December 10, 2020

Siffleur Falls Backcountry | Alberta

The weekend we spent at Siffleur Falls Wilderness area will always hold a special place in our hearts as we were expecting a little baby girl at the end of summer. However I tell you this place will not disappoint, even if you just decide to do the first 4 km to the falls and lookout. However we decided to head past the crowds onto the unbeaten path and seek a place to spend a few nights. Our trip was a total of 15 km and 262 m elevation gain from start to finish. Keep in mind that most of the elevation is after the lookout and first falls. Random camping is not permitted in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve (This is where the falls and look out platforms are located).

Park at the Siffleur Falls Staging area has Toilets and garbage bins available. The staging area is located approximately 200km west of Rocky Mountain House on the David Thompson Highway. This Parking lot can be get busy but don't let that turn you away, especially if you are headed past the 1st Falls. From the parking lot head towards the North Saskatchewan river on the well

torn path.

Once you arrive at the river you will have to make your way across the Topham Suspension bridge. This is where your journey begins ... so pause, take a deep breath of that fresh mountain air and take a picture to remember the trip by.

Once you have crossed the massive raging North Saskatchewan River make your way to the boardwalk section of the trail. The boardwalks protect a very important and fragile area of the Kootenay Ecological Reserve so please stay on the trail. One small footprint can be devastating to the environment; due to wind erosion over time the small print can become a massive hole.

This area of the hike was one of our favorite; So peaceful and clear skies ahead. This picture was taken by a friend; she's so sneaky but what a great shot! After the boardwalk continue on the trail toward the Siffleur River Bridge then follow the trail to the right after the crossing the bridge.

The section after the Siffleur River is uphill but we promise the view will pay off... Just keep hiking it's just a short way before you will get the gorgeous view of the Siffleur River Canyon and the Mountains rising above.

After taking in the breathtaking views and please stay safe and away from the edge as there are no guard rails. (Note: There have been fatalities on this hike) Take the short walk through the forest and make your way to the series of viewing platforms and enjoy the 1st falls.

The falls just blew us away with how powerful it was. If you want to see just how power full the falls really are; Follow us along on Youtube at Alberta Adventurer Family to watch the Vlog of our Weekend at Siffleur Falls Wilderness Area.

After you take in the views of the waterfalls and have a quick snack you can either turn around and head back to the parking lot or you can take a risk and head down the trail for a longer adventure. Please make sure if you take the second choice you have come prepared.

1) Water

2) Bear Spray

3) A hiking Partner

4) Proper Clothing & Footwear

5) Map

If you plan on spending the night please do your research on where you can stay. Fires are not permitted in the Siffleur Wilderness Area so be ready to cook using a backcountry stove.

The Canadian Rockies are nothing to mess with!

The trail beyond the falls is un marked and use at your own risk. However if you decide to follow the less torn path that fades away in certain areas and it is so easy to get off the trail. Best tip we can give is stick to the cliff side and follow the bends of the river side. The trail winds up and down through the forest with some spectacular scenery along the way.

In this section of the hike you will have several small creek crossing's and one that is a little larger along with a couple small scrambles up and down the cliff. Depending on how well you manage to stay on the right trail! Like we said earlier this section is unmarked and not maintained.

You will eventually come across the second and third waterfalls. You may encounter several campsites along the way and several fire pit areas but remember what we said about no camping and fires in the Kootenay Ecological Reserve.

After you pass the falls keep on the trail until you read the Siffleur Wilderness Boundary. Siffleur Wilderness Area is 101 843 Acers and is only accessible by foot. The Area borders Banff National Park and the Kootenay Ecological Reserve.

Once in the Wilderness Area we searched for the perfect place to set up our tents. Once again you may stumble across old campsites with fire pits ... please don't use them as fires are not permitted.