If you are road-tripping along Highway 3 in the Crowsnest Pass region, then you need to make a halt at Lundbreck Falls. This beautiful waterfall in southern Alberta is a part of the Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area. You can have a fun time with your family at its small campground.
Make sure to carry your lunch boxes along, as the recreation area is well stocked with picnic tables. There are also several viewpoints around the falls for enjoying the breath-taking view around them. Fishing enthusiasts can head out to the pool at the base of the falls and the river downstream for catching some cutthroat and rainbow trout.
About Lundbreck Falls
Lundbreck Falls is the largest waterfall on the Crowsnest River, featuring a 12-meter drop over a rocky ledge and into a canyon. The waterfall is split by a tiny island near the crest of the falls. This looks extremely photogenic nestled among forested foothills, a train bridge, and distant mountains. Lundbreck Falls freezes partially during winter months, draping long icicles around the canyon’s ledge.
Enjoying the Beauty of Lundbreck Falls
You will come across two parking lots in the Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area, one on each side of the falls. There is a small lot next to Highway 3A. If it is full, you can cross the bridge over the river and turn right towards Township Road 73A and park your vehicle in the south parking lot.
The USP of Lundbreck Falls lies in its high accessibility. You can admire its stellar beauty from the viewing decks at both its parking spaces. This makes the falls perfect for those with mobility issues. For a view from the other side, you can follow the trail and cross the bridge to go to the other observation area.
Best views of Lundbreck Falls
Reach the north lot for the best views of Lundbreck Falls and the Crowsnest River. Feeling adventurous? Take the stairs and go down to the river for a closer look. There are flat rocks bordering the river that are adequately wide for walking safely. But you need to be extra careful when traveling with small children. Climb up the rocks at the plunge pool for a better view of the waterfall. However, they might be getting slippery because of the mist coming off the falls.
From the base of Lundbreck Falls, you can again climb up the stairs, climb the bridge, and get to the other side of the falls. There is a wooden deck almost under the bridge providing an excellent viewing platform for the Crowsnest River. You can walk from here and continue downstream to reach the campground. Take the path going towards the south parking lot for enjoying the beauty of the waterfall.
You will find more viewpoints on the south side of the river. There is a fenced area for standing very close to the falls and capturing some insta-worthy frames. From here, you can enjoy the full power and volume of the waterfalls. Now that you have enjoyed the beauty of the waterfalls, it’s time to head over to the picnic tables or walk through the campground.
Camping at Lundbreck Falls
Additionally, the Lundbreck Falls campground offers 12 walk-in tenting sites, 17 un-serviced RV sites, and 29 powered RV sites. The campground usually remains open from 12th May to 30th September, although weather conditions may affect the schedule. Moreover, you can reserve your campsite in advance by visiting the website or contacting Alberta Parks directly. However, campers must bring their own firewood and drinking water.
Two loops of RV campsites remain connected by a walking trail. There are fewer sites in the east loop, but they are more spaced out. You will find pull-through sites at the west loop. Tenting sites are at the far ends of both east and west segments of the campground. While a thick canopy of trees shelters most campgrounds, the tree count is less at some sites. You will find multiple tent and RV sites that back onto the river, making it convenient to go swimming and fishing. Lundbreck Falls Campground provides amenities such as fire pits and pit toilets. You can reach the Lundbreck Falls viewpoint through a trail that passes through the walk-in tent area.
Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Zone
If you are planning to stretch your legs on the way to Crowsnest Pass, then you need to add Lundbreck Falls to your itinerary. You might have to take a small detour if you are going towards Waterton Lakes National Park. But this is worth the effort. Apart from its beauty, Lundbreck Falls is popular for the various vantage points it offers. A loophole of this campground is that it lacks firewood and water. As a result, you need to prepare in advance.
