Who doesn’t love exploring Kananaskis waterfalls? I was excited to finally check Ribbon Falls off of my lengthy list, as one of the more popular Kananaskis hikes. That being said, the Ribbon Falls hike is a fairly long day to reach the rushing falls (even longer if you go to Ribbon Lake). As you hike along Ribbon Creek, find several cascading waterfalls with serene Rocky Mountain views above. If you want something more challenging, continue on to Ribbon Lake Campground for a night or two (I didn’t do that… maybe next time).
Last Updated: March 8, 2024
I really didn’t know what to expect. Normally, I spend some time researching before heading out on a hike in Kananaskis. At the last minute, I joined my friends Leigh of HikeBikeTravel and her husband, John, for the Ribbon Falls hike in May 2021. I had heard enough previously to know Ribbon Falls was a hike I wanted to do (to be fair, most of them are). And it was fun to have great company for Bella and me. As one of the moderate waterfall hikes in Kananaskis, Ribbon Falls is definitely worth exploring for a day or even an overnighter.
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About Ribbon Falls Hike
Location: Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Distance: 21 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate (due to length)
Elevation: 447 metre gain
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash.
Features: The Ribbon Falls hike follows Ribbon Creek along a well-trodden trail through the trees, crossing back and forth over the creek with several smaller waterfalls en route. Along the way, you’ll catch views of Mount Kidd and Mount Bogart towering above. Ribbon Falls Trail isn’t technically challenging but it’s a longer day hike that requires preparation. As you hike along, you’ll cross somewhere around seven or eight bridges heading toward the falls. Plan a multi-day hiking and camping adventure to Ribbon Falls or Ribbon Lake Campgrounds.
Ribbon Falls Trail Map
Directions to Ribbon Falls Trailhead
The Ribbon Falls Trailhead is found in the Ribbon Creek Day Use Area. Driving from Calgary, head west on the Trans Canada and take Exit 118 toward Kananaskis Country. Continue down Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Trail) for around 24 km and then turn right onto Mt Allan Drive as if you’re going the Nakiska Ski Hill. Take your first left onto Centennial Dr and then a quick right onto Ribbon Creek Rd to access the parking area. You’ll find the trailhead at the far west end in the parking lot. If you’re wondering, there are outhouse toilets here.
Read next: Galatea Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Ribbon Creek Hike — Moderate Hiking in Kananaskis
After tossing on our packs and leashing our dogs, we were ready to start the trip to Ribbon Falls. Luckily, we arrived on a very sunny morning near the end of May. I was excited to be out on the trail with Leigh and John, their dog, Mila, and their daughter’s dog, Rosie. I’m quite sure Bella was happy to have friends along, too (enough though she loves to stick to herself). I really liked following Ribbon Creek for most of the trek, with pretty views of waterfalls and bridge crossings to get a closer look. It’s always nice to have easy access to the creek for the dogs on a hot spring afternoon.
As one of the moderate hikes in Kananaskis, you may or may not consider Ribbon Falls to pose too much of a challenge. As far Kananaskis hiking goes, this trail is fairly gradual and gentle but a bit longer than other day hikes nearby. Ribbon Falls Campground makes a nice lunch spot just before the falls, where you take a break and then finish the second half. Overall, we clocked around 21 km out and back with an elevation gain of 447 metres, hiking just beyond the falls.
Ribbon Falls Campground
About 5 minutes before the falls, hikers will cross through the Ribbon Falls Campground. We stopped for lunch and the dogs sunk into the snow patch to cool off. The campground has 10 campsites, food storage lockers, picnic tables, and group fire pits. Firewood isn’t provided so you would need to pack it in. This scenic campground would make a nice beginner backpacking route, tagging on a side trip to Ribbon Lake if you’re up for the challenge.
Ribbon Lake Campground is an additional 2 km (one way) from the falls and involves steep hiking and scrambling up a rock face. You’ll use chains bolted into the rockface to support your climb. If it’s rainy and wet, this can be especially difficult. Book your backcountry campsites through Alberta Parks online reservation system.
Read next: Boulton Creek Campground: Car Camping in Kananaskis Country
Arriving at Ribbon Falls
Not long after finishing lunch and leaving the campground, we came across destruction from the season’s avalanche. Trees were snapped in half like kindling. It’s worth noting that Ribbon Falls is in an avalanche chute and visits should check avalanche forecasts before heading out. A sobering reminder of the importance of avalanche safety.
Ribbon Falls was more impressive than I was expecting. If you’re looking for Kananaskis waterfalls, the crashing waters of Ribbon Falls should be on your list. Follow the trail toward Ribbon Lake for 5 or 10 minutes to catch a better view (if you’re not hiking the full distance to the lake). Ribbon Lake is about 2 km from the falls, but there were reports of waist-deep snow in May. At some point, I’d like to experience the scramble and chains to get up there. After a few photos of the falls from above, we turned back to start the return trek.
What To Bring — Hiking in Kananaskis Country
If you’re like me, you may drink your entire 2-litre reservoir halfway through the return. Thankfully, Ribbon Creek has plenty of freshwater alongside the trail, so you could bring a water filter or purification tablets (or use some of your friend’s water supply). In my day pack, I always bring my rain shell and a down jacket because you never know when the weather will turn. Depending on your preference, you could either wear hiking boots or trail runners. I was breaking in new Scarpa boots and developed a couple of blisters (wished I had brought Leukotape along). I didn’t feel the need for trekking poles, though not a bad idea to bring them along. Someone in your group should carry a little first aid kit just in case.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Park Park: Don’t forget to buy your Kananaskis Conservation Pass beforehand (you won’t have cell service in the parking lot).
Parking: You can park in the Ribbon Creek Day Use Area. Parking can fill up in the summer, so arrive early to snag a spot.
Toilet: Outhouse available in the Ribbon Creek Day Use.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. Remember to pack out your doggo’s waste and maybe bring a smell-proof bag (you won’t regret it).
Season: The best time to hike to Ribbon Falls is from the end of May to mid-October.
Camping: Backcountry camping is permitted in Ribbon Creek Campground and Ribbon Falls Campground. Reserve your spot online.
Campfires: Fires are only permitted in designated campfire rings. No firewood is provided in the campgrounds. It is illegal to remove, deface, injure/destroy trees, or collect deadwood.
Wildlife: Kananaskis is full of beautiful wildlife. Please keep your distance and never feed or approach wild animals. Carry bear spray and know how to use it (and consider a holster).
Navigation: The Ribbon Falls hike is fairly straightforward and you likely won’t be alone during peak season. Bring the Gem Trek Canmore & Kananaskis Village and a compass.
Crowds: It might be helpful to note that this is a popular trail. Prepare to be among others. If you’re a solo hiker, you might enjoy knowing that other people will be nearby (especially on a weekend).
More Kananaskis Hikes
Are you looking for more Kananaskis hikes to add to your list? Here are a few suggestions:
- Galatea Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail: Family-Friendly Kananaskis Hike
- Tent Ridge Hike: One of the Best Hikes in Kananaskis
- Mount Burke Hike in Kananaskis Country
- King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
Have you hiked to Ribbon Falls in Kananaskis Country? How about up to Ribbon Lakes? Share your experience in the comments!
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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.
