Location: Thompson Creek & The Kootenay Plains

  • Preacher’s Point South Rustic Camping Area

    Preacher’s Point South Rustic Camping Area

    A pretty camping spot with great mountain views, easy access to adventures and amazing paddling on Abraham Lake in the fall.

    Above: In late summer and fall this is a great spot for photography with flooded aspen trees

    This spot is located across the bay from the main Preacher’s Point camping area with more secluded camping spots that still offer great views of the surrounding peaks.

    The water level fluctuates a lot here, from the original channel of the North Saskatchewan River in early summer to a full lake by early fall making it a popular spot for photographers.

    Over the past few years the provincial government turned it into an official camping area with access roads and toilets. It is included in the public lands camping pass, allowing you to stay for up to 14 days at a time for $30 per adult per year.

    Please note that motorized vehicles are not allowed below the high water mark or on the lake bottom from April 30 to December 1.

    At a Glance

    Above: As Abraham Lake fills up in later summer and fall it creates some amazing scenes with flooded aspens and mountain reflections

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive (the Kootenay Plains Scenic Float starts at this camping area) from this camping area while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 10 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Preacher’s Point

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 10 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway.

    Popular hikes in the area include Siffleur Falls, Coral Creek Canyon, Tuff Puff Ridge and Thompson Creek Falls. This is a good spot to finish a river trip from the Icefields Parkway or to paddle on the lake once the reservoir fills up in late summer. Keep in mind that the water is cold all year and that winds can pick up quickly as you plan your water adventure.

    Nearby Services

    You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 25 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 10 minutes away.

    Nordegg is only 40 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Getting Here

    The camping area is located on Highway 11, 60 km west of Nordegg and 30 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

    Get directions

  • Preacher’s Point North Rustic Camping Area

    Preacher’s Point North Rustic Camping Area

    This is one of the most easily accessible lakeside camping spots in the region, making it one of the most popular.

    Above: In late summer and fall this is a great spot to paddle through the flooded aspen trees

    Located at the furthest end of Abraham Lake from the Bighorn Dam, roughly 30 km away, this area sees large fluctuations throughout the year. If you visit in the spring or early summer you’ll find the North Saskatchewan River flowing through its original channel. Come back in late summer or the fall and you’ll find a full lake, often overflowing its banks into the nearby aspen trees and making it a popular spot for paddling and photography.

    Over the past few years the provincial government turned it into an official camping area with access roads and toilets. It is included in the public lands camping pass, allowing you to stay for up to 14 days at a time for $30 per adult per year.

    Please note that motorized vehicles are not allowed below the high water mark or on the lake bottom from April 30 to December 1.

    At a Glance

    Above: As Abraham Lake fills up in later summer and fall it creates some amazing scenes with flooded aspens and mountain reflections

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive from this camping area while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 10 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Preacher’s Point

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 10 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway.

    Popular hikes in the area include Siffleur Falls, Coral Creek Canyon, Tuff Puff Ridge and Thompson Creek Falls. This is a good spot to finish a river trip from the Icefields Parkway or to paddle on the lake once the reservoir fills up in late summer. Keep in mind that the water is cold all year and that winds can pick up quickly as you plan your water adventure.

    Nearby Services

    You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 25 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 10 minutes away.

    Nordegg is only 40 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Getting Here

    The camping area is located on Highway 11, 60 km west of Nordegg and 30 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

    Get directions

  • Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area

    Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area

    A pretty camping area along the North Saskatchewan River with great mountain views and easy access to nearby adventures.

    Above: This once “secret” spot now has the feel of a campground but the views along the river are still well worth it

    This is the only camping area along the North Saskatchewan River between Abraham Lake and the Icefields Parkway. You’ll find some great camping spots here with river and mountain views.

    It’s a great base camp to explore nearby trails like Siffleur Falls, Tuff Puff Ridge and Thompson Creek Falls or to paddle the North Saskatchewan River.

    Over the past few years the provincial government turned it into an official camping area with access roads and toilets. It is included in the public lands camping pass, allowing you to stay for up to 14 days at a time for $30 per adult per year.

    At a Glance

    Above: This area has some great riverside camping spots along the North Saskatchewan River
    Above: Changes to the area in recent years included new roads and toilets, giving this spot more of a campground feel

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive (the Icefields Scenic Float starts at this camping area) from this camping area while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 20 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Wildhorse Creek

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 20 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway.

