Hikes in David Thompson Country

Tuff Puff Ridge is a beautiful trail near David Thompson Highway that attracts a lot of hikers, not only because of its ear-catching name, but also because of the blooming wildflowers surrounding it. The trail is of great quality and the summit has beautiful views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies. You will be able to observe Whirlpool Ridge, Two O-Clock Ridge and North Saskatchewan River from the best angles!

The trail to the top of Coliseum Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the surrounding area. Not only does it have beautiful views of the surrounding Canadian Rocky Mountains, but of the Nordegg hamlet as well. Although we recommend hiking during the warm months of the year, this scramble is available all year round and is quite popular among snowshoers.

The Vision Quest Ridge hike near David Thompson Hwy is a short challenging hike. The trail up is quite steep, but the views once you go above the treeline are breathtaking! This trail also leads to the site that is believed to have held a spiritual meaning to former inhabitants of the surrounding areas.

Allstones Ridge and Lake hike near David Thompson Highway is a bucket-list trail that leads to the calm Allstones Lake with lots of space for camping and a possibility to hike to the Allstones Peak just nearby. The trail is relatively short, but most of the scramble is quite steep hiking. At around half of the climb to the lake, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains and this view will lead you all the way to the top.

Shunda Mountain trail is a beautiful route near Nordegg, leading to the fire lookout called the Baldy Lookout. This place was chosen as a great location for a fire lookout because of the expansive views of the surrounding area. The path to the top is quite steep and is used as a service road, so it’s of good quality. The terrain near the top is very open, so beautiful views are guaranteed. And there’s plenty of space for a picnic!

The Ram Mountain hike is a beautiful hiking route that is located in the middle of nowhere - around a 1-hour drive from Nordegg and 3.5 from Calgary. This trail is quite remote and not very well known, and that adds up to the whole magic of the surrounding area. Even though this hike is quite long, the route is very pleasant, as it inclines quite slowly, and evenly— so fit hikers might even call this trail ‘easy’!

Hiking to Crescent Falls won’t take very long, but you’ll probably want to stay awhile. With its magnificent viewpoint, it's a must-do in the David Thompson region. The nearby campground makes for the perfect basecamp when exploring the area. The trail will take you straight to the falls and back. Although rocky and rooty in some spots, this trail is accessible to all abilities.

The out-and-back Siffleur Falls Trail is an excellent half- to full-day adventure (and possibly overnight). The first set of falls appear quickly, and you can choose your own adventure from here. One waterfall might be satisfactory for your trip, but the whole trail features three sets of falls and crosses two rivers. This is a low-traffic trail that seems to be a hidden gem of the David Thompson Highway region.

The Ram Falls Trail is located in the central hub of Ram Falls Provincial Park, next to the Ram Falls campground. This is a must-do out-and-back hike that takes less than an hour to complete. During the 800 m round trip, be sure to spend some extra time admiring the falls and the abundant scenery in the area.

Hiking to Cline River Falls follows a short and easy trail that leads up through the must-see Cline River Canyon to the waterfalls. It requires little effort to reach as you hike for a short distance right off the highway. If you’re coming or going from camping in central Nordegg, this is the perfect trail. You’ll see some incredible natural beauty in just a short trip.

Hiking the Fish Lake Trail won’t take long, but it makes for the perfect family walk from the Fish Lake Campground. This might not be a bucket list pitstop along the David Thompson Highway, but it’s sure worth the walk when staying at the Fish Lake Campground of the Frontier Lodge. The trail is perfect for families or those with a time limit.

Hiking Hoodoo Creek is very straightforward, but be warned—it’s extremely steep. This trail heads straight up the face of Abraham Mountain along Hoodoo Creek to an excellent viewpoint. If you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with unforgettable views of Abraham Lake.

White Goat Falls is a beautiful hike that departs from the waste transfer station. The trail climbs up the creek above a canyon to the falls. This is an adventurous trail for something so short, which makes for an exciting outing. We recommend this for families with kids as it’s easy for all abilities yet thrilling at the same time.

Onion Lake is a secluded subalpine lake that makes for a long day hike. The 28.0 km trail is easy to follow and passes many junctions. Some choose to camp along the way, but it’s also possible to complete in a day. Enjoy the spectacular views of the lake when you reach it.

The trail up to Coral Creek begins along the Cline River. You can see the effects of the 2013 floods here as you make your way upstream, above the impressive canyon. You’ll hike to the confluence of the Cline River and Coral Creek, following Coral Creek to the mouth of the canyon. Here, a wide-open valley appears, marking an ideal turnaround point.

Hike along Tershishner Creek to the humbling Tershishner Falls. The short and easy trail is manageable for all and makes for an excellent stop to stretch the legs and do some sightseeing with the whole family. The trail is very close to the Abraham Lake campground, so this trail can get quite busy. It isn’t bothersome since it’s so short but be warned that this isn’t the quietest option along Highway 11.

Flag Hill Trail is a rewarding hike that could be considered an easy stroll. This is an ideal place for a picnic or just a spot to stretch your legs. Once you locate the pullout area and flagged trailhead, the hike is straightforward and covers only 800 m to the top. The endpoint has excellent views of Abraham Lake and sees less traffic than other viewpoints.

Hiking the Coral Creek Canyon Trail is a great way to spend a few hours when exploring the David Thompson Highway. The trail is part of a longer trail system that leads to some multi-day adventures. The trail is manageable for all abilities and filled with exciting features. Watch for wildflowers blooming along the way if you head here midsummer.

The Black Canyon Creek Trail is a beautiful multi-use trail that begins along the Fish Lake Trail, a popular location for many activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking. This is a great trail to take if you stay at the Fish Lake Campground and want to explore the area and discover all the stunning scenery it offers.

Across the highway from popular Fish Lake, Goldeye Lake sees less traffic and offers a beautiful trail that wraps around the lake’s shores. The loop takes hikers out to the lake and around the perimeter, where wonderful spots to stop and appreciate nature abound.