Location: Thompson Creek & The Kootenay Plains

  • Cavalcade Group Campground

    Cavalcade Group Campground

    One of the most scenic campgrounds and a great option for those travelling as a group.

    Above: Camping on the Kootenay Plains

    This is a great base camp for groups looking to explore Abraham Lake and the Icefields Parkway. Each of the well-spaced sites offers great mountain views with the open prairie feel of the Kootenay Plains.

    Group campgrounds require advanced reservations and work best if you are travelling as a group of at least 5 units. Each of the 8 sites can accommodate up to 30 units, making it a great option for larger groups as well.

    At a Glance

    • Season: May to October
    • Rates: $215 for the first 5 units, plus $28.00 per additional unit, per night
    • Number of sites: 8 unserviced group sites (7 to 30 units per site)
    • Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, garbage bins, shelters at sites 1, 4, 5 & 7
    • Campground host: No
    • Reservations: Required
    • Operator: Westward Bound Campgrounds
    • Website: albertaparks.ca
    Above: Morning fog over the North Saskatchewan River
    Above: Camp shelters

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive from this campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 15 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Cavalcade

    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. Along the Icefields Parkway you’ll find the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are all within an hour’s drive.

    The Siffleur Falls day hike starts near the campground. Trails like Tuff Puff Ridge, Kinglet Lake and Survey Hill are all within a short drive.

    There are a lot of great options for photographers nearby including plenty of wildflowers, birds of prey, wildlife and reflections in pools along the river.

    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. Additional services, including RV sani-dumps, are available in Nordegg and Lake Louise.

    Getting Here

    Cavalcade Group Campground is located in the Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area on Highway 11 approximately 28 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing and 65 km west of Nordegg.

    Get directions

  • Two O’Clock Creek Campground

    Two O’Clock Creek Campground

    One of the most scenic campgrounds where every site offers a great view of the surrounding mountains.

    Above: Wildflowers at the edge of the campsite

    The Two O’Clock Creek Campground is one of the most scenic in the region but with only 26 sites, including 6 walk-in tenting sites, it’s best to get there by mid-afternoon to make sure that you get a spot for the night.

    Every site offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and the Kootenay Plains. Some sites are smaller, mostly facing the meadow at the centre of the campground with larger sites on the outside. There are a few secluded walk-in tenting sites but unfortunately, they are located the closest to the highway.

    At a Glance

    • Season: May to October
    • Rates: $28 per unit per night
    • Number of sites: 26 unserviced sites
    • Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, garbage bins, firewood for sale ($10 per bundle)
    • Campground host: Yes
    • Reservations: First come first served, cash only, self-registration
    • Operator: Westward Bound Campgrounds
    • Website: albertaparks.ca
    Above: Every sites offer mountain views
    Above: The self-registration and firewood shed

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 10-minute drive from this campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 15 minutes away.

    Explore the Region From Two O’Clock Creek

    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. Along the Icefields Parkway you’ll find the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are all within an hour’s drive.

    The Siffleur Falls day hike starts near the campground. Trails like Tuff Puff Ridge, Kinglet Lake and Survey Hill are all within a short drive.

    There are a lot of great options for photographers nearby including plenty of wildflowers, birds of prey, wildlife and reflections in pools along the river.

    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. Additional services, including RV sani-dumps, are available in Nordegg and Lake Louise.

    Getting Here

    Two O’Clock Creek Campground is located in the Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Area on Highway 11 approximately 29 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing and 64 km west of Nordegg.

    Get directions

  • 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.

  • Thompson Creek Campground

    Thompson Creek Campground

    A great campground just off the Icefields Parkway and the best option for those looking to explore Banff National Park and Abraham Lake from one base camp.

    Above: Our guided scenic float tours on the North Saskatchewan River start near the Thompson Creek Campground

    Thompson Creek has long been one of our favourite campgrounds with lots of trees, nearby access to the North Saskatchewan River and some of our favourite hikes only a short drive away.

    It’s a great option for a base camp to explore both the Abraham Lake area and the Columbia Icefields in one trip.

