Troll Falls

 Dist: 5.2km    Elev: 150m    Time: 2h    

Gifted with an unexpectedly free Friday, Melinda and I decided to take Ivy on a family hike. We had visited Troll Falls a few winters ago, but we knew it would be quite different this time of year and also a perfect choice given the poor visibility due to BC wildfires. I had also read that the previously "secret" trail to the upper falls was now official and maintained, so I was eager to explore those for the first time as well.

Ivy and Mom slept for the majority of the short drive to Kananaskis, and we arrived just before 11am. We opted for the shady treed approach, took our time exploring both lower and upper falls, and returned through Hay Meadows to complete the loop. In our opinion the trail was much more interesting in the summer, and Ivy was especially mesmerized by the large cascades and numerous butterflies in the area. I loved watching her enthusiasm, as a father not-so-secretly hoping to impart a passion of the great outdoors to his daughter.

We completed the circuit at a leisurely pace and returned to the car in just under two hours. Ivy enjoyed playing and snacking in the back of the CRV before being strapped into her car seat for the return journey. A short and sweet family adventure!

Approaching the lower falls.

Lower falls. Ivy loved staring at this one.

Showing Ivy the birds and butterflies.

The photographer was very patient while we attempted to distract Ivy from the water.

One of the many upper falls.

Exploring (and cooling off) under the falls.

Mesmerized by the butterflies.

Smoky views of Mt Kidd from Hay Meadows.

Stretch break before lunch!