    Popular hikes in the area include Siffleur Falls, Tuff Puff Ridge and Thompson Creek Falls.

    Nearby Services

    You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 15 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 20 minutes away.

    Nordegg is only 50 minutes away where you’ll find gas stations, basic supplies, restaurants and shops. An RV sani-dump is available at the Nordegg Lodge.

    Getting Here

    The camping area is located on Highway 11, 75 km west of Nordegg and 20 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

    Get directions

  • 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.

  • The Kootenay Plains Scenic Float

    The Kootenay Plains Scenic Float

    Home » Thompson Creek & The Kootenay Plains

    The Kootenay Plains Scenic Float

    Book Now

    Call 403 986-6190 or email bookings@nordeggadventures.ca for more info

    Activity

    Scenic Float

    Adventure Level

    Easy

    Meeting Location

    Preacher’s Point South

    Duration

    River: 3 hours | Total: 4 hours

    Availability

    Daily at 9:00 and 13:00

    Season

    May to October

    Take in the sights of the Kootenay Plains

    Our most popular tour (approximately 3 hours of river time) let’s you slow down to enjoy one of Alberta’s most scenic river, floating through the golden plains of the North Saskatchewan River, from Whirlpool Point to Abraham Lake.

    The Kootenay Plains Scenic Float starts at the south end of Abraham Lake, only 20 minutes east of the Icefields Parkway. Your guide takes care of the rowing so that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on this gentle section of the river.

    The Adventure

    Part of the beauty of playing outside is that the conditions are always changing, from bluebird days to foggy mornings slowly revealing the mountain peaks around us. No matter the conditions, there’s something about slowing down and taking in the views that take us far away from the ordinary.

    Your adventure begins as you meet your guide at the Preacher’s South Rustic Camping Area before jumping on our bus for a 10-minute shuttle to where we’ll start our float down the river. Our full-size rafts with our guides taking care of the rowing means that you get to sit back and enjoy the mountain views on this gentle section of the North Saskatchewan River.

    Shortly after setting off we go through Whirlpool Point where the river cuts through the rocks creating flows that give the place its name. There we’ll find one of Alberta’s oldest tree and the landscape starts to change as we make our way from the main range to the front range of the Canadian Rockies.

    The Kootenay Plains are a unique grassland in the mountains, with a dry climate creating a very special place unlike most other valleys in the area. Enjoy snacks as we float along with a short island walk along the way.

    The river then returns to a single channel as we go under the Siffleur Falls trail suspension bridge, speeding up towards Abraham Lake. On this section you’ll get to float along cliff and hoodoos before we make our way back to your vehicle to wrap up this half-day tour.

    Why book This Tour?
    • See the Kootenay Plains from a different perspective.
    • Experience a peaceful float surrounded by the Canadian Rockies.
    • A family-friendly river adventure for all ages.
    • Our guides do the rowing and you get to stay dry: perfect for those looking to take in the views.
    Meeting Time & Place

    Meet your guide at the Preacher’s Point South Camping Area. Get directions

    Meeting Time: 9 am and 1 pm depending on the tour selected.

    Getting here From Nordegg

    It’s a scenic 45-minute drive from Nordegg heading west on Highway 11.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    It’s a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Lake Louise heading north on Highway 93 and then east on Highway 11.

    Book Now

    Trip Details

    • Meeting Time & Place
    • What to Bring
    • What’s Included
    • Snacks
    • Booking Terms

    Meeting Time: 9 am and 1 pm depending on the tour selected.

    Return time varies based on the river conditions but you can expect to be back at your vehicle within approximately 4 hours. The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors.

    Meet your guide at the Preacher’s Point South Camping Area. Get directions

    Getting here From Nordegg

    Before you even meet your guide for the day you’ll get to enjoy the scenic drive from Nordegg to Abraham Lake, making your way through the foothills and the front range of the Canadian Rockies. It’s only a 45-minute drive but we recommend planning for a little extra time, especially with feral horses and bighorn sheep often seen along the highway.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    Coming from Lake Louise? The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) will take you past Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glaciers and many other landmarks before heading east on Highway 11 where you’ll enjoy the North Saskatchewan River valley. It’s less than 1.5 hours to get here from Lake Louise but we recommend planning on at least 2 hours so that you get to enjoy the views along the way.

