Waterfalls Worth Chasing: 6 Bucket List Spots in Central Alberta
- Bellwood Creative Studios
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
DO go chasing waterfalls this spring in Canada’s Wild Child…Alberta. How many TLC puns can we fit into this blog? Honestly, we don’t know. Let’s find out.
The wildflowers are popping, the clouds are finally starting to behave, and your car called... it wants a road trip. Alberta is absolutely stacked with stunning waterfalls that are just a short(ish) drive from Calgary, and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker or own hiking poles to get there.
As of the date of this post, some closures are in effect due to the G7. Please check the Alberta Parks website for current trail closures and information on where Park Passes are required.
Mist on your face? Incredible. Content for days? Absolutely. Here are six waterfalls that are totally worth the drive and 100 percent ready for their close-up and your Instagram grid.
1. Elbow Falls
📍 Kananaskis Country
🚗 1 hour from Calgary
🥾 Casual stroll, good for all ages
We’re starting strong with a classic. Elbow Falls is an Alberta icon. Just an hour away, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to grab a coffee, throw on a cute fleece, and pretend you’re starring in an indie road trip movie. It’s paved, pretty, and picnic-perfect.
2. Troll Falls
📍 Kananaskis, near Nakiska
🚗 Just over an hour
🥾 Easy-breezy 3.4 km loop
Don’t be fooled by the name, there are no trolls, but there is a very cute little waterfall surrounded by lush forest and mossy magic. This one’s great for families, pups, and low-key adventurers, and don't tell the others but its our personal fav.
Pro tip: Continue down the trail and head to the Upper Falls for a bit more drama and fewer people.
3. Cameron Falls
📍 Waterton Lakes National Park
🚗 About 2.5 hours from Calgary
🥾 No hike, all wow
Right in the heart of Waterton townsite, Cameron Falls is proof that sometimes you don’t even have to leave the pavement to get a total nature moment. The waterfall tumbles over layered rock that’s over a billion years old, yeah, billion. When the light hits it just right, the water can even turn pink thanks to rock dust in the creek. It’s a quick stop with major visual payoff and the perfect excuse to grab a coffee and wander around the town while you're there.
4. Big Hill Springs Falls
📍 Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
🚗 45 minutes from Calgary
🥾 Short loop, maximum charm
If you’re looking for a quick nature fix without packing a full day bag, Big Hill Springs is your girl. The trail is an easy loop with small, bubbly waterfalls running through mossy rocks and forest vibes. Great for families, friend hangs, and a spontaneous "let’s get out of the city" moment.
5. Tangle Falls
📍 Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park
🚗 About 3.5 hours from Calgary
🥾 Zero hiking, full drama
We couldn’t leave out a waterfall near one of the most magical places on Earth, Jasper National Park. Seriously, go stay and play in Jasper for a truly unforgettable experience. Tangle Falls is nature absolutely nailing the aesthetic brief. This tiered stunner cascades down a rocky cliff right beside the Icefields Parkway, just steps from your car. Park, hop out, and boom, waterfall. It’s effortlessly accessible, insanely photogenic, and picture-perfect in every season.
6. Lundbreck Falls
📍 Southwest Alberta, near Crowsnest Pass
🚗 2.5 hours from Calgary
🥾 Pull-up-and-wow kind of stop
Lundbreck Falls is a total showoff in the best way. This double-drop beauty crashes into a rocky canyon just off Highway 3, and it does not hold back. You can walk right up to the edge, take the stairs down for a different angle, or just sit and vibe with the mist on your face.
A Few Tips Before You Hit the Road:
Check trail conditions. Alberta weather loves a plot twist, check albertaparks.ca before you go.
Pack snacks and water. Always. Fuel up for the adventure.
Wear and bring sunscreen and bug spray.
Bring bear spray. Even for “just a quick walk.” Stay alert, hike in groups when you can, and make noise while on the trail.
Go early. Fewer people, better light, more magic.
Tag us on Instagram. We live for your wild moments! @bellwoodcreativestudio
Remember how we said we might drop a few TLC puns? Well, here’s your moment. Yes, go chasing waterfalls. These six scenic stunners are road trip gold, playlist-perfect and require no hiking gear unless you’re just here for the fit check. So rally the crew, queue the throwback jams, double-fist that iced oat latte and hit the gas.
Alberta’s wild side is waiting, and trust us, she’s ready to steal the spotlight.
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