The Siffleur River Canyon
The classic Hike On The Kootenay Plains
Based on a visit to the area on May 11, 2014 and April 27, 2015
Siffleur Falls
Mount Peskett
The area is influenced by the surrounding mountains, the wide shape of the valley and the consistent winds. As a result, the climate is relatively dry and warm creating favourable conditions for a wide diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Plan Your Adventure
- Activity: Hike
- Distance: 7 km return
- Elevation Gain: ~80 m
- Challenge Level: Easy
- Family Friendly: Yes - strollers not recommended
- Trail Type: There and back
- Trail Conditions: Good
- Season: Year Round
- Congestion: Busy
- Alternate Descriptions: The David Thompson Highway - A Hiking Guide includes this hike as part of the longer hike to the third falls.
- Trailhead: Approximately 62 km west of Nordegg and 21 km east of the Banff National Park boundary. The trail starts at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area which provides ample parking space and dry washrooms.
Guided Tours
Enjoy the comfort that comes with a guide who knows the area’s trails, wildlife and terrain so that you can focus on your adventure, while the rest is taken care of.
- Management: Alberta Parks
- Protection Status: Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
- Other Trail Uses: None past the Siffleur River bridge
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Permits / Restrictions: None
- Cell Reception: None
Head Out With A Guide
Make the most of your adventure and head out with a guide. Pursuit Adventures offers guided hikes to Siffleur Falls from April to November. Book below or check out the full itinerary.
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Head Out On Your Own
Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the area. We get it. Here’s the guide for the Siffleur Falls trail.
Siffleur Falls Access | 3.5 km
- 0.5 km | Suspension bridge
- 0.7 km | Boardwalk
- 1.2 km | Go left at the end of the boardwalk
- 1.8 km | Siffleur River Bridge
- 1.9 km | Go right at the junction
- 2.4 km | Hill
- 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
- 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls
Siffleur Falls Return Trail | 3.5 km
- Retrace your steps back to the trailhead
The trail follows the river a short distance before reaching the only hill on this hike. It is a short uphill from there to some great views of Two O'Clock Ridge across the valley and the Siffleur River canyon.
The Return
The falls mark the end of the trail for most people. If you want to go further, the trail continues to two more sets of falls and leads to the Siffleur Wilderness Area. You can find out more about the next section in the Siffleur Falls - Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access trail guide. To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footstep.
Outdoor Safety
- For your safety and the protection of the area please follow trail signs, stay on the trail and respect all trail closures
- Be respectful of wildlife and familiarize yourself with wildlife safety techniques including keeping your pet on a leash and keeping your group together.
- Always use the bear proof garbage bin, keep a clean site and store your food in a bear safe fashion.
- Always be prepared when travelling outdoors.
- This area has no cell phone reception. We recommend carrying an InReach on your hikes. A pay phone is available near the trailhead at the highway pullout across from the Cavalcade Group Campground.
- Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated. Always make sure to obtain current information before going on your adventure.
Disclaimer
There are inherent risks in outdoor activities. Although we strive to provide accurate information and to alert you of potential dangers, trail conditions may change quickly due to weather conditions and other factors. Using the information provided on this site is entirely at your own risk and Pursuit Adventures is in no ways liable for any injuries or other damages that may be sustained by anyone using the trails or information described on this site.
Have you been to this trail? Let us know about your adventure in the comments below.