Cascade de glace
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
6.9 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
201 m
About Cascade de glace
Cascade de glace is a waterfall in the Evan-Thomas Creek valley in Kananaskis Country, inside Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park. The creek's canyon holds a series of waterfalls, including Chantilly Falls and Moonlight Falls, about 3 to 4 km up the valley from the Evan-Thomas parking lot on Highway 40. Several of them freeze in winter and are used by ice climbers.
The Setting
Cascade de glace sits at 1,699 metres within Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, in the high mountains of Alberta.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Cascade de glace flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 359-419 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
O'Shaughnessy Falls (7 m) lies 15.4 kilometres to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 6.9-km out-and-back trail gains 201 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The usual approach starts at the Evan-Thomas parking lot off Highway 40 and follows the Evan-Thomas Creek trail to a junction at 1.6 km, then a foot trail along the creek into the canyon, crossing the creek at times. Chantilly Falls is about 3.1 km and Moonlight Falls about 3.85 km from the parking lot. Alberta Parks reports there is no bridge over Evan-Thomas Creek to the Wedge Connector, and crossing the creek may be difficult and dangerous at times.
What to Expect
Expect a mountain cascade in a forested and rocky setting. Water flow will be highest during spring snowmelt and after heavy rain; summer flows may be lower. In winter the cascade may be partially or fully frozen and could form steep ice, this attracts ice climbers in some areas but is hazardous without the right skills and equipment. Cell coverage may be limited in remote mountain valleys. There are commonly no facilities, so carry everything you need and plan for self-rescue.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cascade de glace?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
In Alberta provincial and wildland provincial parks, pets must be on a leash no longer than 2 m (about 6.5 ft) at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade de glace?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May–September) is typically best for easier access and strong water flow from snowmelt. Winter offers striking ice formations but requires technical skills and safety equipment. Shoulder seasons may have muddy or wet conditions; check weather and recent trip reports.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards may include slippery rocks and wet approaches, fast-flowing water, cold temperatures, hypothermia risk, unstable or falling ice in winter, avalanche danger in seasonal zones, wildlife encounters (bears), and limited cell coverage and rescue response in remote areas. Always tell someone your plan and expected return time, carry appropriate safety gear, and avoid approaching the waterfall edge or standing on wet, unstable rocks. In winter or icy conditions, specialized equipment and winter experience are required, do not attempt technical ice climbs without proper training and gear.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Jumpingpound Creek, 19.3 km away, not on Cascade de glace's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.1 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 49 years of record
0.29 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge JUMPINGPOUND CREEK NEAR COX HILL (19 km away).
Today
Low
0.1 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
5/10Sun
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
0.1 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
0.1 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
0.1 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to late June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Banff hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), drive south on Highway 40 into the Kananaskis Valley to the Evan-Thomas parking lot. The falls are up the Evan-Thomas Creek valley to the southeast.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Evan-Thomas parking lot off Highway 40. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park.
Elevation
1,699 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.860482° N, -115.096344° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Division, Alberta Forestry and Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Verify land management and access: contact Parks Canada, Alberta Parks, or local ranger stations to confirm the cascade is on public land and whether any restrictions exist. 2) Check recent trip reports and local trail resources (AllTrails, regional hiking guides) for up-to-date route and condition info. 3) Wear sturdy footwear with good traction; expect wet and slippery rocks. 4) In bear country: carry bear spray, make noise on approach, and know how to use spray; keep food stored securely. 5) Do not attempt to climb on or under unstable ice in winter; falling ice and collapse are real hazards. 6) Leave no trace: pack out all waste and avoid disturbing vegetation. 7) If uncertain of route-finding ability, go with a guide or someone familiar with the area.
This trail sits at 5,574 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 6.9 km and 201 m of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Mount Kidd RV Park
4.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Chantilly Falls and Moonlight Falls are in the same Evan-Thomas Creek canyon, and the Evan-Thomas Fire Road continues up the valley.
Wildlife
Typical wildlife in the region includes black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, and various small mammals and birds. Practice wildlife safety: keep distance, secure food, and carry bear spray where appropriate.
Cities near Cascade de glace
Nearby Waterfalls
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