    Preacher’s South Rustic Camping Area

    We do not have an office at Preacher’s Point. You will meet our bus near the day-use parking area.

    We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. Make sure to dress in layers and come ready for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta.

    Make sure to bring with you:

    • Proper footwear
    • Appropriate clothing for the weather
    • A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
    • A warm sweater (conditions can change quickly)
    • A water bottle
    • Sunhat

    While we don’t usually get wet on our float tours we sometimes get wet feet from light splashing in the rafts and when walking on the shore.

    We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can’t guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring water-sensitive equipment.

    Included in your tour

    • We provide the rafts and all related equipment.
    • PFDs are provided and must be worn at all times. Guests must use the PFDs we provide.
    • A professional guide.
    • Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and satellite communicators on all tours.
    • We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can’t guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring water-sensitive equipment.
    • Transportation is provided from the take-out location at the river to the put-in at the start of your tour. Please note that this short drive (10 to 15 minutes) may be shared with other guests even if you booked a private tour.

    NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

    • Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
    • Transportation to the meeting location. Contact us to discuss transportation options from Nordegg, Banff or Lake Louise.
    • Meals and accommodations.
    • Travel insurance.
    • Gratuities are not required but are always appreciated.

    This tour is available for groups of 1 to 16 guests, with up to 10 guests per raft. Contact us if you are planning for a larger group.

    This day trip is open to all ability levels. Your guide will be rowing the raft, no prior paddling or river experience is necessary.

    This tour includes snacks and our homemade ice pops.

    Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.

    Advance Booking

    This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.

    Cancellation Policy

    All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.

    Terms and Conditions

    Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.

    Please review our complete terms and conditions prior to booking.

    The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.

  • The Icefields Scenic Float

    The Icefields Scenic Float

    Home » Thompson Creek & The Kootenay Plains

    The Icefields Scenic Float

    Book Now

    Call 403 986-6190 or email bookings@nordeggadventures.ca for more info

    Activity

    Scenic Float

    Adventure Level

    Easy

    Meeting Location

    Wildhorse Creek

    Duration

    River: 1 hour | Total: 2 hours

    Availability

    Daily at 9:30, 11:30 and 14:15

    Season

    May to October

    Big Mountain Views, Glaciers & Wildflowers

    Our shortest river tour (approximately 1 hour of river time) is the perfect way to take in the sights when you’re short on time. This float takes us from a wide braided section of the river with glaciers as backdrops to the entrance of the Kootenay Plains with the Canadian Rockies all around us.

    The Icefields Scenic Float starts in the Thompson Creek area, only 15 minutes east of the Icefields Parkway. Your guide takes care of the rowing so that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery on this gentle section of the river.

    The Adventure

    Part of the beauty of playing outside is that the conditions are always changing, from bluebird days to foggy mornings slowly revealing the mountain peaks around us. No matter the conditions, there’s something about slowing down and taking in the views that take us far away from the ordinary.

    Your adventure begins as you meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area before jumping on our bus for a 10-minute shuttle to where we’ll start our float down the river.

    The views are amazing right off the start on this scenic float, with the Wilson Icefields as a backdrop as we float past islands covered in wildflowers.

    Our full-size rafts with our guides taking care of the rowing means that you get to sit back and enjoy the mountain views on this gentle section of the North Saskatchewan River. Forest fires came through this area in 2009 and 2014, opening up amazing views of the valley. A decade later, flowers and growing trees add to the burnt trees to create some fantastic views along the way.

    As we approach the end of our tour, enjoy one of our refreshing homemade ice pops as the river narrows to a single channel leading us back to Wildhorse Creek and your vehicle.

    Why book This Tour?
    • Experience a peaceful float surrounded by the mountains.
    • A family-friendly river adventure for all ages.
    • Our guides do the rowing and you get to stay dry: perfect for those looking to take in the views.
    Meeting Time & Place

    Meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Camping Area. Get directions

    Meeting Time: 9:30 am, 11:30 am or 2:15 pm depending on the tour selected.

    Getting here From Nordegg

    It’s a scenic 45-minute drive from Nordegg heading west on Highway 11.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    It’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Lake Louise heading north on Highway 93 and then east on Highway 11. Our meeting point is only 15 minutes east of the Icefields Parkway at Saskatchewan River Crossing.

