Hiking to Troll Falls - Wander Woman Travel Magazine

Troll Falls is one of the quick and easy Kananaskis hikes that has a stunning payoff. Not far from Kananaskis Village in Alberta, Canada, this hike is only 3.4 km round-trip with basically no elevation change – something that’s hard to find in the Canadian Rockies. The hike can be completed in 1 to 2 hours and has a rewarding view of a stunning waterfall at the end!

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Related: Check out our post about the Prairie Mountain Hike.

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Troll Falls – One of the Top Family-Friendly Kananaskis Hikes

An image of a woman sitting behind the frozen Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — Exploring behind the falls can be a little slippery – especially in winter.

An image of frozen Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — Troll Falls looks beautiful during the early spring when you can see frozen ice with water flowing over it.

Getting to the Troll Falls Staging Area

The parking lot to start this trail is at the Stoney Trail Day Use Area. If you’re coming from the TransCanada Highway (HW 1), turn south onto Highway 40 towards the Kananaskis Village. After about 23 km, turn right onto Mt. Allen and drive towards Nakiska Ski Area. Just after the turnoff for the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, the Stoney Trail Day Use Area exit will be on your right. After a short drive down a gravel road, you will reach a large gravel parking area.

An image of the view behind Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — As you climb up behind the falls you can get amazing pictures of the creek bed below.

Essential Equipment for Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

You should wear good hiking boots and layered clothing when you’re hiking in the Canadian Rockies. We always carry plenty of water in a good day pack and bring bear spray. This is our favorite day pack, because it’s super light weight, durable, inexpensive and it has a lifetime guarantee. Also it folds up really small for traveling.

The Troll Falls Hike

The start of the hike is well-marked and there are numerous signs showing the trails in the area. There are a few ways to get to the falls; the main trail winds through the forest and is a lovely and enjoyable walk. There is also the option to just walk most of the way up the service road, which is a little less scenic.

An image of a couple standing on the trail to Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — The Canadian Rockies are stunning. There are many beautiful views from the trail leading to Troll Falls!

We did this hike early in the season and the main trail had quite a bit of ice on it so we walked part of the way on the service road, which was clear. Along the trail, we saw lots of children and dogs (on-leash). It was pretty busy, but that meant there were people to take a few shots of our whole group at the falls!

An image of three people standing behind the frozen Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — Once you get to the falls, be sure to climb up to get a closer look.

Along the way, there are a few good spots to snap pictures and enjoy the views. There are also some good spots for breaks if you have little ones with you.

An image of a couple peaking out from behind Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — Brady and Carleigh peaking out from behind the falls.

More Great Canadian Rockies Adventures: Read our post Table Mountain, Alberta – A Most Instagrammable Hike

The Troll Falls

The falls are beautiful at any time of year. In the winter, the falls are frozen and the glistening ice is particularly stunning. Likewise, in the early spring, the falls remain frozen and you can even climb up behind the falls for pictures, but be careful if you do it.

A view of the frozen Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — Great views of Troll Falls from any angle.

The falls are always beautiful in every season and this is a hike than can be enjoyed year round. If you want to add a little bit of adventure to this hike, you can climb up past the falls on the left and continue up the river. You can get to at least two other falls that are above Troll Falls.

An image of a couple climbing behind Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — It can be slippery on the ice! Having a helping hand makes it easier to get behind the falls.

Be sure to take care when going above Troll Falls as the trail is much less defined and the rocks around the cliff edges can be slippery. Once above the falls, you may also have to cross the river by rock hopping at some points. It is not dangerous; however some extra caution should be taken.

An image of a woman with a large wet spot on the back of her jeans — If you are not too careful coming down you might be walking back with a wet behind!

Troll Falls is a fun hike for the whole family and any time of year! Check it out and let us know what you think! If you’re looking for more family-friendly hikes in the Canadian Rockies, be sure to check out our post about Siffleur Falls.

An image of a couple looking back at Troll Falls in Kananaskis, Alberta — There are many great spots to stop and take a picture and enjoy the views.

The Wild Wanderers

2 Comments

Johann C. M.

February 22, 2021 — 12:30 am

Thank you for such a detailed post ! But I wonder if you know why it’s called Troll Falls, because I can’t find it anywhere

wanderwoman

February 22, 2021 — 8:52 am

Great question, Johann. Thanks! I believe it was named for a rock formation that resembles a troll. This rock formation is above the falls and at the moment it isn’t safe to hike to it. There’s a warning on the Alberta Parks website that reads: “Random trails around the main waterfall, including walking to the Troll, have been blocked off due to extreme rockfall hazards. Hikers must stay on the main trails…” Thanks again for visiting our blog and adding to the dialogue.