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The Athabasca Falls are inside the Jasper National Park. Although they are not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, the size of the river makes them very powerful. Pouring over a layer of hard quartzite, the falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes & a short canyon. We were warned that Mist from the falls covers surrounding rocks with a thin, slippery film of water that can be dangerous. Flowing from the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper. In 1810, Canada's premier map-maker & explorer, plied the Athabasca searching for a viable fur trade route to the Pacific. Discovering Athabasca Pass he established Canada as a country that spans the North American. In 1862, the Overlanders traveled along the Athabasca River headed for the Cariboo Goldrush, then 30 years later by 2 national railways. Today one railway and a transcontinental highway follow parts of the river through the park. It was recognized for its historical, natural & recreational values, it was designated a Canadian heritage river in 1989.
These falls are located just over 20 miles south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway. I would rank them as slightly more impressive / scenic than Sunwapta Falls (nearby), but both are worth seeing. This spot has much more parking available and finding a space was not so challenging here. The falls are a short walk along a level paved path from the parking area. There is a bridge over the falls (about where it tumbles into a short, narrow gorge) and short trails up- and down-stream to check out. Upstream gives you the best view of the falls themselves and makes the most impression regarding the power of the water. If you follow the trail that leads under the highway bridge, it actually follows a now-dry former streambed and gives you some further insights into the waters' interaction with the rocks. This path leads to either a cliff view of the stream or, via some stairs, access to a rocky beach after the falls empty into the riverbed at their end. Both are worth exploring. Given that there are somewhat more paths here than at Sunwapta, you can probably devote between 1 - 2 hours here, depending on how long you want to linger at each overlook / area. I thought this was a very worthwhile stop.
Athabasca Falls was just okay. In terms of all the wonderful attractions, sceneries and landmarks within the Canadian Rockies...it's definitely nowhere near the top. For most people though, it's extremely accessible situated right off famed Icefields Parkway. To be precise, between Banff and Jasper, Athabasca Falls is 75 kilometers or 46 miles north of the Columbia Icefield area and 33 kilometers or 20 miles south of downtown Jasper. This place cannot be missed while you're driving. And...Athabasca Falls is quite popular with the tour buses. During my visit in the middle of June, 2022, there were plenty of buses parked in the lot. Then upon casually walking the pathway towards the viewing area...I could sense all the groups of tourists huddled together trying to capture family photos. Being here at Athabasca Falls is quite simple. From the parking lot, it's like 1/4 of a mile walk towards the falls. I maybe spent 20 minutes hanging out before returning to my car. Overall, Athabasca Falls was nothing special. It's like a big river flowing through a canyon gorge and with tourists standing over a bridge section, the river drops down below, which is then (I guess) deemed a waterfall. You can capture real closeup pictures which can make this place worthwhile. But for me...I was expecting some sort of plunging, statuesque waterfall standing high and mighty in the background. That was definitely not the case. Most visitors were doing their usual selfie photos. Athabasca Falls is not an example where you can stand on a shoreline or down below at the base of the falls and have a stranger take a photo of you and your family. The only possible way of getting yourself and the falls all within one shot is by doing selfie pics, and for me...selfies are not that important, especially since Athabasca Falls wasn't memorable. Btw, if you are heading south, then Sunwapta Falls will most likely be your next stop...about 25 kilometers down the road. Sunwapta Falls is similar to this Athabasca Falls in being another roadside stop along Icefields Parkway where you're viewing the falls from a bridge viewpoint while it's spilling out through a canyon ravine. I was traveling north and my next stop was Valley of the Five Lakes, 22 kilometers north from here, which I very much appreciated. Athabasca Falls is basically just a waterfall that is formed by a drop in the Athabasca River as it gushes through a rugged canyon gorge. Most people will say this place is beautiful, but I believe in reality, and compared to the wondrous snowcapped mountains of Icefields Parkway, this place is certainly a step below the rest of the sights and surroundings among the Canadian Rockies.
Not to be missed while driving the Icefields Parkway. This place was one of the "must see" stops along our drive from Jasper to Banff. It's right off the Parkway and literally next to the parking lot. It is absolutely stunning and certainly didn't disappoint. If you have mobility issues, it may present a bit of a struggle as the ground is uneven and the path has multiple obstacles, but we passed two individuals in wheelchairs who got close enough to enjoy the beauty of the falls. There are several spots to take pictures and on the day we went, it was not that busy. While not as tall or volumnous as Niagara/Horseshoe Falls, it is still very impressive, and it will inspire awe. The canyon (carved by the river) is beautiful as well. Highly recommend stopping here.
