gorgeous experience of witnessing all the magnificent waterfalls near Calgary is waiting for you.