Crescent Falls
Located between Jasper and Banff National Parks, Bighorn Country is one of Alberta’s most underrated wilderness areas. Here, you’ll find Crescent Falls, two cascading waterfalls in a double punchbowl on the Bighorn River. Though not strikingly high at approximately 25 metres, the two-tiered waterfall is, nevertheless, quite popular because of its easy accessibility and stunning symmetry. The park recently added a new staircase and renovated viewing platforms in the day use area, to increase the safety of visitors viewing the waterfalls. A rarity, it truly is a low-effort, high-payoff view. — Lynda Sea
323 km from Edmonton, West of Nordegg.
Big Hill Springs Provincial Park
The series of mini-falls at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park aren’t going to wow you with their rushing force, but they’re lovely all the same. Tucked into a coulee between Cochrane and Airdrie, Big Hill Springs is a hidden gem where you can observe and learn about tufa, porous rock formed when moving water deposits minerals more rapidly than it erodes the rock underneath. — Shelley Arnush
297 km from Edmonton, North of Cochrane.
Takakkaw Falls
Everything about Yoho National Park is grand and wild and this star-attraction waterfall is right at home amidst its striking surroundings. Well-marked and easily accessible off the Trans-Canada on Yoho Valley Road, 39 km west of Lake Louise and preceding the turn-off into Field, B.C., this 384-m stunner is what waterfall road trips are all about. Prepare to feel some serious spray! — Shelley Arnush
498 km from Edmonton, West of Lake Louise.
