If you’re wondering where to go hiking near Nordegg, there are many gorgeous fall hikes. Shunda Lake, also known as Fish Lake is a pretty setting near a campground and Lodge to get some exercise near the town. Coliseum Mountain is more intense with the trail going straight up to get a workout. The views at the top are beautiful and you’ll be happy to capture the spectacular scenery of the valley around you with your camera. Baldy Canyon is a short hike providing a chance to explore the forest near Coliseum Mountain. When the leaves are changing, the different colours provide stunning scenery.
Siffleur Falls is found heading west on the David Thompson Highway. It’s a moderately rated hike with some flat and uphills to get your heart pumping. Once you head further along the hike, you’ll reach the spectacular canyon and the falls. You don’t want to miss these hikes. Nordegg is a fantastic place to check out in the fall.
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Shunda Lake (Fish Lake) Hiking Trail
Directions: Heading west, Fish Lake is past the town of Nordegg to the left on Range Road 155.
Distance: This is a 4.5-kilometre easy hike with a 154-metre elevation gain around the lake.
Washrooms: Outhouses are provided in the parking lot.
Parking: The parking lot provides ample space to park.
Fish Lake has some awesome hiking near Nordegg. The path goes around the lake staying relatively flat the entire time. In the fall, the changing leaves are a nice contrast to the blue water and mountains in the background.
Enchanted Forest Adventures
It is an easy dirt trail but you’ll need to watch for the protruding roots coming out from the ground. You can either walk side by side with your partner or walk one behind the other to engage in pleasant conversation. Most of the trail is in the forest with the occasional lookout towards the water. You’re likely to hear birds chirping and you might see squirrels chasing each other across the path.
You might want to bring bug spray to keep the mosquitos away during bug season.
Near the south side of the lake, we encountered the trail turning into a boardwalk. We decided shortly afterwards to eat our lunch at that spot. I appreciated sitting on my MEC Seat Cushion instead of the damp leaves on the ground when we had our lunch near the water. It was nice to enjoy the tranquillity of the lake.
Canoe Adventures on the Sparkling Lake
This hike approached Frontier Lodge where canoes could be used if you’re staying there. It would be the perfect place to explore in a relaxed setting.
Further up the trail, you’ll run into Fish Lake campground. It costs $28/night for unserviced sites and $36/night for powered sites to stay at the campground. The lake can provide swimming and kayaking outings if you’re looking to fill your day with adventures.
There are lots of opportunities to spend time in nature around there. You have options if you’d prefer to stay in nicer accommodations or spend time in a tent. It’s awesome to have the trail nearby to get some exercise while exploring this area. When we went, it wasn’t too busy either making it a peaceful area to explore with my parents.
Coliseum Mountain
Directions: Coliseum Mountain is north of the town of Nordegg off Eagle Drive.
Distance: It’s a 12.9 km in-and-out trail with a 795-metre elevation gain. It’s rated as difficult for being a straight-up hike.
Washrooms: Outhouses are available.
Parking: There is plenty of space to park your vehicle.
Hiking near Nordegg includes this popular Coliseum Mountain trail. It starts gradually in the trees and then gets steeper as the trail progresses. You’ll get glimpses of a view and the valley as you walk up the path. It can feel gruelling as the climbing seems never-ending. Don’t forget to bring your Camelbak Crux 2L Reservoir with you in your backpack so that you have ample water to drink as you go up.
Tip: Take your breaks where you can see a view. It’s more motivating if you can see your progress as time goes on.
Captivating Skies
Bring your Kahtoola Microspikes if you run into snow or ice. It will make your hike a lot more enjoyable to avoid slipping and falling.
Tip: It’s typically windy at the top so bring your windbreaker. Temperatures and weather typically start changing in the afternoon. Make sure to start this hike early in the morning so you don’t end up caught in a storm on your way back down.
It will be hard work to reach the summit but once you get there you’ll be thankful to have made it. The views are breathtaking and you’ll want to grab your camera to take pictures and enjoy a well-deserved break. It will feel like an amazing accomplishment!
