TRAILS, CAMPFIRE AND FAMILY FUN
Head out for a weekend of easy family hikes, memories by the campfire and a little exploring in David Thompson Country.
This weekend itinerary is filled with 2 days of hiking, waterfalls and great views on trails that the whole family can enjoy. The Kootenay Plains offers a rustic experience making this a great option for those looking to get away from the crowds.
While this adventure isn’t far from civilization it will definitely give you a chance to disconnect from the day-to-day as you head out to explore as a family.
AT A GLANCE
- Activities: Camping + Hiking
- Duration: Weekend – 2 Nights
- Great for: Outdoorsy Families
- Challenge Level: Easy
- Season: May to October
- Reservations: The campground is first come first serve and all other activities are self-guided. Book one of our Whitegoat Falls Guided Hike for the best experience.
DAY 1
Start your adventure by making your way to Two O’Clock Creek Campground on the Kootenay Plains, 25 minutes east of the Icefields Parkway or 45 minutes west of Nordeggt depending on where you’re coming from. The drive from Banff is approximately 2 hours, from Calgary 3 hours and from Edmonton 4 hours.
Two O’Clock Creek is a smaller campground with great views of the surrounding mountains. On summer weekends it can fill up early, with all sites being on a first come first serve basis so you’ll want to arrive before 4 pm if you’re starting your adventure on a Friday or Saturday. If the campground is full nearby options include random camping, David Thompson Resort and Thompson Creek Campground or rustic camping areas like Preacher’s Point or Wildhorse Creek.
DAY 2
Today is all about exploring the area on a fun family hike. There are lots of options nearby but if it’s your first visit to the area we recommend Siffleur Falls. The Siffleur Falls Staging Area is a 2 km drive from the campground. On weekends the Siffleur Falls trail and parking lot can be quite busy and we recommend starting the hike by 10:30 am to avoid the crowds.
The Siffleur Falls Trail is an easy 7 km hike taking you along a canyon, great scenery and up to a waterfall plunging in the gorge below. We wouldn’t recommend going with a stroller but younger kids can usually do the hike in 3 to 4 hours.
Try something different for dinner today and bake a pizza on the campfire. The kids will love it and it’s much easier than it sounds.
After dinner head out for a short stroll through the Cavalcade Group Campground. There are many trails linking the two campgrounds and the open meadow makes for great views of Mount Peskett, Tuff Puff Ridge and Mount Ernest Ross in the evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the path behind Site 6 in the group camping area where you’ll often find wildflowers and an abandoned car.
DAY 3
Start the day with a full breakfast of pancakes and campfire-roasted peaches. Check-out time isn’t until 2 pm, so take some time to enjoy your morning at this pretty campground.
On the way home make a stop for a short hike. If you’re pressed for time, Flag Hill is a great option to get some good views of Abraham Lake in a hike that will take about an hour as a family. The trailhead is partway down the hill leading to Preacher’s Point when you’re coming from Two O’Clock Creek. The trail isn’t very obvious for the first section but once your reach the ridge you can’t miss it.
If you have a little more time, head to Whitegoat Falls. You’ll want to plan a couple of hours for this one but the double punch bowl waterfalls make for a great lunch spot before driving back. The trail to Whitegoat Falls starts at the Cline River Waste Transfer Station, a short distance past David Thompson Resort. Don’t let the starting point turn you off, the trail is easy and takes you to one of our kids’ favourite waterfalls.
After your hike, plan on making a stop at the Nordegg Canteen for some fries and ice cream.
Book A Guided Hike to Whitegoat Falls
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