Takakkaw Falls, the second highest waterfall in Canada, sits in front of what feels like an enormous stone wall-like mountain range. The photos really don’t do it justice. The water here is glacial melt, and because it carries a high amount of rock flour (fine glacial sediment), the waterfall appears almost milky white. The area is extremely remote—there’s no signal, and even on maps it feels hard to fully grasp where you are. On the drive in, I was honestly a bit worried it might be one of those “sketchy” or underwhelming spots. But the road turned out to be well maintained, and the closer we got, the more cars we saw. At the parking area, there was even a car with Swiss plates—just a reminder of how seriously some people take their waterfall-chasing. It ended up being one of those places that feels far more impressive in person than you’d ever expect from a map or first impression.
Takakkaw Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Takakkaw Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Takakkaw Falls famous?
Takakkaw Falls is one of Canada's highest waterfalls at 384 meters and among the tallest in North America. The name comes from the Cree word meaning 'magnificent,' and the falls are fed by the Daly Glacier in the Waputik Icefield, creating a dramatic single-drop cascade that is an iconic feature of Yoho National Park.
Can you swim at Takakkaw Falls?
No. The water at Takakkaw Falls is extremely cold glacial meltwater and the area is not suitable for swimming. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Takakkaw Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash in Yoho National Park including the Takakkaw Falls access area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Takakkaw Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Parks Canada pass required for entry to Yoho National Park (daily or annual pass). Please check the official website for current fees. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Takakkaw Falls?
Free parking lot located at the base of Takakkaw Falls with approximately 100 spaces. The falls viewpoint is a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Takakkaw Falls?
Roadside attraction — approximately 200 meters / 0.1 miles (5 minute walk) from the parking lot to the main viewing area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Takakkaw Falls hike difficulty
Easy / Roadside. Short paved/gravel path from parking to viewing area with minimal elevation gain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Takakkaw Falls?
Late June through September for best access and peak flow from glacial melt. The Yoho Valley Road to Takakkaw Falls is closed in winter and typically opens in late June. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Takakkaw Falls
From the parking lot, follow the short paved path toward the base of the falls. The main viewing platform offers spectacular views of the 384-meter plunge. For closer access, continue on the short trail to the base where mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny days. The area can be very wet from spray.
Takakkaw Falls official website
Attractions near Takakkaw Falls
- •Emerald Lake — stunning glacial lake with canoe rentals and hiking trails
- •Natural Bridge — rock formation where Kicking Horse River carved through bedrock
- •Wapta Falls — accessible 2.4 km hike to powerful waterfall on Kicking Horse River
- •Lake O'Hara — alpine paradise (advance reservation required for access)
- •Spiral Tunnels viewpoint — engineering marvel where trains loop through mountains
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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More to explore nearby
Helmcken Falls
Wells Gray Park, British Columbia
Canada's fourth-tallest waterfall, freezes into an ice cone in winter.
Shannon Falls
Squamish, British Columbia
BC's third-tallest waterfall on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Bridal Veil Falls (BC)
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Tall narrow plunge in the Fraser Valley.
Wapta Falls
Yoho National Park, British Columbia
Widest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River.