Are you ready to start 2024 off on the right foot? We’ve got just the thing. The winter months can be tricky if you’re someone who likes to explore and adventure in beautiful places, but you aren’t much of a skier. Luckily, there are countless winter hikes in Alberta that offer breathtaking views, total serenity, and an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature without having to trek your way into the back-country in heaps of snow. If you’re having trouble picking the ideal winter hike for you, we might suggest that you consider those with the added bonus of a frozen waterfall to really make your trip worthwhile. Don’t worry, we’ve done the picking for you, and we’ve got the perfect destination for your next winter hike if you’re near Kananaskis Country or willing to make the trip. Introducing Troll Falls.
Troll Falls is a super popular hike, regardless of the season. The hike is near Kananaskis Village and is considered a moderately challenging route. It’s under 5 km total, out and back, and typically takes just over an hour and a half to complete. It’s a beloved hike among Bow Valley residents and visitors, known for hiking, snowshoeing, and running. It’s wonderful for families and anyone who’s looking for a hike that is quick and pretty approachable for most abilities.
When you venture to Troll Falls, you have two options, you can conclude your hike at the bottom of Troll Falls, or you can continue along a harder second part of the trail that will take you above the waterfall where you can check out some other nearby falls. Trust us, you’re not missing out if you stop your journey after the first section. You get to gaze up at a gorgeous, glistening waterfall, and the photos hardly even do it justice. So, here’s the scoop.
The main trail is well-trodden and pretty packed down. Though, you never know what you’re getting into in the winter. There could be fresh snow, ice, mud, or any other combination of unexpected conditions to make your hike a bit trickier. Therefore, you should always wear good, supportive footwear, bring tons of layers, and check the weather, trail conditions, and advisories for the area before you set out. You can also consider wearing ice cleats or bringing hiking poles for extra balance and to avoid slipping.
You’ll follow a broad path, heading to the left and into the trees. You’ll keep left as paths diverge and eventually come to Troll Falls. It’s a quick, intuitive, and simple walk to get right to your destination. You can stand along the wooden fencing and take in the beautiful sight of a towering, frozen waterfall with rugged cliffs surrounding it and trees all around. It almost feels like you’re in a canyon as you stand at the base and look up and the rock face and plunging falls. If you’re feeling fulfilled and ready to turn around, all you need to do is head back the way you came, and your journey will be complete. If you want to continue, you can turn around and walk back a short way to the trail, where you’ll cross the creek over a small bridge and track up to the next waterfalls.
You can see Marmot Falls, Boulder Falls, and the Upper Falls. While this part of the journey tends to be more slippery and steep, it should only add about an extra half hour to your trip. But, as we said, you won’t regret opting for a short and sweet walk to Troll Falls alone. This place is serene, wild, and absolutely perfect for a little adventure in the winter.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023/24 Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
