Challenge Level: Easy

  • Tershishner Falls Winter Hike

    A great family option

    This trail is a great option for those looking at getting started with winter hiking.

    Tershishner icefall makes for a great introduction to hiking in winter. This relatively short hike up a creek ends in a small icefall at the mouth of Tershishner Canyon. With little elevation gain, easy navigation and low commitment of time, this trail is a superb option for families. If there is lots of fresh snow, this trail can become much more difficult. The snow collects on the creek bed and can be notoriously deep; bring snowshoes just in case!

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~85 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None

    Trailhead:  Approximately 26km west of Nordegg and 64km east of Banff National Park boundary.

  • Siffleur Falls Winter Hike

    One of the region’s iconic waterfalls

    One of the most popular hike in the area and for good reasons, taking you right to the edge of the canyon and up close for great views of Siffleur Falls.

    This hike is located within the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve which encompasses approximately 34 square kilometres of the North Saskatchewan River valley south of Abraham Lake. The area is intersected by the Siffleur and North Saskatchewan rivers with open plains dominated by grasses, forbs and stands of aspen and limber pine trees. White spruce and lodgepole pines cover most of the surrounding slopes.

    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.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~80 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Busy
    • Management: Alberta Parks Ecological Reserve
    • Other Trail Uses: None

    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.

  • Crescent Falls Winter Hike

    The region’s most popular frozen waterfalls

    This area will be closed until summer 2024. We will update this guide once the upgrades to the site are completed.

  • Allstones Creek Winter Hike

    Allstones Creek Winter Hike

    An interesting hike from start to finish

    A fun little canyon hike filled with rock features and a frozen waterfall.

    Allstones creek is a great hike for most abilities and families. You enter a deep canyon with lots of interesting, exposed rock that ends at a frozen waterfall.

    It’s not too long that you get tired and not too short that you barely stretch your legs or have time to explore. It is not often there is a fun-filled route this close to the highway and of this length. What are you waiting for!

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~80 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska/Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None

    Trailhead: The trail starts at the Allstones Lake Staging Area, approximately 31 km west of Nordegg and 52 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. Toilets are available at the trailhead.

    The trail guide

    Distances

    • 1.2 km | Frozen waterfalls
    • 2.4 km | Trailhead

    The Journey

    There are two options to park for this hike, one on the north side of Allstones Creek and one on the south. Both have toilets available but no garbage cans. The north lot fills up quickly when it is accessible and is often filled with snow during the winter months. The parking lot on the south side is usually accessible all season long.

    Cross the highway and enter the creek from the left side (south) or if you want to start with an adventure, you can take the culvert from the parking lot side to cross under the highway. Immediately, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful, vertically exposed rock ribs. Start heading up the frozen creek bed past the vibrant coloured rock as the canyon starts to constrict around you.

    Follow the creek for multiple twists and turns, snaking your way past water-carved cliffs and overhangs. Be sure to take the time to appreciate the artwork created over many years of erosion by the persistent creek. Most years the creek freezes and covers the rocks in the creek bed, creating an easy pathway to follow.

    In a mostly flat 1.6 km you will reach an intimate waterfall, frozen in time, as it cascades over a headwall. See if you can hear and see the water moving behind the ice!

    The Return Trail

    Retrace your footsteps back to your vehicle.

  • Whitegoat Falls Winter Hike

    Whitegoat Falls Winter Hike

    An easy winter hike along Abraham Lake

    A pretty frozen waterfall that’s well worth the short hike through the forest.

    These falls may not be as dramatic in the winter as others nearby like Siffleur Falls, the Cline River Canyon or Crescent Falls but they’re still worth the effort. They are not as busy as the better-known frozen waterfalls meaning that you often have the place to yourself and the ability to walk right to the base of the falls allows you to really appreciate their scale.

    The best times to visit are first thing in the morning and shortly before sunset when the light on the falls is at its best. Snowshoes are best after a snowfall but this trail is usually well packed enough to use ice cleats only on most days.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~120 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: Snowmobiles are allowed on a section of the trail

    Trailhead: Approximately 45 km west of Nordegg and 45 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. During the winter months the road to the Cline River Waste Transfer Station is not maintained. Park at the highway and walk up the access road. 

    The trail guide

    Distances

    • 0.3 km | Waste Transfer Station
    • 0.5 km | Whitegoat Creek Trail
    • 1.3 km | Whitegoat Falls Trail Junction
    • 1.6 km | Junction
    • 1.6 km | Steeper Hill / Creek Access
    • 1.8 km | Whitegoat Falls
  • Whitegoat Falls

    Whitegoat Falls

    An easy hike along Abraham Lake

    One of our kids favourite trail, the Whitegoat Falls trail takes you to a double punch bowl set of waterfalls on a pretty creek.

