Established in 1961, this Wilderness Area contains high mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, hanging glaciers, mountain lakes and alpine meadows. Wildlife includes Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Caribou, Moose, deer and Black and Grizzly Bear.
- Map of the Area
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- Other Information
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
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If there are no or only a few observations, how about visiting and adding some? While there, complete a site inspection report (but read the Site Inspections terms and conditions first).
Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Other Information
Sub-alpine forests of Engelmann spruce, Rocky Mountain subalpine fir and lodgepole pine (with some aspen and balsam poplar at lower elevations) dominate valleys. Higher slopes support hardy alpine grasses, sedges and wildflowers. Wildlife includes Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Caribou, Moose, deer, Black and Grizzly Bears.
Restrictions and Access. Travel in Siffleur WA is by foot only and open fires are prohibited. All litter and refuse must be packed out; human waste should be buried at least 60 m away from any water source.
Prohibitions include horse-riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. The most popular access into Siffleur WA is off Hwy. 11 at Siffleur Falls trailhead, located about 65 km west of Nordegg. Most routes into the area were originally seismic lines; none of the routes are maintained.
Whistling Marmot. James Hector named the mountain, river, and, indirectly, this WA in the late 1850s after the French Canadian word for the whistling Hoary Marmot [1]. It is the largest North American ground squirrel and is often nicknamed “the whistler” for its high-pitched warning issued to alert other members of the colony to possible danger [2].
Management. The Siffleur Wilderness Area is protected under the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act (WAERNAHR). The only other wilderness areas in the Province are the White Goat WA to the north and the Ghost River WA to the south. Very stringent protection is in effect to preserve and protect natural heritage to provide a benchmark for pristine landscapes. No development or consumption (such as fishing or hunting) is permitted and access into Wilderness Areas is by foot only [3].
Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve borders this WA and contains the iconic Siffleur Falls.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Siffleur |
| Site Type | WA |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Alpine; Subalpine; Montane |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | NA |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 1102 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 395 |
| Total Area | 41214.47 ha. (101843.20 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | Camping – Backcountry, Hiking – backcountry |
| IUCN | IB |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Information & Facilities – Siffleur Wilderness Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-01-17).
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 295.
- Wikipedia. Hoary Marmot.
- Alberta Wilderness Association, Siffleur Wilderness.
SAPAA 