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Troll Falls - The Best Family Friendly Hike in Kananaskis
- andrewsco3
- Apr 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Just because a trail is easy doesn't mean it's not worth doing. As Alberta locals, we've explored most of the kid-friendly hikes in Kananaskis, and Troll Falls is one of our all-time favourites.
We have hiked this trail many times – snowshoeing it in winter with family visiting from the UK, took our kids along when they were in baby carriers, and more recently done it in both summer and winter as the kids have started hiking on their own.
Troll Falls is a trail that's manageable for nearly everyone, and it's relatively flat and has plenty to keep kids interested along the way. There are three waterfalls to discover, with each one involving a slightly steeper incline, so you can choose how far you want to go.
The trail is easy to reach - just a short drive from Kananaskis Village and the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, and about an hour from Calgary.
We often fit it in during hotel stays when we want a quick hike that doesn’t take too long, or when the kids are getting restless waiting for the hotel pool.
Keep reading this blog post for all the essentials you’ll need to explore Troll Falls near Kananaskis Village, including key details of the hike, a Q&A that includes tips for hiking the trail with kids, and plenty of photos so you know what to expect.
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Troll Falls Hike - Information at a Glance
In a rush? Here's some key information about the hike at a glance.
Distance: 3.5 km round trip to Lower Falls, 4.2 km to Marmot Falls, 4.7 km to Upper Falls
Elevation Gain: 30 m to Lower Falls, about 100 m total if continuing to Upper Falls
Difficulty: Easy and family-friendly, with a steeper section to the Upper Falls
Time: 40–60 minutes to Lower Falls, 1.5–2 hours total to Upper Falls
Best Time to Go: Year-round. Visit in both summer and winter for different experiences
Permits: Kananaskis Conservation Pass required. We have written a Q&A to answer all questions about the pass here.
Kid Friendly: Excellent for kids, including toddlers in carriers; strollers possible to Lower Falls
Dogs Allowed: Allowed on leash
How to Get There and Parking
To reach the Troll Falls trailhead from Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west and exit onto Highway 40 South (Kananaskis Trail).
Drive approximately 25 kilometers along Highway 40, then turn right onto Mt. Allan Drive, following signs for Nakiska Ski Resort and Kananaskis Village.
After about 1 kilometer, turn right into the Stoney Trailhead parking lot, which is the main parking area for the hike to Troll Falls.
Parking is free, but a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles. The lot can get busy during weekends and peak times in the summer, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the day if you want to avoid the crowds. Outside of the busy season, finding a spot is usually not a problem.
The trailhead is clearly marked from the parking area, and the hike begins just behind the restrooms.
Troll Falls Trail Map:
The Path to the Lower Falls
The trail starts with a gentle climb through the forest along a wide, fairly well-maintained path. It is stroller friendly for the most part, though it can get muddy at times.
While this section is not especially scenic, it doesn't take long to reach a clearing in the trees where you'll find nice views across the valley
After the clearing, you’ll begin to notice large teepees made from fallen tree trunks. The teepees are massive and it must have taken one hell of an effort to build, as they are incredibly sturdy.
They’re great for keeping kids engaged before you reach the falls, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a hidden ‘troll’ doll inside. Little surprises like this are what make it one of the best hikes for kids in Kananaskis, and one of our top tips in this post on hiking with kids is to look for trails with fun features like these.
You’ll pass three or four of these teepees before reaching a fork in the trail. Take the right fork unless you’re skiing in the winter. From here, it’s just a few more minutes to the Lower Falls.
Just before reaching the falls, you’ll find an information sign with a map of Troll Falls. It provides details about the falls, warns of the dangers of straying from the trail, and lists distances so you can decide how far to go.
It would be helpful if they also included the incline, as the section leading to the Upper Falls is noticeably steeper than the rest of the trail.
From this sign, a short trail leads to Troll Falls. This is the only part of the trail up to this point where a buggy might be tricky, depending on its width, though I’ve seen people manage it.
A designated viewing area has been added near the falls, which was not there the first few times that we visited - I believe it was built around 2021.
It was created to keep people from getting too close to the falls after a few injuries from falling rocks. I highly recommend staying on the path for safety!
