Alberta is home to many beautiful waterfalls, and they get even better during the winter.
When the temperatures start to drop, and everything starts to freeze, that includes our Alberta waterfalls. These stunning natural beauties get frozen into gorgeous landscapes, and there are plenty in Alberta to see and visit. We’ve rounded up some of the best frozen waterfalls to visit this season and how to get there for your convenience.
Without further ado, let’s get into the frozen waterfalls to visit this winter in Alberta.
All the best frozen waterfalls in Alberta
Cresent Falls
Cresent Falls is a series of two waterfalls located in Bighorn River Canyon. From November to March, these falls freeze into a cacophony of ice, displaying the most beautiful natural scenery possible.
Here, you can even get tours of the waterfalls and the famous ice bubbles!
Where: Directions
Johnston Canyon — Upper and Lower Falls
Located in Banff National Park, Johnston Canyon is a world-famous hiking destination known for its gorgeous views. Even more famous is its stunning waterfalls, which are a 2.7-kilometre hike from the trailhead (5.4-kilometre round trip).
There are the Lower Falls, a more picturesque waterfall you can view from a bridge or a small cave tunnel for a close-up experience, as well as the Upper Falls, a more dramatic, taller waterfall with two viewpoints: one at the base and one from a higher vantage point.
Where: Directions
Elbow Falls
This short drop of 20 feet is still just as spectacular as these other waterfalls, with gorgeous ice formations and easy parking off Highway 66 for your viewing pleasure. Behind the waterfall are the stunning sights of the mountains, just adding to the Alberta ambience.
Where: Directions
Sunwapta Falls
During the winter, Sunwapta Falls freezes temporarily, with little flowing water and instead the most stunning ice. It has the same dynamic as Johnston Canyon, with an Upper Falls and Lower Falls.
The Upper Falls is a massive 60-foot drop through a narrow gorge, highly accessible with just a short walk from the parking lot and an excellent viewpoint from a footbridge. However, the Lower Falls is located about one kilometre downstream via a well‑marked trail, which offers intimate canyon views for those willing to walk a bit more.
Where: Directions
Panther Falls
This waterfall is just a short hike from Bridal Veil Falls in Banff National Park. It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, less popular than most but just as beautiful. Panther Falls has some of the best ice formations in the winter, and if you’re driving along the highway, you’ll definitely have to make a detour.
Where: Directions
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