Baldy Canyon
Directions: Drive on Baldy Mountain Road. Look for the trail on the left in the trees.
Distance: It’s a 1.1-kilometre trail with a 60-metre elevation gain.
Washrooms: There are no outhouses available.
Parking: There is a small parking lot.
We happened to stumble upon this hike while walking near our vacation rental. This narrow trail had ups and downs providing us with different views of nature in the area. It was a tranquil walk in the forest. We enjoyed exploring a new area we hadn’t discovered before. We liked seeing the different colours of leaves on the trees during the fall season. Baldy Canyon is a nice fall hike near Nordegg. Not too difficult but enjoyable to get some exercise and a breath of fresh air.
Siffleur Falls
Directions: Siffleur Falls is a forty-five-minute drive west of Nordegg. You’ll see the trailhead on the left-hand side of the David Thompson Hwy #11.
Distance: This moderately rated 7 km in-and-out hike has a 383-metre elevation gain. It’s 3.5 km to Siffleur Falls one-way, with the possibility of going further to two more sets of falls, if you want to do a longer hike.
Washrooms/Parking: Outhouses can be found in the big parking lot.
The best hiking near Nordegg includes Siffleur Falls. You’ll start the hike by walking across the North Saskatchewan River on a suspension bridge. There are beautiful views on either side of the bridge. Make sure to take some pictures of you and your partner.
The trail is wide allowing you and your partner to walk side by side but don’t get caught off guard by sneaky roots that stick out of the ground. You’ll need to pay attention to where you are stepping.
At 1.8 kilometres in the hike, you’ll cross the Siffleur River bridge. This is a fast-flowing river so be careful when approaching it.
The trail is relatively flat until 2.4 kilometres. After that, you’ll climb up a hill for future scenic opportunities providing spectacular views.
Exploring the Majestic Canyon
Remember the spectacular views I was talking about earlier? Near 6.5 kilometres you’ll reach this gorgeous canyon viewpoint allowing you to look down into it. It’s a fantastic place to take pictures. It’s located off a side trail that branched off the main trail for those who would like a close-up of the area.
Tip: It’s a steep drop-off from where I am standing. Be careful of your footing and be cautious if it’s raining as it might be slippery.
As long as you’re careful, it provides a peaceful place to take pictures away from the busy trail.
Thrilling Siffleur Waterfall
You’ve reached the falls! Watch the powerful water rush through the rocks from the viewing platform. It’s quite a sight to see.
Tip: You can enjoy the water by sitting on rocks nearby. Don’t go too close to the river though, not to get swept away! Many signs are warning you about the dangerous slope and to stay back from the edge!
Enjoy some downtime here eating a snack or your lunch and enjoy your partner’s company before heading back to your vehicle. It will be a successful day having completed this awesome trail!
Final Thoughts
Where do you want to go hiking near Nordegg? Do you have a trail in mind now? The four hikes are amazing to spend time outdoors with your partner. Shunda Lake and Baldy Canyon are short hikes that provide a chance to get outdoors in nature and get some fresh air. Siffleur Falls is a moderately difficult hike. There’s some uphill but it will be worth it looking down in the canyon and enjoying the rushing Siffleur Falls. It’s a longer hike than the first two hikes mentioned to provide you with more exercise and beautiful views. I always find it peaceful to hike along rivers or lakes. There’s a calmness about seeing water in nature.
Coliseum Mountain is definitely more challenging with a steeper hike but the views will be rewarding. I suggest you get in shape and try different hikes to crush it when attempting this hike. It will be an amazing feeling to reach your destination feeling happy to have completed it! Regardless of what you decide to do, enjoy your hikes around Nordegg!
Additional Links
- Where Can I Find Spectacular Waterton Fall Hikes?
- Fall Hikes in Banff and Yoho
- Guide to Banff National Park Larch Hikes
- 4 Best Larch Hikes
- Unique Camping in Alberta
Trip Ressources for Nordegg
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
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