
Troll Falls Kananaskis Country
A popular, accessible waterfall hike in Kananaskis Country, perfect for families and nature lovers year-round.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Troll Falls Kananaskis Country
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular, accessible waterfall hike in Kananaskis Country, perfect for families and nature lovers year-round.
"Beautiful spot with an easy hike and stunning waterfalls. Perfect for a quick nature escape!"

🚗 Kananaskis Pass Required
Ensure you have your Kananaskis Conservation Pass displayed. They are checked regularly! :ticket:
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Waterproof boots and crampons for winter; good hiking shoes for other seasons. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Troll Falls
Main waterfall
A beautiful, accessible waterfall perfect for a quick nature escape and photos. Enjoy the mist!

Upper Troll Falls
Further along the trail
Continue past the lower falls for a more secluded experience and stunning views.

Marmot Falls
Connected trail
Often visited in conjunction with Troll Falls, offering more cascading beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kananaskis Pass is a Must
Footwear for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Kananaskis Pass Required
Ensure you have your Kananaskis Conservation Pass displayed. They are checked regularly! :ticket:
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Waterproof boots and crampons for winter; good hiking shoes for other seasons. :athletic_shoe:
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in spring/summer. Make noise and carry bear spray. :bear:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Trail
Easy to moderate hike, suitable for families and even strollers on parts of the trail. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Kananaskis Pass Required
Ensure you have your Kananaskis Conservation Pass displayed. They are checked regularly! :ticket:
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Waterproof boots and crampons for winter; good hiking shoes for other seasons. :athletic_shoe:
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings, especially in spring/summer. Make noise and carry bear spray. :bear:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Trail
Easy to moderate hike, suitable for families and even strollers on parts of the trail. :child:
📸 Capture the Mist
Bring your camera! The mist from the falls creates magical photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Explore Beyond Troll Falls
Consider continuing to Marmot Falls for more waterfall views. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Troll Falls for its easy, family-friendly hike and beautiful waterfall scenery. Many appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to see multiple falls in one trip. Some note that it can get crowded, especially on weekends, and advise on the necessity of a Kananaskis Pass.
"A very easy hike on the way to this waterfall. We easily walked 45 minutes with a 4-year-old child. We even saw people who managed to ride strollers there. There were many different mushrooms around, they smelled good. In that direction, not only these waterfalls, but also Marmot falls and cascading waterfalls. So in one trip you have the opportunity to see several. We liked Marmot the most. We saw people who carried food with them and had a snack right near the waterfalls, but we didn’t risk it and had a snack near the car. Don’t forget about the car pass to Kananaskis, I got a warning (because I thought this place belonged to the national park)..."
Tatiana Lesyk
"Beautiful spot with an easy hike and stunning waterfalls. Perfect for a quick nature escape and photos. Well-maintained trail and peaceful surroundings — highly recommend visiting!"
Medrik
"Hiked to Troll Falls and then up to Marmot Falls on a Sunday and August. We arrived at the trail head about 9:30 am and there was ample parking and we saw few people on the trail. By the time we left a couple of hours later, the parking lot was full and the trail was getting crowded. Lots of families, especially on the first section. Easy enough for beginners and well marked."
Anna C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Troll Falls is located in Kananaskis Country, about an hour's drive west of Calgary. Take Highway 1 West and then Highway 40 South. The Troll Falls parking lot is well-signed. :car:
Public transportation options to Kananaskis Country are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Consider carpooling if you're traveling with others. :bus:
Parking is available at the Troll Falls trailhead. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot. :parking:
The main trail to Troll Falls is considered easy to moderate, with a gradual incline. It's well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:
Yes, Troll Falls is accessible in winter, but the trail can be icy and slippery. Waterproof boots and crampons are highly recommended for safety. :snowflake:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles parking in Kananaskis Country, including at the Troll Falls trailhead. You can purchase it online or at select local retailers. :ticket:
Troll Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round, dawn to dusk. There are no specific operating hours. :clock:
The cost to visit Troll Falls is the price of the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, which varies depending on the duration (daily or annual). The hike itself is free. :moneywithwings:
