Everything You Need to Know Hiking Troll Falls in Kananaskis

In search of an easy and rewarding trail, this post covers everything you need to know about hiking Troll Falls in Kananaskis Country. While Kananaskis Provincial Park is known for more difficult trails, it is still full of short and easy canyon and waterfall trails. During my hike to see Troll Falls and Marmot falls this past weekend, I was giddy spotting a monarch butterfly fluttering about. With the ice slowly melting away from the falls, it’s only a matter of weeks before the forests are lush in green and moss.

that spring feeling

Spring is in the air. As I sit in my living room writing this and looking outside the windows the sun is casting upon the trees starting to grow their leaves. You can hear the birds chirping outside bright and early. I now wake up with it being light out as the days get longer. Spring will be in the mountains in no time with the meadows bursting with wildflowers.

It finally feels like winter has passed us and spring is here to stay. The forests are already coming to life as I have spotted (and smelled) the moss coming back to life, mushrooms growing, and even some wildflowers! With the warmer weather ahead, this means that bear activity is increasing as they come out of hibernation. Kananaskis Provincial Park is bear country and home to black bears and grizzly bears. Make sure you bring bear spray with you and make a lot of noise along the trail so they stay away.

I have been in search of some simple hikes that provide fantastic views. With my grandparents and parents coming to visit me in September, I want to find some great options for them to explore. There are many routes you can choose at Troll Falls – including Troll Falls (the lower falls), Upper Falls and Marmot Falls. The Troll Falls trail is only 3.4 km round-trip and is relatively flat the entire hike. If you continue to the highest falls – Marmot Falls – it will take you 5.4 km round-trip and allows you to see 3 waterfalls.

trail information

Troll Falls

I like to use the AllTrails app on my phone to help me arrive at the right hike and help me along the way – especially as some trails can be difficult to follow along. You can access this short trail here.

This particular trail is great for those looking to achieve a short and relatively flat hike. Whether you are with the family and have little ones or bringing along your grandparents this hike is perfect for all skill levels. While you will find boardwalks scattered throughout, the trail is not completely accessible.

Along the trail, you will find portions with handrails and boardwalks. The path to take is obvious and has been flattened, but can be uneven from the winter melt with hikers creating some uneven terrain. Not pictured are the wooden guardrails they put in place in front of the falls as well as walking along most of the runoff from it. In the colder months, you will find iced over sections causing slippery conditions. It’s a good idea to bring crampons with you to avoid slips and falls. Hiking poles can be helpful at points as well but is doable without them.

Upper Falls and Marmot Falls

There is more of an incline if you decide to hike up to the Upper Falls and Marmot Falls. The incline is manageable and worth seeing all waterfalls. This trail is very busy, especially in the summer months but it’s obvious why. While the trail is easy, they have put boardwalks with rails throughout that continue upwards. There are two sections that have the biggest inclines, both have handrails and a set of stairs.

My favourite of the three falls is Marmot Falls because you can actually walk behind them! The falls will still be mostly frozen in the spring months as I went at the beginning of May and they were beginning to melt. You can use crampons to help make your way if there is ice to avoid falling into the waterfall! Walking behind the falls is a bit like being in a partial cave and provides you with great views from a new perspective.

Upper Falls (final spot)

Once you arrive at the Upper Falls, there are many large rocks to sit on and enjoy your lunch. This trail was already quite busy in May so I can only imagine how busy it is during the summer months. If you complete this hike during the high season, arrive early to avoid crowds.

Overall, I really enjoyed this trail exploring the various routes and all the waterfalls. It’s the perfect trail for beginners, small children, and those unable to walk too much. This trail is dog friendly, but make sure to keep your doggo leashed at all times.