Five Outdoor Adventures in David Thompson Country

Chase waterfalls

There are many great waterfalls to see in David Thompson Country. The best known is Siffleur Falls, which is one of the most underrated waterfall hikes in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and boardwalk as you make your way up the 7.1 km (4.4 mi) round-trip trail to a thundering waterfall with a couple of panoramic viewpoints. For an easier hike, visit the 3.2 km (2.0 mi) round trip to Whitegoat Falls, a lovely, lesser-known tiered waterfall.

If you want to learn more about the true wilderness and fascinating history of David Thompson Country, book a tour with Canadian Rockies Escapes. They offer guided hikes, side-by-side sunset tours, e-bike tours and alpine heli-hiking tours of the many incredible sites in David Thompson Country.

Fly a heli adventure

It takes a full day of hiking and some bushwhacking through rugged terrain to get to Waterfall Creek, a beautiful spot in David Thompson Country. Or you can get there in minutes by helicopter on a heli-hiking adventure with Rockies Heli Canada. The enormous mountain peaks will feel close enough to touch as you soar over them on your way to the trail near the falls. Rockies Heli Canada is located on the David Thompson Highway and offers a wide variety of scenic helicopter adventures, including heli-fishing, heli-hiking, heli-horseback riding, heli-glamping and heli-backcountry camping.

Go for a hike

There are many wonderful hiking trails in David Thompson Country. Two of the best hikes are Allstones Lake and Allstones Creek. The steep trail to Allstones Lake is for those who want a heart-pumping hike with over 843 m (2,766 ft) elevation gain. There are exquisite panoramic views at the top of this 10 km (6.2 mi) round trip hike. For those who want an easier trek, the 4.8 km (3.0 mi) round trip Allstones Creek hike is a great choice. This trail features a steady incline along the creek that ends at a beautiful 6 m (20 ft) high waterfall. Cooling off in the falls is fantastic fun on a hot summer day. Wear water shoes or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.

Try via ferrata climbing

If you like the idea of climbing a mountain but don’t have the right skills or equipment, a guided via ferrata climbing tour is perfect for you. A via ferrata is an assisted climbing route along a steel cable attached to the mountain with metal rungs.  Girth Hitch Guiding takes guests on two established via ferrata routes in David Thompson Country. It’s a safe way to experience the thrill of scaling a gigantic cliff face in the Canadian Rockies. Girth Hitch Guiding also offers skills training and a variety of other mountain climbing experiences in the area.

Ride a horse

Get a different perspective of David Thompson Country from the back of a horse.  McKenzie’s Trails West has you covered, whether you want to experience an hour-long trail ride or an epic multi-day backcountry horseback adventure. This family-run outfitter has lived, loved and guided in David Thompson Country for more than 50 years.

Where to stay

Several properties offer overnight accommodations in David Thompson Country, including  Aurum Lodge, Expanse Cottages and  David Thompson Resort. There are also many lovely campgrounds to choose from if you're feeling more outdoorsy. If you want to be closer to Abraham Lake,  Two O’Clock Creek Campground is a good bet. Near Nordegg,  Goldeye Lake Campground is located next to a lovely lake where you can hike, canoe, fish and swim.

Campsites in David Thompson Country can be booked through Alberta Parks’ online reservation system. You can make your individual and backcountry camping reservations 90 days in advance, while group and comfort camping reservations can be made 180 days in advance. The booking system is available year-round, but the availability for each campground will depend on their opening dates.