Ram Falls Provincial Park- Visitor Guide

Ram Falls is one of the most beautiful and scenically located waterfalls in Alberta. Situated in a remote area south of Nordegg, getting to Ram Falls Provincial Park requires a long drive on a gravel road, but seeing the 20 m tall waterfall plunge into the picturesque Ram River Canyon makes the effort worthwhile.

Even though Ram Falls Provincial Park is quite isolated, it can be visited on ambitious day trips from Edmonton and Calgary.

Things to Do at Ram Falls Provincial Park

Ram Falls Provincial Park is open year-round but is primarily a summer destination. Winter access is affected by the weather and the park’s remote location.

Visiting Ram Falls

As the park’s name suggests, Ram Falls is the main attraction in Ram Falls Provincial Park. After the long journey to get here, thankfully the falls are easy to access, requiring a short walk (0.3 km) on a flat path and then a staircase down to a viewing platform.

Once you arrive at the park, drive straight past the first day use area until the road curves and you come to a large parking area. You’ll notice a trailhead with a sign that says “viewpoint”. This is the main parking lot and trail to Ram Falls, but there is another one further up the road and around the corner to the right.

From the main lot, follow the path through the forest. A short distance ahead, the path passes through a meadow with some picnic tables.

Soon the trail comes to the edge of the canyon and leads towards a long staircase going down towards Ram Falls.

At the top of the staircase, you’ll get your first view of the waterfall and steep slopes of the Ram River Canyon. While the view is nice, it’s worth going down the stairs for a closer look at the falls.

Once you reach the viewing platform at the bottom of the staircase, you’ll get a nice view of the front of Ram Falls. The backdrop of rocky mountains and forested foothills enhances the vista and makes for some beautiful photographs. 

Looking in the opposite direction, you’ll see the Ram River flowing through the canyon. It’s not as nice of a view, but if you’re lucky, you might also get to see bighorn sheep, as they’re known to hang out on the slopes near the viewing platform.

Once you’re done admiring the falls, it’s time to tackle the climb up to the top of the canyon. The picnic area along the trail back to the parking lot is a nice place to enjoy a snack or lunch before leaving the park.

Camping at Ram Falls Provincial Park

Ram Falls Provincial Park has a rustic campground with limited services (no drinking water, showers, flush toilets, electricity, firewood, or cell service). The campground is open from June to September. Most sites can be reserved in advance, but ten sites in Loop 1 are first come, first served.

Ram Falls Campground

The Ram Falls campground is in a forested area close to the Ram Falls viewpoint and day use area. 

There are 54 unserviced campsites arranged into five loops. The sites are spacious and sheltered by tall conifer trees. Each campsite has a picnic table and firepit. There is also one group camping area for 20 units that has a picnic shelter. The campground doesn’t have a playground.

Review of Ram Falls Provincial Park

Ram Falls Provincial Park is a beautiful, secluded spot to enjoy some time in nature. The waterfall is gorgeous and doesn’t require a long hike to reach and the campground is a peaceful place to disconnect from the world. It’s well worth a visit!