Takakkaw Falls

Yoho National Park

Short walk to a better view of Yoho's tallest waterfall.

Hiking Easy

Distance: 1.3 km
Ascent: 15 m
Descent: 15 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 1.5 km
High Point: 1.5 km
Gradient: 1˚

At 373 metres tall, Takakkaw Falls is among the tallest in Canada. You can see it from your car on Yoho Valley Road, but you can also take a walk to stand in its torrential spray. A paved path leads from the parking area toward the falls. Where the path runs into a boulder field, you must scramble among slippery rocks if you want to get closer. Those not wishing to risk injury can stay back and get wonderful photos from the trail, but won’t feel much of the spray.

Standing near Takakkaw Falls Photo: SridharSaraf, cropped from original

Description

This waterfall remains spectacular year-round but reaches its peak flow in late spring with snowmelt. In summer and fall, it continues to flow, fed by a glacier high above, and in winter, it can freeze solid. When snowy, the walk may require snowshoes or traction devices.

The Takakkaw Falls trailhead is the starting point for many other hikes in the Yoho Valley. Thus, it’s a popular area. Arrive early to secure parking. In the summer, you can stay at the nearby campground or hostel in order to maximize your time on the trails.

Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/places https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TakakkawFalls