After visiting the Lower Falls, you have two options: head back the way you came or keep going to see Marmot Falls and the Upper Falls. To continue, walk back about 100 metres from Troll Falls until you reach the Upper Falls junction (watch for the "Upper Falls" sign) and cross the bridge over the creek.
The Marmot Falls
Marmot Falls is, in my opinion, the most impressive of the three waterfalls, and it is definitely worth the extra effort to reach it. Follow the signs pointing toward the Upper Falls - the trail includes a few sets of steps and some steeper sections, but handrails have been added to make the climb easier.
The trail to Marmot Falls is easy to follow, with signs along the way reminding you to stay on the designated path. It typically takes around 20 minutes to get to Marmot Falls from the Lower Falls.
One reason I like Marmot Falls the most is that it offers a unique experience where you can walk behind the waterfall under a natural shelf - something kids love! The path behind the falls can be wet or icy depending on the season, so be sure to watch your footing.
The Upper Falls
The Upper Falls are only about 10 minutes farther, so it makes sense to keep going if you can manage it. In summer this stretch of the falls is made up of a series of smaller waterfalls flowing together. In winter the Upper Falls resemble a long frozen river.
Important: If you’re stepping on the ice, make sure to wear ice cleats! We always preach this, but the last time we went, we thought, “Do we really need them for just this little bit?” Well, Susie fell, so we definitely should have listened to our own advice (she was fine)!
This is the end of the trail. Head back the same way you came. On the return trip you can skip the Marmot Falls section - just refer to the trail map photo earlier in this post.
Troll Falls Trail - FAQ
Is Troll Falls suitable for Children?
Absolutely! Troll Falls is one of the best hikes for kids in Alberta. The trail is easy enough for little ones to explore, and there are plenty of fun features to keep them entertained. It's especially enjoyable in the winter!
Can I take a stroller with me on the Hike?
It’s possible to bring a stroller to the Lower Falls, although the last 100 meters or so can be tricky to navigate. I’ve seen people leave their stroller near the information board and pick it up on the return. It would need to be a rugged, sporty stroller like a chariot. The trail to Marmot Falls and the Upper Falls isn’t stroller-friendly.
Is the Hike Dog Friendly?
Yes, the trail is very dog friendly. We took our golden retriever and had no issues at all. Just make sure to keep your dog leashed and pick up after them.
What Wildlife Might I Encounter on the Trail?
We’ve spotted plenty of deer and smaller animals along the trail. Since this is bear country, always carry bear spray and know how to use it. While it’s a popular trail and bear sightings are rare, it's always good to be prepared.
What to Take With You
Good Hiking boots – While this trail can be done in runners, I strongly suggest having proper hiking boots for the whole family. In winter, you'll definitely need traction devices, as the path can get icy, particularly near Marmot Falls!
Phone – it’s always worth carrying one for emergencies, plus you’ll probably want to take a photo or two…..
Food and Water – Make sure to bring plenty of water! We recently got our kids Camelbaks, which has been a game-changer for keeping them hydrated on the go. Don’t forget snacks and some gummy treats for energy!
Dress in Layers - Mountain weather can change fast. Layering allows you to adjust to whatever conditions you encounter.
First Aid Kit – I always recommend bringing a basic first aid kit in your bag as a precaution. Maybe it's just my kids but we nearly always get at least a little bump or graze.
Bear spray – This hike is in bear country. Make lots of noise (I’m pretty sure no bears would want anything to do with our noisy kids though!)
More Information on Nearby Things to do
If you’ve already tackled this trail and are looking for something similar nearby, you might enjoy these other hikes:
The McGillivray Creek Trail (leads to a large chockstone wedged in between the canyon
The Grotto Canyon (a great hike in both summer and winter)
The Jura Creek Hike (also great in the summer and winter)
Canyon Creek Ice Cave (involves a bike ride and then short scramble to ice caves).
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge (a short hike to a FREE suspension bridge
If you're searching for nearby accommodations, consider the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s an amazing hotel and is actually where the G7 Summit was just held in 2025.
As always, if you have any questions about the hike feel free to ask away in the comments section