    It seems that most of the times I’ve been to Whitegoat Falls the area was filled with smoke from wildfires in British Columbia. It might just be that the wildflowers along the trail, the close-up views of the falls and the low elevation gain make up for the hazy skies, putting it at the top of our list on those types of days.

    The Bighorn Backcountry might be close to the national parks and urban centres but it still has a remote feel to it. This includes the naming of creeks and natural features where informal names often prevail. You won’t find names on the map for places like Hoodoo Creek and others like Whitegoat Creek (official name) is signed as Cline Creek at the highway, an unofficial name (the official Cline Creek is a tributary of the Brazeau River). Historically, the Cline River was named White Goat River, further confusing places along the David Thompson Highway.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.4 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~155 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly (no strollers)
    • Trail type: There and back (loop option)
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: Horses

    Trailhead: Approximately 45 km west of Nordegg and 45 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. The trail starts at the Cline River Waste Transfer Station. Parking available, no washrooms.

    Book Now

    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 Whitegoat Falls trail.

    The Map

    The Journey

    The Distances

    • 0.1 km | Whitegoat Creek Trail
    • 0.9 km | Whitegoat Falls Trail Junction
    • 1.2 km | Junction
    • 1.3 km | Junction
    • 1.3 km | Stream Crossing
    • 1.5 km | Stream Crossing
    • 1.5 km | Whitegoat Falls

    The Waste Transfer Station

    The trail starts at the Cline Waste Transfer Station. This might not sound like the best spot to start a hike but you’ll soon forget about it as you make your way up to the falls.

    Follow the trail on the left heading around the fenced-in area to make your way across to the other side of the transfer station. At this point, a sign marks the Whitegoat Creek Trail. Follow the wide trail up the gentle hill through the forest.

    The Whitegoat Falls Trail

    After 900 metres there is a well-marked junction on the left. This is the trail to Whitegoat Falls. Follow the narrower path into the forest, making your way down the hill toward the creek. 

    The Canyon

    At the next junction make your way 30 metres past the sign indicating Whitegoat Falls to some nice views of the V-shaped gorge. Return to the junction and follow the sign.

    Crossing the Creek

    A few metres past the junction there is another junction. The trail on the right is the one described in David Thompson Highway Hiking Guide but we recommend taking the trail on the left at this point. It leads to a somewhat steep hill down to the creek but it is a much easier option than the hill at the end of the trail on the right. At the bottom of the hill, cross the stream on the log and make your way up along the stream bed.

    The Falls

    Approximately 200 metres later you come to another stream crossing with multiple logs set up across the creek. As soon as you cross the creek you find out that you are standing at the bottom of the falls, hidden until that point by the rock wall. This makes for a great lunch spot, relaxing below the falls.

    The Return Trail

    There are a couple of options for the return to the trailhead. The easiest option is to retrace your footsteps back to the waste transfer station. Another option is to make it up the steeper hill mentioned earlier. It’s easier to go up than down and this will take you up along the bench overlooking the creek and with views of the waterfalls from above.

    To go this way, look along the trees at the bottom of the hill for signs of a trail or follow the obvious trail at the base of the falls going up. Make your way up the hill to a junction and head right. Looking back at the waterfalls makes for great views with Mount Stelfox in the background. Follow the trail to the junction from earlier and retrace your footsteps from there back to the trailhead.

    At the junction overlooking the canyon, you can either follow your tracks back to the trailhead or follow the trail along the creek. This trail is less obvious in sections but provides a nice option to return to the trailhead.

  • Siffleur Benches Trail Guide

    Siffleur Benches Trail Guide

    Amazing views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley

    The easy Siffleur Benches hike starts at a busy trailhead but quickly gets away from the crowds where you’ll enjoy amazing views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and the surrounding mountains.

    This trail is sometimes referred by Alberta Parks as Survey Hill given the great vantage point that is your destination. This often leads to confusion given that there is a place called Survey Hill a little further down the trail.

    Take your time as you explore the area, stop to take in the views along the ridge overlooking the Siffleur River and enjoy what Mary Schaffer Warren referred to as the golden plains of the Saskatchewan.

    Your adventure might start at one of the busiest trailhead in the area, a short drive away from the popular Icefields Parkway, but you’ll feel a world away as you explore the benches.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 6.9 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~145 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: Partial Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate (busy trailhead)
    • Management: Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
    • Other Trail Uses: None

    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 toilets.