    Book Now

    Trip Details

    • Meeting Time & Place
    • What to Bring
    • What’s Included
    • Snacks
    • Booking Terms

    Meeting Time: 9:30 am, 11:30 am or 2:15 pm depending on the tour selected.

    Return time varies based on the river conditions but you can expect to be back at your vehicle within approximately 2 hours. The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors.

    Meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area. Get directions

    Getting here From Nordegg

    Before you even meet your guide for the day you’ll get to enjoy the scenic drive from Nordegg to Abraham Lake, making your way through the foothills and the front range of the Canadian Rockies. It’s only a 45-minute drive but we recommend planning for a little extra time, especially with feral horses and bighorn sheep often seen along the highway.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    Coming from Lake Louise? The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) will take you past Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glaciers and many other landmarks before heading east on Highway 11 where you’ll enjoy the North Saskatchewan River valley. It’s less than 1.5 hours to get here from Lake Louise but we recommend planning on at least 2 hours so that you get to enjoy the views along the way.

    Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area

    We do not have an office at Wildhorse Creek. You will meet our bus near the toilets on the east loop.

    We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. Make sure to dress in layers and come ready for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta.

    Make sure to bring with you:

    • Proper footwear
    • Appropriate clothing for the weather
    • A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
    • A warm sweater (conditions can change quickly)
    • A water bottle
    • Sunhat

    While we don’t usually get wet on our float tours we sometimes get wet feet from light splashing in the rafts and when walking on the shore.

    We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float.

    Included in your tour

    • We provide the rafts and all related equipment.
    • PFDs are provided and must be worn at all times. Guests must use the PFDs we provide.
    • A professional guide.
    • Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and satellite communicators on all tours.
    • We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can’t guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring water-sensitive equipment.
    • Transportation is provided from the take-out location at the river to the put-in at the start of your tour. Please note that this short drive (10 to 15 minutes) may be shared with other guests even if you booked a private tour.

    NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

    • Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
    • Transportation to the meeting location. Contact us to discuss transportation options from Nordegg, Banff or Lake Louise.
    • Meals and accommodations.
    • Travel insurance.
    • Gratuities are not required but are always appreciated.

    This tour is available for groups of 1 to 16 guests, with up to 10 guests per raft. Contact us if you are planning for a larger group.

    This day trip is open to all ability levels. Your guide will be rowing the raft, no prior paddling or river experience is necessary.

    Our summer tours wrap up with our homemade ice pops.

    Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate whenever possible.

    Advance Booking

    This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.

    Cancellation Policy

    All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.

    Terms and Conditions

    Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.

    Please review our complete terms and conditions prior to booking.

    The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.

  • Glaciers + Fires Scenic Float

    Glaciers + Fires Scenic Float

    Home » Thompson Creek & The Kootenay Plains

    Glaciers + Fires Scenic Float

    Book Now

    Call 403 986-6190 or email bookings@nordeggadventures.ca for more info

    Activity

    Scenic Float

    Adventure Level

    Easy

    Meeting Location

    Wildhorse Creek

    Duration

    River: 4.5 hours
    Total: 5.5 hours

    Availability

    Daily at 10:00

    Season

    May to October

    One of Canada’s Most Scenic River

    Explore one of the most dramatic sections of the North Saskatchewan River with glaciers as the backdrop as we float through an area that burned a few years ago. 

    This scenic float tour starts a short distance from the Icefields Parkway, right on the boundary of Banff National Park. We get to spend 4.5 hours on the river, including stops along the way to take in the views and lunch on an island.

    The Glaciers + Fires Scenic Float starts in the Thompson Creek area. Your guide takes care of the rowing so that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

    Why book This Tour?
    • Take in some amazing views of glaciers, mountains and the river.
    • Experience a peaceful float surrounded by the mountains.
    • Perfect for those looking for more time to take in the views.
    Meeting Time & Place

    Meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Camping Area. Get directions

    Meeting Time: 10:00 am

    Getting here From Nordegg

    It’s a scenic 45-minute drive from Nordegg heading west on Highway 11.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    It’s a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Lake Louise heading north on Highway 93 and then east on Highway 11.

    Book Now

    Trip Details

    • Meeting Time & Place
    • What to Bring
    • What’s Included
    • Food
    • Booking Terms

    Meeting Time: 10:00 am

    Return time varies based on the river conditions but you can expect to be back at your vehicle within approximately 5.5 hours.

    The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors.