You do not need to book tickets in advance for Troll Falls. The Kananaskis Conservation Pass is the only required purchase for access. :computer:
No, the Kananaskis Conservation Pass covers all entry and parking fees within Kananaskis Country. There are no additional entrance fees for Troll Falls. :dollar:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail to Troll Falls is approximately 3.4 km (2.1 miles) round trip. If you continue to Upper Troll Falls, the total distance can be slightly longer. :round_pushpin:
The hike to Troll Falls typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls. :stopwatch:
Yes, you can extend your hike to visit Marmot Falls and other cascading waterfalls in the area. :waterfall:
Absolutely! Troll Falls is very family-friendly. The trail is manageable for young children, and some even manage strollers. Little troll figures along the way add to the magic. :child:
In winter, when the falls are frozen, it's sometimes possible to walk behind them. In warmer months, the water flow might make this difficult or unsafe. :ice_skate:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Troll Falls. It's a natural area, so plan to bring your own snacks and water. :sandwich:
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas near the trailhead or car. It's advised not to eat directly at the falls due to wildlife. :picnic_table:
Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Snacks like granola bars, fruit, or sandwiches are good options for a short hike. :water_bottle:
The nearest towns with restaurants and cafes are Canmore and Banff, both offering a variety of dining options. :forkandknife:
While there are no specific food restrictions for visitors, it's important to pack out all your trash and avoid feeding wildlife. :trashcan:
📸 📸 Photography
Morning light can be beautiful, but the mist can create ethereal shots throughout the day. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be stunning. :sunriseovermountains:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding scenery. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance colors. :camerawithflash:
The base of the falls offers a classic view. For different perspectives, explore the trail leading to Upper Troll Falls and Marmot Falls. :camera:
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of Kananaskis Country to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check Parks Canada or Alberta Parks regulations before flying a drone. :drone:
Visit on a cold, clear day after a snowfall for the most dramatic frozen waterfall shots. Be sure to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider extending your hike to Upper Troll Falls or Marmot Falls if your children have more energy. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and always supervise children closely, especially near the water. Bear safety is also important, so make noise and keep an eye out for wildlife. :bear:
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks to save money on dining. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so bringing a picnic to enjoy near your car or at a designated spot is ideal. :sandwich: This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without breaking the bank. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a unique perspective, explore the trails leading to Upper Troll Falls and Marmot Falls. The surrounding Kananaskis landscape also provides beautiful backdrops. If visiting in winter, the frozen falls present a completely different, yet equally impressive, photographic subject. Remember to protect your gear from moisture and cold. :camera:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kananaskis Country
Getting to Troll Falls is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive west from Calgary on Highway 1, then south on Highway 40. The Troll Falls trailhead is well-marked, but parking lots can fill up rapidly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a parking spot and enjoy a less crowded experience. :parking:
While Troll Falls is the main draw, Kananaskis Country offers numerous other trails and attractions. Consider exploring nearby Upper Troll Falls and Marmot Falls for a more extended hike. The park is also popular for camping, cycling, and wildlife viewing, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this stunning natural area. :hiking_boot:
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed animals, as this can lead to dangerous habituation and health problems for them. If you encounter a bear, remain calm, do not run, and slowly back away. Following these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the local wildlife. :running:
TikTok videos have highlighted bear encounters on these trails, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Travelers often share tips on making noise and staying aware of their surroundings. :T2
Seasonal Beauty of Troll Falls
As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms with stunning fall colors, making the hike even more picturesque. The air becomes crisp, and the crowds begin to thin, offering a more serene experience. :maple_leaf:
Winter brings a magical transformation, with Troll Falls freezing into spectacular ice formations. The trail can become icy, requiring proper footwear like crampons for safe passage. Walking behind the frozen falls is a unique experience during this season, offering a different perspective on this natural wonder. :ice_cube:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit