Elbow Falls facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elbow Falls
Location in Alberta
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Location	Kananaskis Improvement District, Alberta
Coordinates	50°52′4″N 114°46′44″W / 50.86778°N 114.77889°W / 50.86778; -114.77889 (Elbow Falls)
Total height	3 m (9.8 ft)
Watercourse	Elbow River

Elbow Falls is popular with kayakers

Elbow Falls is a beautiful set of small waterfalls. You can find them along the Elbow River in Alberta, Canada. They are located west of a small community called Bragg Creek. This popular spot is part of the Kananaskis Improvement District.

To get there, you follow Alberta Highway 66. The falls are about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of the turnoff from Alberta Highway 22.

What Makes Elbow Falls Special?

The height of Elbow Falls changes with the seasons. During the dry season, the falls can be as tall as 6 meters (20 feet). However, in June, the river fills up with lots of water. This makes the waterfall only about 3 meters (10 feet) high.

Fun Things to Do at Elbow Falls

Elbow Falls is a great place for a day trip. There's a special area for picnics, perfect for enjoying lunch outdoors. You can also start a short 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) hiking trail from here.

If you want to stay longer, there are several campgrounds nearby. You can spend the night under the stars and explore the area more.

How the 2013 Flood Changed Elbow Falls

In 2013, a big flood hit Alberta. The 2013 Alberta floods caused a lot of damage to the Elbow Falls area. The Elbow River overflowed its banks, which means it went past its usual edges.

This powerful flood destroyed the picnic area. Most of the paved walking trails were also washed away. The riverbed itself changed a lot too. Where there used to be soil and trees, now there are mostly mounds of rock.