Siffleur Falls Hike in David Thompson Country

The long suspension bridge across the North Saskatchewan River
The long suspension bridge across the North Saskatchewan River

Sometimes it’s the adventures you don’t plan that turn out to be highly memorable. The Siffleur Falls hike in David Thompson Country was one such adventure. It was totally unplanned – and even in early March, a highly worthwhile hike. It’s one the classic hikes to do in the area.

John and I had other ideas for the day but because of my wimpiness when it comes to driving on deserted, snow-covered roads, we chose to return to Calgary via Lake Louise and Banff instead of Rocky Mountain House – where we’d spent a delightful couple of nights.

And that’s how we ended up on Highway 11 – and saw the highway sign for the Siffleur Falls hike. We needed a break and voila – a wonderful way to stretch our legs and discover a new trail.

Siffleur Falls hike summary

Distance: 7.0 km or 4.3 miles return to the first waterfall. The second falls viewpoint is at 5.9 km (3.7 mi), and the third falls at 6.5 km (4.0 mi). 

Elevation gain: 70 m or 230 feet.

Level of difficulty: Easy and family-friendly but keep an eye on kids close to Siffleur Falls.

Time needed: Allow 2 – 2.5 hours to do the return hike to Siffleur Falls.

Dogs: Permitted on a leash.

Map: The map for the Siffleur Falls hike is 83C/1 Whiterabbit Creek. I’d also recommend Organic Maps – an offline hiking app.

Bears: This is bear country so don’t forget easy to access bear spray.

Don’t forget: Let someone know where you are hiking and always carry the hiking essentials.

Pretty scenery on the Siffleur Falls hike
Pretty scenery on the way to Siffleur Falls

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Superb scenery in David Thompson Country

I’d driven this section of highway years ago on the way to Aurum Lodge, but I must have been too busy chatting in the car to have noticed the scenery. It’s almost Icefields Parkway kind of spectacular!

The trailhead to Siffleur Falls on the south side of the highway is well marked. I never did see any information about the length of the trail but perhaps I wasn’t looking in the right spot.

I originally thought the Siffleur Falls hike would be a 15-minute sort of hike. It certainly was not.

There are viewpoints overlooking Siffleur Falls
There are viewpoints overlooking Siffleur Falls

Where is the Siffleur Falls hike trailhead?

The trailhead to Siffleur Falls is accessed from Highway 11 at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area near the south end of Abraham Lake just off a scenic section of the David Thompson Highway.

It is 65 km west of Nordegg and 22 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. There is an outhouse at the staging area.

Educational signs on route to Siffleur Falls
Educational signs on route to Siffleur Falls

Siffleur Falls hike description

The Siffleur Falls hike starts in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve. Look for interpretive panels and learn something about the region, particularly its history, the wildlife, the early inhabitants, and the effect glaciers had on forming the valley.

Hike parallel to the river enjoying views up and down the length of the North Saskatchewan River.

Cross the suspension bridge over the river to reach a boardwalk in a pretty meadow. The boardwalk was built to protect the area that is incredibly sensitive to wind erosion.

There’s a good chance you’ll see a lot of dust flying around as the wind has quite a reputation here. Carry a scarf or buff to hold over your nose if it is a windy day.

In early March the river doesn't have much ice on it - at least the year we visited
In early March the river doesn’t have much ice on it – at least the year we visited
Crossing the river via a suspension bridge on the Siffleur Falls hike
Crossing the river on the Siffleur Falls hike via a suspension bridge
The North Saskatchewan River is a very appealing colour of blue
The North Saskatchewan River is a very appealing colour of blue
The long suspension bridge across the North Saskatchewan River
The long suspension bridge across the North Saskatchewan River
Notice the dust blowing around the boardwalk area!
Notice the dust blowing around the boardwalk area!
A long section of boardwalk where it can get extremely windy and dusty
A long section of boardwalk where it can get extremely windy and dusty

At the end of the boardwalk, continue along a trail to reach the Siffleur River Bridge at the 1.8 km mark. After you’ve crossed the bridge you’ll come to a junction.

Go right for the Siffleur Falls trail. It can be muddy or icy in sections depending on when you hike. Had we known the state of the trail, I would also have taken microspikes with me – those grippers you attach to your shoes or boots to make walking easier. You can buy microspikes via MEC.

Reach the Canyon Viewpoint at 3.2 km and then Siffleur Falls at 3.5 km.

When you start getting into the canyon section, exercise caution, especially if you’re hiking with kids or dogs. Over the years, there have been accidents and people have died.

There's another bridge to cross after you finish the boardwalk section
There’s another bridge to cross after you finish the boardwalk section
An easy section of snow, mud and puddles on the way to Siffleur Falls
An easy section of snow, mud and puddles
The Siffleur Falls hike is easy but when its icy it becomes a challenge without microspikes
The Siffleur Falls hike is easy but when its icy it becomes a challenge without microspikes

What does siffleur mean?

When we arrived at the gorge area, a sign explained where the name Siffleur originated. In French, siffleur is the word for whistling.

I guess there are (or were) a lot of hoary marmots in the area. Known for their particularly loud whistling, Sir James Hector in 1858 decided to name Siffleur Mountain and Siffleur Falls after the marmots.

Expansive views - but don't get close to the edge on the hike to Siffleur Falls
Expansive views – but don’t get close to the edge on the hike to Siffleur Falls

John and I went only as far as the first set of waterfalls on the Siffleur Falls hike though there are two more waterfalls and a small, primitive campsite at the final set of falls.

This would be a delightful hike to do again in the summer. To see the water roaring through the gorge would be quite the sight.

Until all the snow melts, exercise extreme caution on the sections of icy trail that are adjacent to any drop-offs. 

Siffleur Falls descends through a pretty canyon
You can hear the water; this would be an amazing place to stand during the spring melt
Looking down into the gorge
Looking down into the gorge
Looking down the gorge towards the trailhead at Siffleur Falls
Looking down the gorge towards the trailhead on the Siffleur Falls hike
It's definitely easier going up the slippery section than down
It’s definitely easier going up the slippery section than down on the Siffleur Falls hike

Location map of the Siffleur Falls trailhead

                                                           

What to take on the Siffleur Falls hike

Apart from the usual hiking essentials, consider taking a pair of poles, especially if it’s snowy or icy.

Carry water and some hiking snacks like protein bars.

A buff could come in really handy if its dusty or windy.

David Thompson Country hikes

Check out these hikes in Jasper National Park

In Banff National Park you might like one of these hikes 

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The easy Siffleur Falls hike in Alberta's David Thompson Country

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