    Even though it’s starting to get busier, it’s still a much quieter campground than the ones you’ll find on the Icefields Parkway like Waterfowl Lakes or Mosquito Creek. It also has a longer season than those campgrounds, opening in early May and staying open until the Thanksgiving weekend in October.

    It is a first come first served campground but you can usually find an open site until late in the day.

    At a Glance

    • Season: May to October
    • Rates: $28 per unit per night
    • Number of sites: 55 unserviced sites
    • Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, garbage bins, firewood for sale ($10 per bundle)
    • Campground host: Yes
    • Reservations: First come first served, cash only, self-registration
    • Operator: Westward Bound Campgrounds
    • Website: albertaparks.ca
    Above: The campground registration area with great views of Mount Murchison
    Above: Fall views near Thompson Creek Campground
    Above: Family fun after the hike to the lower Thompson Creek falls

    Join Us On A Guided Tour

    All our scenic float tours start within a short 15-minute drive from this campground while our Coral Creek Canyon and Whitegoat Falls guided hikes are less than 30 minutes away.

    Explore the Region

    The meeting locations for tours offered by Rockies Heli Canada, McKenzie’s Trails West, Banff Canyoning and Girth Hitch Guiding are less than 25 minutes away along the David Thompson Highway. Along the Icefields Parkway you’ll find the Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are all within a 45-minute drive.

    The Thompson Creek Falls day hike and a scenic walk to views of the North Saskatchewan River start from the campground. Trails like Tuff Puff Ridge, Kinglet Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Owen Creek Canyon and Siffleur Falls are all within a short drive.

    There are a lot of great options for photographers nearby including plenty of wildflowers, scenes of renewals through the forest fires of 2009 and 2014, birds of prey, wildlife, reflections in pools along the river and the Wilson Icefields as a backdrop to the David Thompson Highway.

    Nearby Services

    You’ll find a restaurant, gas station, basic supplies and gift shops at The Crossing Resort, 10 minutes away, and David Thompson Resort, 25 minutes away. Additional services, including RV sani-dumps, are available in Nordegg and Lake Louise, each an hour away.

    Getting Here

    Thompson Creek Campground is located on Highway 11 approximately 10 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing and 80 km west of Nordegg. Get directions

  • Siffleur River – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access

    Siffleur River – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access

    HIKE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIFFLEUR WILDERNESS AREA

    The trail to the first set of falls on the Siffleur River is very popular but going beyond those falls offers great views and the likelihood of hiking the rest of the day without seeing anyone else.

    Those looking for the trail guide for the easy hike to the first set of falls should have a look at the Siffleur Falls Trail Guide. This guide is for the longer hike along the river, all the way to the edge of the wilderness area.

    The Siffleur River trail takes you through two protected areas with the highest levels of protection in Alberta: the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve and the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    Ecological reserves are the second highest level of protection in the province, focused on preserving natural heritage in an undisturbed state for scientific research and education. This is a special place and access is limited to low impact activities. Camping and fires are prohibited in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.

    The trail ends at the edge of the Siffleur Wilderness Area, one of only 3 wilderness area in the province. These areas have one of the highest level of protection in Canada with limited nature-based outdoor recreation allowed. Camping is allowed but fires are prohibited within the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    Trails are not maintained within the wilderness area but this historical route connects with the Pipestone River trail, attracting a few backpackers each year making the journey from Abraham Lake to Lake Louise.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 14 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~245 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • 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.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    SIFFLEUR FALLS ACCESS | 7 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 left at the junction
    • 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
    • 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls
    • 4.7 km | Gravel Wash
    • 5.9 km | Second Falls Viewpoint
    • 6.5 km | Third Falls
    • 7.0 km | Siffleur Wilderness Area Boundary

    SIFFLEUR FALLS RETURN TRAIL | 7 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the trailhead parking lot, follow the main Siffleur Falls trail making your way across the North Saskatchewan River on the suspension bridge. A boardwalk has been build through the next section. This area is extremely fragile, please stay on the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, follow Glacier Trail on the left toward the Siffleur River.

    Shortly after the Siffleur River bridge the trails comes at a junction. The Siffleur Falls trail is the one on the right.

