David Thompson Resort sits in the heart of David Thompson Country — one of Alberta’s last quiet corners of the Rockies. From our doorstep at Cline River you can reach waterfalls, canyons, hoodoos and summit ridges without the crowds of the national parks. These are the 11 hikes we recommend most to our guests. Trail conditions change with the seasons — check the forecast, carry bear spray, and let someone know where you’re headed.
1. Coral Creek Canyon
Approx. 2-minute drive · 7.7 km round trip · 155 m elevation gain · 2.5–4 hours · Easy (cliff edges — keep children close)
The closest hike to the resort — the trailhead is right at the Cline River Bridge. Walk the rim of a limestone canyon above the turquoise Cline River, with the option to continue up Coral Creek or climb Coral Ridge for a full-day outing.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
2. Whitegoat Falls
Approx. 5-minute drive · 3.2 km round trip · 1–1.5 hours · Easy to moderate
From the Cline transfer station trailhead, a forest trail climbs Whitegoat Creek to a two-tiered waterfall tucked into the rocks. A short, rewarding outing that’s great for families.
3. Vision Quest
Approx. 5-minute drive · 3.7 km to the false summit · 590 m elevation gain · Hard — steep with scrambling
Shares a trailhead with Whitegoat Falls but nothing else: this is a steep ridge climb rewarded with one of the best panoramas of Abraham Lake anywhere. For experienced hikers only.
4. Little Indian Falls
Approx. 15-minute drive · 6.3 km round trip · 1.5–2 hours · Easy
A quiet forest walk to a pretty waterfall, then on to a sheltered cove on Abraham Lake. One of the least busy trails in the area.
5. Allstones Creek
Approx. 20-minute drive · 2.6 km round trip · About 1 hour · Moderate — you will get your feet wet
Follow the creek itself up a narrow canyon to Allstones Falls, crossing the water again and again. Bring water shoes — on a hot day this is the most fun short hike on the lake.
6. Allstones Lake
Approx. 20-minute drive · 10.4 km round trip · Moderate to hard
The bigger sibling of Allstones Creek: a steady climb to a mountain lake with sweeping views back over Abraham Lake. A proper half-day adventure.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
7. Siffleur Falls
Approx. 25-minute drive · First falls about 4 km round trip · Easy
Cross Alberta’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge and walk into the Siffleur canyon to the first waterfall — then keep going to the second and third falls if you’re feeling energetic.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
8. Crescent Falls
Approx. 40-minute drive · Short trails and viewpoints, about 1.8 km · Easy
The signature waterfall of David Thompson Country: twin falls on the Bighorn River dropping into a deep canyon, with viewpoints along the rim.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
9. Tershishner Falls
Approx. 40-minute drive · 1.7 km to the falls · Easy
A short walk to a waterfall and pool on Tershishner Creek. Pairs perfectly with Crescent Falls for a half-day of waterfall hunting.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
10. Hoodoo Creek
Approx. 20-minute drive · 3.8 km round trip · 360 m elevation gain · Moderate
Something completely different: follow the creek bed up to a valley of hoodoos — towering pillars of cemented glacial till — and a shallow cave at the end. Watch for slippery rocks when the creek runs high.
11. Coliseum Mountain
Approx. 50-minute drive (Nordegg) · Full-day summit hike · Moderate to hard
The classic Nordegg summit: switchbacks and a ridge walk to a fire-lookout summit with views over Nordegg, Abraham Lake and the front ranges.
Find the trailhead (Google Maps)
Staying with us? Ask at the front desk — we’re happy to point you to the trailhead that suits your day. David Thompson Resort reopens for the season on May 8, 2027, and our Z Cabins at Abraham Lake are open year-round.