The best waterfall to see in the Canadian Rockies?
Oct 10th, 2006, 03:53 PM
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The best waterfall to see in the Canadian Rockies?
Hello all - I'm planning a trip for next summer and trying to figure out how long we'll be in each place. We plan to stay in Jasper, Field and Kananaskis Country. We plan to hike alot, as well as raft. From reading this forum, I know there are a number of the beautiful waterfalls in the Rockies - can anyone tell me which one is their favorite? Thanks so much! Jill
Oct 11th, 2006, 01:57 AM
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I guess I would have to say Takakkaw Falls, near Field. However, I also like Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls. Both of the latter are right off the Icefields Parkway or Hwy #93, the road that connects Lake Louise and Jasper townsite. Since you literally just have to pull off Hwy #93 and into a parking in order to see each of those other two falls, it is virtually no extra effort to do, so you may as well include them as well.
Oct 11th, 2006, 02:10 AM
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In my opinion your choice of <b>lakes</b> is more important than your choice of waterfalls. Pleasant as the waterfalls are, none of them is anything like as impressive as Niagara (I'm referring to the falls of that name, not the tacky Canadian town that is adjacent to them).
My favourite mountain lakes that can be seen without any effort (that is, without hiking or prior reservations on limited-space buses) are, in this order: Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. They're all within a half hour driving radius of Lake Louise. Moraine Lake is 9 miles from LL, Emerald Lake is near Field, and Peyto Lake is just off the Icefields Parkway, about a half hour north of LL.
A gorgeous lake (which is surrounded by a stunning hiking area) is Lake O'Hara. The turn off to it is between Lake Louise and Field. However, you cannot drive your own vehicle there. You have to reserve a day tripper's spot on the bus more than three months in advance. If you like hiking, it is well worth the effort. Here is the website that explains what you need to do:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/activ15a_e.asp
Canyons also are a lovely feature of the Rockies. They are not the Grand Canyon, but they are pretty nonetheless. Favourites: Maligne Canyon (near Jasper townsite), Mistaya Canyon (off the Icefields Parkway), and Johnston Canyon (just off the Bow Valley Parkway or Hwy #1A), between Lake Louise and Banff townsite.
My favourite mountain lakes that can be seen without any effort (that is, without hiking or prior reservations on limited-space buses) are, in this order: Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Emerald Lake and Lake Louise. They're all within a half hour driving radius of Lake Louise. Moraine Lake is 9 miles from LL, Emerald Lake is near Field, and Peyto Lake is just off the Icefields Parkway, about a half hour north of LL.
A gorgeous lake (which is surrounded by a stunning hiking area) is Lake O'Hara. The turn off to it is between Lake Louise and Field. However, you cannot drive your own vehicle there. You have to reserve a day tripper's spot on the bus more than three months in advance. If you like hiking, it is well worth the effort. Here is the website that explains what you need to do:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/activ15a_e.asp
Canyons also are a lovely feature of the Rockies. They are not the Grand Canyon, but they are pretty nonetheless. Favourites: Maligne Canyon (near Jasper townsite), Mistaya Canyon (off the Icefields Parkway), and Johnston Canyon (just off the Bow Valley Parkway or Hwy #1A), between Lake Louise and Banff townsite.
Oct 11th, 2006, 11:31 AM
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I agree wholeheartedly with Judy on the choice of Takakkaw Falls. It is spectacular, and the easy paved trail to the base of the falls is very enjoyable. If you are even semi-serious hikers, the trail across from these falls, Iceline Trail, is one you should check into. It is more than my husband and I could do, but photos of the views from the trail make me wish I was in MUCH better shape, so I could hike it!
Enjoy your trip, and the planning!
Enjoy your trip, and the planning!
Oct 11th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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Thanks so much for the information Judy and New Retiree! I didn't realize that Sunwapta and Athabasca falls are right off the road. That makes an easy decision!
Those lakes are all on our itinerary. New Retiree - I am in pretty awful shape right now, but started working out a month ago to get in shape for hiking next July (well, it's a good excuse!)and the Iceline Trail is my #1 goal. Thanks!
Those lakes are all on our itinerary. New Retiree - I am in pretty awful shape right now, but started working out a month ago to get in shape for hiking next July (well, it's a good excuse!)and the Iceline Trail is my #1 goal. Thanks!
Oct 11th, 2006, 04:54 PM
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A bit out of the way, but a beautiful falls in a gorgeous area is Helmcken Falls in Wells Grey Provincial Park. If you go there, also plan on taking a boat ride on Clearwater Lake if it is still offered. We went on that ride the length of Clearwater Lake, then up the channel to Azure Lake and all the way to the end of that.
Oct 12th, 2006, 07:37 PM
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Judy as usual knows of what she speaks. Takkakaw is fed by a glacier and is quite a high spectacle. The others are river falls that literally roar with energy.
I would like to add Panther Falls to the mix. It is in Banff NP, close to the border with Jasper NP. It is hard to see, and to see any of it requires getting wet or taking a risk of above average danger. The developed trail to a damp viewpoint leads from the lower level of the large parking lot near the top of Sunwapta Pass on the east side of the parkway.
Another nice waterfall is across the valley. This one is easy to see and it is Angel Falls; it is NOT Panther Falls, also known as the falls of Nigel Creek.
