Activities to pursue in Kootenay Plains
Cross the suspension bridge towards Siffleur Falls!
Within the northern part of the Kootenay Plains, is a beautiful mountain range that adventurers can explore through a suspension bridge hanging over the end leg of the Siffleur Falls. Crossing the Siffleur River, is the Topham Suspension bridge, which happens to be one of the longest suspension bridges in Alberta. This bridge is named after Corporal Fredrick George Topham, a recipient of the Victoria Cross while serving with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in World War 2.
Leading towards the beautiful scenery provided within the Falls, a hiking trail awaits that is friendly for the whole family. This trail is not only easy to hike, but also provides gorgeous views upon looking back to where you started. As you reach the top, the frisky and rapid running water is fun for a little dip. Feel free to bask in should the velocity be up to your speed!
Hiking towards and fishing in Siffleur Falls
As stated in the header article, this hiking trail is extremely family friendly, but can be hazardous if hikers do not exercise caution. This trails follows the river upstream, with the first viewpoint at about 3.5km in. These trails can take upwards to an hour and back but can last longer if admiring the foliage is your forte. Fishing is permitted within the Falls; However, the river is not the best place to find such wildlife. Upon your hike you may encounter clear pools that provide access to fishing should it match your activity palette. Within these pools you can find a variety of fish including Walleye, Northern Pike, Brown, Bull and Rainbow Trout. Slight parking is also available at the start of this 5 kilometer hiking trail.
Admiring Abraham Lake
Upon entering the Kootenay Plains, adventurers experience a vast and surrounding body of water, known as Abraham Lake. Although man-made in the year 1972, this lake at its peak moments, presents itself to you in all of its glorious, breath-taking bright and blue coloured tones. As family friendly as the Siffleur Falls hike, dipping your feet in to the frisky water is possible, unless you are brave enough to swim into its constantly cold temperature. Relative to Siffleur Falls, fishing is permitted, but spots are first come first serve. Boat launches are only available at certain areas of the shoreline. Please check a map to find a docking area. This lake is situated as it lines the David Thompson Highway, between Saskatchewan River Crossing and Nordegg For more, check out this informational website on all things Abraham Lake related!
Find the perfect spot for camping within Kootenay Plains.
If camping is in your alley of enjoyment, Kootenay Plains offers both front country and backcountry camps that are close to trails. A variety of campgrounds awaits you to explore whether you choose to be near the river or the Radium Hot Springs. Depending on weather and provincial permissions, campfires are permitted, whether wood or propane burning. Should extra facilities, food or utilities be needed, the David Thompson Resort is just a short drive away. If being a little more touristy is your forte, Banff is also just several minutes away depending on your camping grounds. Enjoy the views and outdoors at your own leisure, with the mountains surrounding you awaiting to be hiked! A suggested campground with another gorgeous view is just a short couple of hours away south from the Siffleur Falls area, in Marble Canyon!
What's New & Exciting!
Winter is finally here! And along with that, are the transformations that include the frozen sight of Siffleur Falls. For those looking to up the ante on their adventurous souls, what was once a beautiful sight in the summer, is now frosted and even more brisk than what was described previously. Make sure you’re packing extra gear to keep yourself warm and shoes that will provide you grip against the snow terrain. Thought it is already considered gorgeous in the warmer seasons, this sight that only comes around throughout half the year cycle within Alberta, is just that much worth seeing. If it wasn’t mentioned before, the Siffleur River dives 15 meters down a channel of narrow rocks to provide visitors mother nature’s wonders. If Siffleur Falls is not up to par, or maybe you have already seen it, we also present to you Crescent Falls.
Crescent Falls
Since we do not necessarily have a section on Crescent Falls, here is a little information on it to catch you up to speed! Starting at a view point of Bighorn River Canyon, follows a 5 kilometer round trip trail that provides a view from the top of the canyon. This also provides views of the canyon walls, something you’ll be amazed with, as how these formations are made naturally. If a fear of heights being something you want to conquer; this is the hike for you! But be very clear, safe and conscious, as the ledges can be very slippery. A little tidbit as far as the name is concerned, these falls get their title as the falls themselves are a crescent shape.
For more a sneak peek at what you could be getting yourself into, make sure to visit this link from the DailyHive, providing your eyes an experience that can’t wait to be seen in person!
A Brief History of Kootenay Plains
Though there are a numerous amount of activities that can be done on Kootenay Plains, explorers and avid adventurers can also pay respects to that of the plains themselves. On the vast landscape, is a significance upon local indigenous communities, due to the gravesites also located on the plains. Named after the Ktunaxa First Nations, historically called the Kootenay Indians until 1810. Thereafter, the plains were taken by the Peigan First Nation; the Stoney and Cree Nations took over within the same years. Some years ago, the First Nations tribes also hunted abundant wildlife in the area. Prehistoric camps have also been found, dating back to about 5000 years, if not more.
These untouched plains, within the central portion of Alberta, are etched within two mountain ridges; as they are also positioned along the North Saskatchewan River and the Rocky Mountains. With this being said, the Kootenay Plains are one of the largest untouched plains in the province and also happen to be the driest area among the Rockies. Along with Siffleur Falls and Abraham Lake, with the campgrounds, it contains open forests that include aspen, pine and spruce; those that make up the grasslands include june grass, pasture sage, prairie groundsel and blue flax. The Kootenay Plains remain a crucial part of Alberta’s history.
