It is not always easy to find waterfalls on hikes without hiking a great distance. Cat Falls, similar to Troll Falls, is a beautiful destination without too much effort making it the perfect hike for families. The views, bridges, and waterfall make this a hike that everyone will enjoy.
For over 45 hikes within the Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis and Calgary area, purchase the eBook or paperback book “Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies”. Includes stroller friendly hikes!
Cat Creek Waterfall, Kananaskis Area
Open: June 15th – November 30th
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance and Elevation: 2.6 km out and back, 150 m elevation
Facilities: Outhouse, Picnic Tables, Garbages
Hike Highlights: Waterfall, Mountain Views, Creek,
Optional Gear: Carrier
Trailrider Rating: Challenging
Insider Tip :
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy by the waterfall or after the hike in the Cat Falls day-use area.
Directions:
There are a few ways to get to Cat Falls. From the highway 1, drive down almost 100 km to the Cat Creek Day Use Area. Turn right into the day-use area. There is a sign. Another quicker option for those in South Calgary is to come up Highway 40 from the South end.
Trail Head:
Drive down past the first small parking lot to the larger parking lot. The trailhead is located on the side closer to the highway and there is a large sign indicating the trailhead.
Trail Description:
Use caution with little kids when you start the hike as it crosses the highway right away.
Follow the packed single trail through the trees up to the highway. Watch out for vehicles driving fast and cross the road.
After crossing the highway, climb up the mountain. Enjoy the colours during wildflower season.
After 300 m you will have a view of the Highwood Valley. Enjoy the views by the cliffside as you continue on the trail. Some children may need hand-holding as you walk along the trail.
After enjoying the views by the cliff, head back into the trees. Follow the switchback before heading back to the cliffside.
Then hike down along the cliff until you reach the creek. Continue on the trail a short distance as you cross the 2 bridges without railings. Keep hiking a few metres until you reach the beautiful Cat Falls Waterfall. Enjoy the views!
Want more 45+ kid-friendly hikes like this one?
PRE-ORDER the paperback book Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.
Purchase (Ebook) Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies here.
Hey! I tried to order your book from Amazon today, and couldn’t find it! You should consider selling it on there, as more people can easily access it?! I hope to one day easily get my hands on a copy! Happy hiking!
Thanks for the feedback! Planning to put it on there this year at some point. I wanted to sell as much as I could myself because amazon takes a huge cut! If your in calgary you can buy it at a few different places like the great outdoors kids gear shop and owls nest bookstore in calgary! Or in Canmore at Valhalla! Also, cows ice cream in Banff is selling it too
Awesome!!!! I absolutely will pick one up, can’t wait!!
Call to double check if you go to owls as they just ordered them so not sure they have them in stock yet. The other places do!