Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake Trail is a popular shoulder-season hike in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Visibility was somewhat limited the day I went, but the mountain views still felt expansive, and the frozen waterfall at the end made the effort completely worth it. If you’re looking for a fun winter adventure, or just a solid Kananaskis hike any time of year, Edworthy Falls is a great option.
Updated: February 2026
This will be my last hike in Alberta. At least for a while. That thought looped over and over as I drove down Hwy 40 into Kananaskis Country, a drive I’d done so many times before. In just a few days, in November 2021, I’d be heading east toward a new home in New Brunswick. I knew I had to make time for one last Kananaskis trail. A proper farewell to the Rocky Mountains. Or maybe not a goodbye; more of a see you later. After scrolling through a few options online, I landed on the Edworthy Falls hike and hit the road.
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Edworthy Falls Trail Map (Kananaskis)
About the Edworthy Falls Hike
Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Distance: 9 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 390 m elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake Trail features impressive Rocky Mountain views near the glacier-fed Elbow Lake, home to a backcountry campground. The trail ends with a beautiful waterfall that freezes over in the colder months. When I hiked in November, the conditions were blustery and full-on winter, and the reward was well worth the effort.
Note: No vehicle access to Elbow Lake Day Use Area from December 1 to June 14 each year. To learn more, visit Alberta Parks’ annual road closures.
How To Get To the Edworthy Falls Trailhead
Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake Trail begins at the Elbow Pass Day Use Area. If you’re driving from Calgary, head west on the Trans-Canada Highway for about an hour, then take Exit 118 for Kananaskis Country and turn left onto Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail). Continue south on Hwy 40 past Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The Elbow Lake parking area will be on your left, just before Highwood Pass.
Keep in mind that the seasonal road closure between Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Highwood House Junction runs from December 1 to June 14. During that time, the trailhead isn’t accessible by vehicle. When access is open and conditions line up, Edworthy Falls makes a fantastic shoulder-season hike in Kananaskis.
Read next: Chester Lake Hike & Snowshoe in Kananaskis Country
Edworthy Falls — A Winter Hike in Kananaskis
Start your trek to Edworthy Falls on the relatively steep trail up to Elbow Lake. You’ll gain about 125 metres of elevation over 1.5 km before reaching the lake. The Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground is located to the right (east) of the campground sign. From there, follow the Elbow Pass Trail to the left (west), wrapping around the lake toward Edworthy Falls. The route continues along an old logging road for roughly 2.7 km.
Edworthy Falls stands about 20 metres high. You won’t see the waterfall directly from the Elbow Pass Trail, but it’s only about 200 metres left at the rock cairn marking the turnoff. The descent down to the pool is steep and can be slippery, so sturdy hiking boots are helpful. In winter, trail crampons make a big difference, and I’d also suggest trekking poles for extra stability.
Overall, this is a scenic 9 km out-and-back hike that typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. Keep in mind that Elbow Pass is shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, so be aware of your surroundings and yield appropriately. I’ve only visited Edworthy Falls in winter conditions, but I’ve heard the turquoise pool below the falls is especially striking in summer. If you’re already planning an overnight at Elbow Lake Campground, it’s well worth adding the short side trip to the falls.
Note: All visitors to Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You can purchase the pass online or in person at the visitor centre.
Hiking Edworthy Falls in the Snow (Winter Tips)
Winter hiking in Kananaskis and Banff requires some advanced preparation. Do your research to find accessible and safe activities for your skill level. In winter and shoulder seasons, always check for avalanche risk before hiking in the Rockies. There are plenty of incredible winter hikes with low to no avalanche risk.
Here are a few more winter hiking tips that might be helpful:
Layers: Bring a base layer (top and bottom), a mid layer, and an outer layer when hiking in the snow, including mittens or gloves, a hat, and a face mask. I like to hike in merino wool socks that keep my feet warm (even when they’re wet).
Traction Device: I bring these Hillsound trail crampons in my pack. They’re especially helpful on icy trails.
Snowshoes: Bring a pair of snowshoes for hiking in deep snow. Trust me, you’ll have way more fun and create a nicely packed path for other visitors.
Hiking Gear: In the colder months, carry a pack large enough to fit extra layers and essential gear. Bring water, a small first aid kit, navigation tools, a headlamp, a knife, emergency shelter, and clothing for the conditions. For longer day hikes, I like having hiking poles for added stability. I often strap snowshoes to the outside of my bag. If you’re heading into the backcountry, consider carrying a satellite communication device in case of emergency.
Read next: Winter Hiking for Beginners: What To Wear Winter Hiking
Know Before You Go — Hiking in Kananaskis Country
Park Pass: Purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass before arriving at the trailhead (no cell service in Kananaskis).
Parking: You can park in the Elbow Pass Day Use Area.
Toilets: Outhouses are located at the Elbow Pass parking lot and Elbow Lake Campground.
Garbage: No garbage bins along the trail. Pack out what you bring in (including fruit peels and other organic waste).
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Please pick up after your four-legged friend (I like this smell-proof bag).
Bear Country: I suggest hiking with bear spray in Kananaskis, even in the winter months. Did you know that bears don’t truly hibernate? While winter encounters are rare, bears can wake up at any time, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Multi-Use Trails: Elbow Lake and Elbow Pass are multi-use trails. Yield to horses and mountain bikers on the trail.
Backcountry Camping: You’ll need a backcountry permit to camp at Elbow Lake. Make your reservation here.
Seasonal Road Closure: Yearly road closure in effect from December 1 to June 14 from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House Junction.
Navigation: Pick up a copy of the Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes map which includes Elbow Lake and the surrounding area. You can also download Edworthy Falls via Elbow Lake Trail on AllTrails for offline use.
More Winters Hikes in Alberta
Here are some more Alberta winter hikes that you might want to try:
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- Chester Lake Hike: Winter Hiking in Kananaskis Country
- Johnston Canyon Hike in Beautiful Banff National Park
- Lake Minnewanka Hike in Banff National Park
- Little Lougheed Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Maligne Canyon Hike in Jasper National Park
- Valley of the Five Lakes Hike in Jasper National Park
Have you hiked to Edworthy Falls in winter? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