    Before long you’ll be treated to great views of the canyon at a series of viewing platforms. The falls ahead are impressive with the Siffleur River plunging 15 m through a narrow channel in the rock. Take the time to enjoy the views and make sure to stay a safe distance from the cliffs and canyon edge. Unfortunately the area has seen many casualties over the year.

    The next section starts with a sign warning that trails in the area are unmarked and from our experience not always maintained. Follow the trail away from the falls and along the river. Along the way you’ll come across a number of shallow canyons with some of the best views available early and late in the season when the water levels are lower.

    At the gravel wash, head down toward the river and make your way up along the edge of the canyon. Signs of the 2013 flood are obvious here and the old trail, further away from the river, are still visible. From there the trails continues to follow the river, becoming narrow in sections as it makes its way across the slope leading down to the canyon below.

    As you go you’ll come across a number of informal campsite and fire pits. Those look like they get significant use but keep in mind that camping and fires are prohibited in this area and the entire Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.

    The second set of falls is visible from high above along the way.

    At the next gravel wash (and sometimes creek crossing) head down to the river to a quiet spot below the third set of falls. It makes for a pleasant lunch spot and for many this is the end of the hike. This looks like another popular camping spot but if you are looking at camping legally, just head a little further along the trail to the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    The Siffleur Wilderness Area boundary is only 0.5 km away at this point. Head back up the creek to the trail and continue along. Soon you’ll get to see some great views of the river cascading into the third set of falls before coming up to the wilderness area.

    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.

  • Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    THE CLASSIC HIKE ON THE KOOTENAY PLAINS

    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.

    The trail can be busy, especially on summer weekends. If you head out midweek, in the spring or later in the season you can often have the whole area to yourself.

    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: ~805 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Busy
    • 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.

    The Trail Guide

    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 JOURNEY

    From the trailhead parking lot, follow the main Siffleur Falls trail making your way across the North Saskatchewan River on the suspension bridge. A boardwalk has been build through the next section. This area is extremely fragile, please stay on the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, follow Glacier Trail on the left toward the Siffleur River.

    Shortly after the Siffleur River bridge the trails comes at a junction. The Siffleur Falls trail is the one on the right.

    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 trail heads into the forest for a short section before coming up to great views of the canyon and a series of viewing platforms. The falls ahead are impressive with the Siffleur River plunging 15 m through a narrow channel in the rock. Take the time to enjoy the views and make sure to stay a safe distance from the cliffs and canyon edge.

    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 footsteps.

  • Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    A SHORT HIKE THROUGH A PAST FOREST FIRE

    A shorter hike along Thompson Creek through the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn area with a nice waterfall providing a great lunch spot.

    Thompson Creek is a great option for families and those travelling along the David Thompson Highway looking to stretch their legs.

    This hike is located near the Banff National Park boundary, across from the Thompson Creek Campground. The area was affected by the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn of 2009 providing great insights on the ecological role of forest fires in the area.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~50 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: You can start the trail at the day use area of Thompson Creek Campground which provides ample parking space, washrooms and a day use area with tables or you can park on the side of the highway at the creek. The trailhead is approximately 83 km west of Nordegg and 9 km east of the highway 93 junction at Saskatchewan Crossing.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    THOMPSON CREEK

    This is a straightforward trail along the right side of the creek. Follow the trail starting on the side of the highway up to the lower falls.

    THE JOURNEY

    From the day use area located within the Thompson Creek Campground, head behind the washroom facilities and cross highway 11. You will find the trail near the creek itself.

    Almost immediately you will come across sections of trails that were damaged during the flood of June 2013. A new trail is already appearing but there are still some light bushwacking along the way.

    Most of the trail is in an area that burnt in 2009 as part of the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn. The contrast between the burnt trees still standing and the new vegetation that is growing below makes for a very enjoyable hike.

    As you walk along the creek keep an eye for some nice viewpoints of the peaks across the valley.

    Closer to the fall the landscape starts to change. The creek channel becomes narrower and the banks start to get steeper.

    The falls are a great spot for a lunch break. Head back to the trailhead following the same trail.

    For those more adventurous, cross the creek on the rough log bridge for a closer view of the falls. The trails that continues from here will take you to the upper Thompson Creek Falls, about 5 km away on a rough trail.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

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

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

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