Another favorite of mine are the Falls of Beauty Creek. Takes a walk to get there. Most people don't bother, but it is rewarding for those who make the effort to get there.
Another high list favorite is Twin Falls in Yoho National Park. It takes a good walk to reach the viewpoint, but it is indeed a twin plunge of water over the side of the Yoho Valley.
If one hikes to the top, quite a pull upwards I might add, there are more falls along Twin Falls Creek as one wanders upwards along the bank of the stream.
Last I would like to mention Crescent Falls on the Forestry Trunk Road. Most people will miss this one because it is remote even though accessible by dirt road. It can be accessed near Nordegg on the David Thompson Highway west of Rocky Mountain House.
I would like to add Panther Falls to the mix. It is in Banff NP, close to the border with Jasper NP. It is hard to see, and to see any of it requires getting wet or taking a risk of above average danger. The developed trail to a damp viewpoint leads from the lower level of the large parking lot near the top of Sunwapta Pass on the east side of the parkway.
Another nice waterfall is across the valley. This one is easy to see and it is Angel Falls; it is NOT Panther Falls, also known as the falls of Nigel Creek.
Another favorite of mine are the Falls of Beauty Creek. Takes a walk to get there. Most people don't bother, but it is rewarding for those who make the effort to get there.
Another high list favorite is Twin Falls in Yoho National Park. It takes a good walk to reach the viewpoint, but it is indeed a twin plunge of water over the side of the Yoho Valley.
If one hikes to the top, quite a pull upwards I might add, there are more falls along Twin Falls Creek as one wanders upwards along the bank of the stream.
Last I would like to mention Crescent Falls on the Forestry Trunk Road. Most people will miss this one because it is remote even though accessible by dirt road. It can be accessed near Nordegg on the David Thompson Highway west of Rocky Mountain House.
Oct 13th, 2006, 09:05 AM
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I cannot resist adding a family anecdote about Panther Falls. My wife and I went to see the cascade on a bright, sun-filled day in July.
Knowing what we would find at the end of the trail, we were clad in our full rain/sleet storm regalia: Goretex jackets and pants.
Some traveling gentleman was sitting on the hood of his car as we walked past. He gave us a very quizzical look that left me with the impression that he viewed us as being a couple of nuts.
Rainsuits on a cloudless day?
About half an hour later we returned from the view point still dripping wet because the spray from the falls was intense.
When we reached the parking lot, our quizzical gentleman was still sitting there, probably waiting to see if those two Goretex-clad nuts would return.
When he saw how wet we were, he really did open his eyes. My helpful wife walked past him and said, "We went for a swim."
Knowing what we would find at the end of the trail, we were clad in our full rain/sleet storm regalia: Goretex jackets and pants.
Some traveling gentleman was sitting on the hood of his car as we walked past. He gave us a very quizzical look that left me with the impression that he viewed us as being a couple of nuts.
Rainsuits on a cloudless day?
About half an hour later we returned from the view point still dripping wet because the spray from the falls was intense.
When we reached the parking lot, our quizzical gentleman was still sitting there, probably waiting to see if those two Goretex-clad nuts would return.
When he saw how wet we were, he really did open his eyes. My helpful wife walked past him and said, "We went for a swim."
Oct 15th, 2006, 12:31 PM
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I can add the Bow Falls to the list, also. Again the problem is getting into a position to view them. The fall below the second Geraldine lake is about a 450 meter cascade, but it takes a long walk to get there.
I realize that some people may lack to the ability to walk more than a short distance, but some potential visitors may be reading this thread also.
The walk is about 5 miles round trip, and it is not trivial.
There is a 90 meter cascade at the far end of the first lake, which is also quite a gusher in the early summer when snow is melting rapidly.
I agree Judy on the lakes. My favorite is Lake MacArthur, but getting there takes quite an effort in planning. The highline trail to the lake is inspiring to say the least. It also takes some effort.
I realize that some people may lack to the ability to walk more than a short distance, but some potential visitors may be reading this thread also.
The walk is about 5 miles round trip, and it is not trivial.
There is a 90 meter cascade at the far end of the first lake, which is also quite a gusher in the early summer when snow is melting rapidly.
I agree Judy on the lakes. My favorite is Lake MacArthur, but getting there takes quite an effort in planning. The highline trail to the lake is inspiring to say the least. It also takes some effort.
Oct 16th, 2006, 10:00 AM
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OOPS. The falls below the second Geraldine Lake are not as high as I stated. Sorry for the error. I typed meters instead of feet.
The vetical descent of the cascade is more like 450 feet. It is definitely NOT that high in meters.
I am sure somebody will know I was flat wrong in my first post on that subject.
The vetical descent of the cascade is more like 450 feet. It is definitely NOT that high in meters.
I am sure somebody will know I was flat wrong in my first post on that subject.
Nov 23rd, 2006, 08:06 AM
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Maligne Canyon in Jasper is an easy and enjoyable hike alongside the Maligne River. After all of the driving through the Canadian Rockies, it is good to do a little hiking and this hike is a nice one.
Here's some pictures of it, but being there is a lot better!
http://jasperjournal.com/jaspergalle...aligne-canyon/
Here's some pictures of it, but being there is a lot better!
http://jasperjournal.com/jaspergalle...aligne-canyon/
