The underlying substrate in the area is sedimentary interbedded shale, sandstone and limestone. At the surface, there are areas of glacial till with very little topsoil, drumlins, and small pockets of fertile alluvial deposits. The interbedded bedrock is tilted, being part of the disturbed zone adjacent to the Rockies, thus, the falls on the Bow River, and the potential for hydro electric power generation.