    Meet your guide at the Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area. Get directions

    Getting here From Nordegg

    Before you even meet your guide for the day you’ll get to enjoy the scenic drive from Nordegg to Abraham Lake, making your way through the foothills and the front range of the Canadian Rockies. It’s only a 45-minute drive but we recommend planning for a little extra time, especially with feral horses and bighorn sheep often seen along the highway.

    Getting here From Lake Louise

    Coming from Lake Louise? The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) will take you past Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glaciers and many other landmarks before heading east on Highway 11 where you’ll enjoy the North Saskatchewan River valley. It’s less than 1.5 hours to get here from Lake Louise but we recommend planning on at least 2 hours so that you get to enjoy the views along the way.

    Wildhorse Creek Rustic Camping Area

    We do not have an office at Wildhorse Creek. You will meet our bus near the toilets on the east loop.

    We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. Make sure to dress in layers and come ready for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta.

    Make sure to bring with you:

    • Proper footwear
    • Appropriate clothing for the weather
    • A windbreaker, shell and/or rain jacket
    • A warm sweater (conditions can change quickly)
    • A water bottle
    • Sunhat

    While we don’t usually get wet on our float tours we sometimes get wet feet from light splashing in the rafts and when walking on the shore.

    We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can’t guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring water-sensitive equipment.

    Included in your tour

    • We provide the rafts and all related equipment.
    • PFDs are provided and must be worn at all times. Guests must use the PFDs we provide.
    • A professional guide.
    • Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and satellite communicators on all tours.
    • We provide a shared dry bag for guests to store additional clothing or items while on the float. We can’t guarantee that they are fully waterproof and as such recommend that you bring your own dry bag if you wish to bring water-sensitive equipment.
    • Transportation is provided from the take-out location at the river to the put-in at the start of your tour. Please note that this short drive (10 to 15 minutes) may be shared with other guests even if you booked a private tour.

    NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

    • Appropriate clothes and footwear for the weather conditions.
    • Transportation to the meeting location. Contact us to discuss transportation options from Nordegg, Banff or Lake Louise.
    • Meals and accommodations.
    • Travel insurance.
    • Gratuities are not required but are always appreciated.

    This tour is available for groups of 1 to 16 guests, with up to 10 guests per raft. Contact us if you are planning for a larger group.

    This day trip is open to all ability levels. Your guide will be rowing the raft, no prior paddling or river experience is necessary.

    Lunch varies on this tour but typically includes salad, sandwiches, juices and dessert along with snacks.

    Please make sure to mention any dietary requirements when you book your adventure and we will try to accommodate them whenever possible.

    Advance Booking

    This tour requires bookings to be made at least 2 days prior to departure. Please contact us at (403) 986-6190 for a last-minute booking.

    Cancellation Policy

    All bookings are non-refundable but we will offer you a credit for a future adventure if you cancel a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.

    Terms and Conditions

    Waivers are required for all participants. You can review the waiver here.

    Please review our complete terms and conditions prior to booking.

    The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.

  • Bighorn Backcountry

    Bighorn Backcountry

    Explore the region’s public lands

    The Bighorn Backcountry is more than 5,000 square kilometres of public lands east of the mountain national parks, covering most of our region.

    Most of our region falls under what is known as public land use zones, aka PLUZ. These zones are different than what we usually refer to as crown-land, based mostly on how they are managed by Alberta Environment.

    The Bighorn Backcountry is divided into six PLUZ, with four of them covering most of our region:

    • Blackstone Wapiabi
    • Job/Cline
    • Kiska/Wilson
    • Upper Clearwater/Ram

    Each of the PLUZ has a slightly different set of rules when it comes to recreation with some allowing motorized activities where other areas are primarily opened to activities like hiking, snowshoeing and paddling.

    You can find out more about recreation in the PLUZ on the Government of Alberta website.

  • Alberta Parks – David Thompson Country

    Alberta Parks – David Thompson Country

    Explore the Region’s Provincial Parks

    Discover the area’s rich history, rugged landscapes and opportunities to get away from the crowds.

    Alberta Parks manages a series of protected areas throughout the region, covering a wide range of ecosystems and recreation opportunities.

    These include popular campgrounds like Fish Lake, recreation areas like Crescent Falls and remote areas like the Whitegoat Wilderness Area.

    Locations within our region include:

    Find out more about all the locations managed by Alberta Parks within David Thompson Country.

  • 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.

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

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