Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
Top 10 Waterfalls in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies
From Alberta’s southwestern border north into British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are a network of provincial and national parks that collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff and Jasper national parks are connected by the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The towns of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are hubs for adventures including hiking, horseback riding, rafting and wildlife viewing. Accommodation ranges from hotels to mountain lodges.
Restaurants in Canadian Rockies
1. Athabasca Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,708 reviews
A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park.
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Athabasca Falls is located approximately 30 minutes south of the town of Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway. It is a place definitely worth stopping and exploring. There were a network of paved pathways leading to various areas overlooking the waterfalls and viewpoints of the deep and narrow canyon. Athabasca Falls was powerful and gorgeous waterfall with a stunning backdrop of forests, mountains and the river flowing through as huge volumes of water rushed down into the canyon. There were a few lookout points offering different views of the falls along the trails. I visited on a sunny afternoon and the area was quite crowded with some of the lookout areas being very small, so I had to wait my turn in order to get up front and take photos. The pathways were interesting to explore and one of them led through a narrow section between two walls of the canyon with stairs carved into the rocks. There were some great vantage points overlooking the river and the canyon to see where the water had eroded the rock to create caves and unique rock formations over many years. Athabasca Falls was a wonderful area to discover, admire the natural beauty and take plenty of photos. The parking lot was large and could accommodate quite a few vehicles. It would probably be best to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds of people show up. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, definitely stop here.
2. Sunwapta Falls and Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 782 reviews
Reviewed By Found_Lost_Key
As you head south along the Icefields Parkway, hang a right just after the Rocky Mountain Lodge and travel down that road for a few hundred metres until you reach the Sunwapta Falls carpark, plenty of parking and toilets here. It is a very short walk to the falls track. You come to a T junction and once there you can go left down a fairly steep rough track for views of the river before it drops, or turn right and head over the bridge or keep going for views of the falls from a distance and see the canyon. The track from the carpark to the bridge is wheelchair accessible. We spent about 30+ minutes here. Plenty of water going over it in mid May.
3. Bow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,095 reviews
Reviewed By dorrym - Pimpama, Australia
You definitely need to do this walk while visiting we thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor life in Banff and these falls are a delight while there visit the Fairmont Hotel too perched above the falls
4. Cascade Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
This is a beautiful waterfall just outside the town of Banff. It can be viewed from the roadway or you can hike up to it. Apparently ice climbing of the falls is possible.
5. Blakiston Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
Started at Red Rock Canyon and hiked the short 1 km in to the falls (2 km return). The hike up is beautiful. The trails can be busy at midday, so go earlier in the day for a more serene experience. We went at 9:30am and it was peaceful with not many people around. The trail is pretty easy and would be fine for all ages. The route in inclined, so it's a bit more work than on the way out. The scenery is amazing. Since the wildfire of 2017 burned most of the trees in that area, you can actually see further and have a great view of the mountains. The wildflower ground cover is like nothing I've ever seen before, with beautiful flowers native to the mountain range. It's like looking at a tree graveyard and provides a glimpse of the devastation. Once you get to the falls, there are two new viewing platforms. The trail continues for 10+ km past the falls, although we turned around there and made our way back. The trail is clearly defined. Definitely wear proper sneakers or hiking boots. Would recommend this beautiful hike if in Waterton!
6. Cameron Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By arlenen750 - Calgary, Canada
Cameron Falls is located right in town and offers many viewing points that are an easy walk. Lots of parking available.
7. Troll Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By leftsurface - Calgary, Canada
Went early on a Friday morning to avoid the traffic. The trail starts off quite wide but narrows as you approach the lower falls. The lower falls are now fenced off due to some rock falls, however still looks amazing. We then climbed the trail to the upper falls and to be honest found this to be better than the lower falls. Numerous cascades along the climb to the top and so many areas to just stop and sit and listen to the water rushing by. Not an arduous trail by any stretch, round trip including the upper falls is about 4KM and really enjoyable.
8. Tangle Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By buttercup1211 - Winnipeg, Canada
The falls is literally just beside the highway. The parking spot is across the street from the falls so be careful when crossing. I climbed all the way to the top if the falls to get a better view. There are rocks on either side that can be climbed, but the view from the road is nice too.
9. Silverton Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Silverton Falls is a hidden gem and lesser-visited beautiful waterfall that is located just down the Bow Valley Parkway from Johnston Canyon about ten minutes. It is a short 0.7 km hike from the small gravel parking lot to the waterfall (1.4 km round-trip) and the hike starts along the same trail that leads to Rockbound Lake, but stems off to the right at the fork. The trail passes through the forest along a flat terrain to begin with and then climbs the remainder of the way along switchbacks to a small area overlooking this gorgeous multiple tiered waterfall. A portion of the trail was narrow as it followed along a steep ledge. There are also amazing views of the deep forested valley and mountain range in the distance from this spot. This tall waterfall was beautiful to admire and photograph. I was pleasantly surprised to have the trail mostly to myself when I visited here in the afternoon after a hike to the Ink Pots and Johnston Canyon. This hike is a great one to do if you are looking to get away from the crowds and see a beautiful waterfall and rewarding views for a moderate amount of effort along a short trail. It’s conveniently located just a short drive from Johnston Canyon along the same highway (heading north – look for signs for Rockbound Lake) so if you’re already in the area, you should definitely stop here either on the way to or from Johnston Canyon.
