Spectacular Hike to Siffleur Falls, Alberta, Canada

My favorite, easy hike to enjoy nature west of Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg

Siffleur Falls is a scenic hike with a fantastic payoff. There is a trail beside the gorge that the Siffleur river runs through, a boardwalk through a native fragile plant zone, and two bridges.

It’s just under 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) to the falls and back. Plan on spending at least 2 to 3 hours here. We like to bring a snack and hang out above the falls for a while before we head back, and we are always under 3 hours total time.

This is not a stroller friendly trail! You will end up turning back.

The last time we went here, our friend brought a large dog who had a bit of trouble crossing the swinging bridge. He didn’t like seeing the river underneath of him through the grating. But I see lots of other dogs who make it across the bridge with zero problems.

The trail always seems to be in pretty good shape, which probably explains why it can get busy here. A lot of people come back, just like I do. It’s a special place.

Trail Breakdown

As long as you stay on this easily recognizable trail, you will never get lost going to Siffleur Falls.

After leaving the parking area, there is a short jaunt through bushes. You come to the swinging bridge crossing the North Saskatchewan River. After that is a section of boardwalk that takes you past a flat plain. Here you are asked to stay on the boardwalk to minimize destruction of this delicate area. After this you will reach the plank bridge across the Siffleur River.

The trail continues on through bushes and trees until you encounter the only steep hill on the hike. For those who are used to hiking, it will be easy. If you’re a beginner, please go with a more experienced hiker. It’s a gravelly trail with a bit of a side slope, not difficult once you give it a try.

Walking along the ravine (a very safe distance away, don’t worry!), you soon come to the main falls. There are several viewing areas with steel railings so you can safely get close, and past that is a flat area above the falls where you can approach the water.

Please be careful to stay away from edges, and don’t enter the water above the falls. I have seen people do some crazy, dangerous things here. That’s why I wrote about it in this article, because I don’t really want to see someone plunge to their doom:

Location: About 61 km west of Nordegg, Alberta, Canada

Facilities: Siffleur Falls Staging Area parking lot, dry washrooms, garbage cans

Nearby Campgrounds: Two O’Clock Creek (a few kilometers away)

Some sites online suggest this is a year round hike. Those people are crazy! This is Canada, where winter is 7 months long! I never go here except from late April to around mid October myself.

Have you been to Siffleur Falls? Leave a response below!