10 Waterfall Hikes in Alberta to Explore with Kids This Summer

If you're a beginner hiker with kids or have been exploring trails for a while, waterfall hikes are a great way to keep your family's outdoor adventures fresh and exciting. Kids love reaching the end of a hike and the breathtaking sight of a waterfall is the perfect reward for their efforts.

10 Waterfall Hikes in Alberta to Explore With Kids this Summer

Cat Creek Falls

A waterfall hike in Aberta that's just over an hour from the day use area. You have to cross the highway to access the trail, so keep this in mind when you're taking it with the kids. The hike has interpretive signs throughout, and with viewpoints, trails, creeks and forested areas, it's one that's going to keep the kids attention throughout. At the end, there's plenty to explore, so bring a picnic!
Distance from Edmonton: 372 km

Cameron Falls

Located in Waterton National Park, it's one of the most popular waterfall hike in Alberta for parents with kids, in Waterton. It's incredibly close to the parking lot, making it a simple hike for parents of young kids, but can get incredibly busy during peak hours.
Distance from Edmonton: 562 KM
Pictured Above

Troll Falls

An easy out and back trail, with a but of space at the falls for kids to wade, it's a popular waterfall hike during the summer months. Your kids are going to love trying to spot the trolls on the trail through the hike.
Distance from Edmonton: 385 KM

Silverton Falls

This one is an easy trail, perfect for bringing the kids on an easy hike during the summer. The 50m high waterfalls are at the mid point of the out and back trail and is simple enough even for small children. For a change in scenery, visit during the winter months.
Distance from Edmonton: 446 KM

Lundbreck Falls

With viewing areas, and a staircase that you can actually go down to the bottom of the river, it's a great place for a picnic. It's just off the highway, so again, another short walk for kids that aren't used to making a long hike to see the falls, but a great introduction with lots to explore around the base of the river.
Distance from Edmonton: 498 KM

Bridal Veil Falls/Maligne Canyon

The walk to Bridal Veil falls is one of the most popular tours in Jasper, regardless of the season. It's just as gorgeous during the winter as it is during the summer, and to get to the initial falls, it's a short walk, suitable for even the youngest of children. Keep in mind the waterfall is across the river, so you can see, but not get up close with kids.
Distance from Edmonton: 366 km

Bertha Lake Falls

On the Bertha Lake Trail, there's a fun veer off to reach Lower Bertha Falls at 1.5 km in. The trail branches left to a viewpoint overlooking Upper Waterton Lake providing a great view for looking out, with another 1.5-2 km to reach the falls. This one will take you past a few minor waterfalls along the way, the trail is well-marked, making it easy to find your way.
Distance from Edmonton: 563 KM

Sunwapta Falls

Technically not a hike, since it's a short drive from the icefields, but you can stop and walk around once you're there, or introduce kids to the wonder of waterfalls in Alberta, with a short stop on your way to or back from the Ice Fields. If you prefer to walk, park at Sunwapta Resort, and take the short walk to the waterfalls.
Distance from Edmonton: 419 KM

O'Shaughnessy Falls

Near Barrier Lake, these falls are easy to access on a 300 meter trail with the kids. They're perfect for a quick stop on the way to Canmore or Kananaskis, because the road side stop helps to burn off some of that last-minute energy the kids have when you've been travelling in the car for hours. The longer, slide falls are fun for little kids, and there is even a wishing well on the trail.
Distance from Edmonton: 374 KM

Johnston Canyon

Perhaps one of the most popular hikes that you think of when you're thinking about hiking with kids, we love it because of the newly revamped railings on the trail. Our small kids easily made it to the upper falls, with a few breaks along the way, but the short falls are wonderful too. Go during off-hours to avoid the huge crowds from the tours during the spring and summer, and bring ice cleats if the trail is even remotely slippery, they make it  less frustrating for small feet to get up the trails.
Distance from Edmonton: 436 KM