    HEAD OUT ON YOUR OWN

    DISTANCES

    • 0.6 km | Suspension Bridge
    • 1.2 km | Glacier Trail
    • 1.8 km | Siffleur River
    • 1.9 km | Junction
    • 2.2 km | Junction
    • 2.4 km | Junction
    • 2.6 km | Junction
    • 3.2 km | Junction
    • 3.3 km | Junction
    • 3.8 km | Viewpoint
    • 4.3 km | Junction
    • 4.4 km | Junction
    • 5.0 km | Junction
    • 5.1 km | Siffleur River
    • 5.7 km | Junction
    • 6.3 km | Suspension Bridge
    • 6.9 km | Trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the trailhead, follow the well established trail to Siffleur Falls. The first section takes you through a meadow with great views of Mount Peskett before reaching the suspension bridge over the North Saskatchewan River. This is Alberta’s longest suspension bridge.

    On the other side of the bridge follow the boardwalk through the fragile ecosystem and make your way to Glacier Trail. Follow the old road toward Siffleur Falls, going straight at the junction at the end of the boardwalk. After crossing the Siffleur River you come to a 3 way junction. Go straight following the old road. At first the trail is overgrown with silverberry bushes but soon it opens back up as you start to make your way up the hill.

    Part way up the hill there is a small trail to the left. This is a shortcut but you are better off continuing straight ahead on the main trail. As the trail levels off there is an obvious trail to the left, just before a sign for the Adpot-A-Trail program. Follow this trail as it makes it’s way along the edge of the benches overlooking the Siffleur River. At the next junction on a hill, head to the right up the hill. At the top, take the trail on the left to access the viewpoint.

    The viewpoint is an open area overlooking the valley below and at the top of the rills and gullies you can see from the trailhead. Take some time to enjoy the view before making your way back to the trailhead.

    THE RETURN

    Make your way back on the trail until you reach the junction on the hill. At this point, go straight to make your way down to the Siffleur River and follow the trail back to the 3 way junction near the bridge over the Siffleur River. Retrace your steps from there back to the trailhead.

  • Cline River Canyon Trail Guide

    Cline River Canyon Trail Guide

    A SHORT HIKE WITH BIG REWARDS

    A great option for a short hike along Abraham Lake, taking you close to the edge of the Cline River Canyon and to dramatic views along the way.

    This trail is similar to the first section of the Coral and Cline Canyons hike (you’ll see the trail across the canyon on many occasions) with the option of reaching the bottom of the canyon in an area popular in the winter with ice climbers.

    This makes for a great family hike but keep in mind that this is an unofficial trail without any railing or guards along the edge of the canyon.

    The Cline River has gone by many names over the years. A.P. Coleman, the geologist and explorer, named it the Cataract River in 1893. Mary Schaffer refers to it by that name in her book when she made the journey from Pinto Lake to the Kootenay Plains in 1907.

    It was later called the Whitegoat River before getting its current name from Michel Klyne, the Hudson Bay Company postmaster for Jasper House from 1824 to 1834.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.3 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~115 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: Partial Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: The Pinto Lake Recreation Trail Staging Area is a short distance south west of the Cline River bridge, approximately 48 km west of Nordegg and 41 east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11.

    The Trail Guide

    THE ACCESS

    • 0.1 km | Random campsite
    • 0.5 km | Junction – keep left
    • 0.9 km | Junction – keep right
    • 1.1 km | Junction – keep left
    • 1.2 km | Viewpoint – keep left
    • 1.4 km | Junction – river access along the creek
    • 1.6 km | Cline River

    THE RETURN

    • 0.2 km | Junction – keep left to retrace your steps
    • 0.4 km | Viewpoint – go straight along the canyon
    • 0.7 km | Great view of the Cline River
    • 0.8 km | River access at the end of the canyon
    • 1.2 km | Junction – keep left
    • 1.7 km | Trailhead

    THE ACCESS TRAIL

    Follow the old road heading up the edge of the gravel pit, ignore a footpath on the left at the top of the hill (this trail connects with the Pinto Lake Recreation Trail) and walk through a random campsite, staying on the well defined path.

    The trail is broad and takes you into the forest. The next junction at 0.5 km is the trail you will be on when you come back. Continue straight ahead.

    This section of trail is pleasant but without any great views. Soon you come upon a short hill with a trail merging from the left. Continue on the main trail to the right. From here the trail gets narrower and more interesting.

    Crossing a couple of sometimes muddy section you get great views of Abraham Lake in the distance.

    At 1.1 km a shortcut on the right heads directly to a narrow section of the canyon where you may come across groups crossing on a Tyrolean traverse. Continue on the trail to the left for now as you are only a short distance away from the viewpoint.

    The views as you come across a 90-degree bend in the river are great on their own and would make for a great lunch spot. If you don’t mind a short but steep section along a small stream, continue on to make your way to the bottom of the canyon.

    Going left from the viewpoint follow the trail to a gully and follow the path along the mostly dry stream bed down to the river. This section of the canyon, often referred to as the Clive River Galleria, is a popular ice climbing destination. Throughout the winter this is an easy snowshoe walk and in the spring you can see ice left on the walls well after the snow has melted.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Retrace your footsteps back up to the viewpoint. From there, follow the trail straight ahead along the canyon. The trail makes its way down where the rivers comes out of the canyon, making another 90-degree change of course. This spot makes another great viewpoint and access to the river.

    The trail soon heads uphill and away from the river. The junction at the top is the one from earlier, keep left to make your way back to the trailhead.

  • Flag Hill Trail Guide

    Flag Hill Trail Guide

    WHERE THE NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER MEETS ABRAHAM LAKE

    The short hike up Flag Hill above Preacher’s Point takes you to some nice views of Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains.

    It’s a quick hike but there’s no reason not to bring a book along and linger for a while to enjoy the views.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 1.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~75 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: Approximately 59 km west of Nordegg and 31 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. Look for an abandoned driveway with a culvert on the side of the road.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    FLAG HILL ACCESS | 0.8 KM

    • 0.1 km | Look for a faint trail next to an old streambed
    • 0.3 km | Base of the hill
    • 0.8 km | Top of Flag Hill

    FLAG HILL RETURN TRAIL | 0.8 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the old access where you parked, walk up along the edge of the forest along the road until you come across a dry creek bed and find a faint path. From there, make your way to the base of the ridge straight ahead. At the bottom of the ridge the trail becomes obvious, making it’s way up the hill to the makeshift flagpole.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Goldeye Lake Trail Guide

    Goldeye Lake Trail Guide

    A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKE NEAR NORDEGG

    An easy hike for the whole family along the shores of Goldeye Lake for those looking to stretch their legs.

    After a crazy summer, we finally had a chance to head out for a couple of days of family fun. We’d originally planned to do the second mine tour but they had closed for the season the day before. Making new plans on a lazy day we decided to head out for a short family hike. We hadn’t spent much time at Goldeye Lake before and since we’d often heard about it we decided to give it a try.

    Maybe our expectations were too high but we were a little disappointed with this hike. While pleasant and a great option for an evening stroll, we found that this walk didn’t offer views or an experience as good as nearby Fish Lake.

    We would definitely recommend this trail if you’re staying at the campground or just looking to stretch your legs on the way through.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2.4 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~30 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Goldeye Lake PRA & Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Trailhead: The Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area is approximately 11 km west of Nordegg and 83 east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. The trail starts in the day use area of the campground.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    GOLDEYE LAKE TRAIL

    • 0.0 km | Trailhead at the day use area
    • 0.3 km | Fire Guard for the Goldeye Centre
    • 0.4 km | Goldeye Centre dock and stairs
    • 0.6 km | Second Fire Guard
    • 0.7 km | Straight at the junction with a trail merging from the right
    • 0.8 km | Boardwalk across the marsh
    • 1.0 km | The trail re-enters the forest
    • 1.9 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
    • 2.0 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
    • 2.4 km | Back at the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    The trail starts at the north east corner of the day use parking lot. Follow the hiking trail sign past the day use picnic area and into the forest.

    After 300 metres the trail emerges along the lake shore. From there you will pass the fireguards that were built around the Goldeye Centre along with the stairs to the centre and their dock. They now offer canoe rentals which seemed very enticing on a warm afternoon. The Goldeye Centre is a private facility, please respect their property and stay on the trail through this section.

    Shortly after the second fireguard, the trail heads into the forest. The trail merging from the right at 0.7 km leads back to the Goldeye Centre, continue straight ahead. A 100 metres later the trail emerges from the forest into the marshland. As you follow the boardwalk take a few minutes to enjoy the view and appreciate this sensitive and ecologically significant area.This is probably the best part of the hike.

    From there the trail heads back into the forest, offering glimpses of the lake along the way. At 1.9 km there is a junction. The main trail is straight ahead. I believe that the trail to the right is the Goldeye – Dryhaven connector described in David Thompson Highway – A Hiking Guide. The trail to the left leads to the lake shore.

    Shortly after this junction there is a bridge over the Black Canyon Creek. Stay on the main trail to return to the trailhead. The path to the right immediately after the bridge appears to lead to a set of waterfall. We’ll check it out on a future trip and update. If you’ve taken this path please let us know in the comments below.

    The trail returns to the day-use area next to the dock. The perfect spot to enjoy a break after your hike.

Call: (403) 986-6190
Email: bookings@nordeggadventures.ca

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