What a beautiful place to visit! It's only a 30 min drive from the town of Jasper. It's got a big parking lot and bathrooms (outhouses) available. The walk is wonderful, you can stay at the top level of the falls or walk down to the bottom and see the beautiful lake. You can see it in a few minutes or spend a few hours walking around. There are paths, and stairs, lots of rock formations, a few different view spots to see the falls. Definitely a must see if you are visiting Jasper.
This is another pretty falls in a canyon along the Icefields Parkway. It's a little hard to get a great view of it, but the whole area is pretty. The viewpoints are pretty close to the parking lot. The closest viewpoint is crowded, but probably has the best view of the falls. You can't really see the falls from the bridge. The viewpoint of the falls on the far side of the bridge isn't bad either. You can walk around the area a bit. You can walk upstream and get really close to the falls and downstream to see the canyon and river. It's all pretty close and has good views. This is definitely worth a quick stop at.
Waterfalls in Canada? 9 am Monday Labor Day weekend, a short drive out of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is one of the major attractions of Jasper National Park, the Athabasca Falls. We pull up in our touring bus, alongside a half dozen other touring buses in the parking lot, each bus carrying up to 57 more tourists to add to the crowds. Pit toilets for those willing to hold their noses! Short walk to the river area, running in a gorge carved by raging waters. Farther on, a 70 foot falls, pushed by thousands of gallons per second roaring over the edge alongside large multi ton boulders anchored like sentinels in the river. Warning signs, along a fenced in area, with safety barriers and wire mesh fences to keep visitors from falling in. No holding up babies, or standing taking selfies on top of the barriers, or on the slippery rock surfaces nearby. One slip means certain death with you being smashed head first into the rocks below the surface. Memorials and bench plaques to only a few of the many who have perished. Thousands of visitors, all trying to take pictures of the spectacle, from a few photography vantage points, unobstructed by the visitors. Areas near the waterfall full of ankle deep pools of water from runoff and spray. I stand in line right next to a guy with a corner shot. Before I know it, a lady from our tour bus jumps the line and sneaks in a series of pictures. No she wasn't Chinese! Time is of the essence as we only have 20 minutes here before the bus loads up and drives on. Why only 4 stars. No comparison to 2450 foot Yosemite falls in the spring time, tallest falls in North America, the mist trail and Vernal Falls in Yosemite, Bridalveil falls in Yosemite, Yellowstone Falls, just to name a few. But for easy accessibility, sheer volume of water, close up action, and in your face violence of the raging waters, Athabasca Falls has few rivals. Just don't fall in, as not only will it throw off the tour schedule, but there will be a lot of added paper work for our tour manager!
So beautiful. Just so. so. so. beautiful. This is hands-down. My favorite stop along the Jasper-Banff route. After a while ...you see so many canyons and falls that they start to blend together. But this one stands apart. There are many angles to take photos and a fun stairwell with various vantage points. Its a slick dangerous place so keep an eye on the kiddos. But do bring your camera and fancy lenses. We loved it here. We visited twice.
Must see on the way to Jasper! This is a very popular waterfalls and parking isn't hard to find. The walk to the falls is easy and the views are magnificent. There are several places to explore other than just looking at the waterfalls. Make sure you stop by here on the way to Jasper. Highly recommend!
On the drive from Jasper to Banff, you'll find the Athabasca Falls as one of the first major stops. We were glad we stopped by! Upon entering from the parking lot, you'll see the top part of the falls, with water moving steadily through the fall. Walking a bit further down, you'll see the full fury of the falls. It may not be the highest waterfall, but the roar and volumetric flow of water against the rocks are impressive! You'll have the opportunity to walk around and see the falls from different angles, along with potholes created by water. Hike a bit farther down toward the canyon and its a completely different scenery - quiet still water surrounded by a large rocky beach. Some clever folks made some creative rock sculptures here. One somber aspect of visiting the Athabasca Falls is that there are some benches and makeshift memorials dedicated to folks who died trying to hike on the slippery rocks and fell. Heed the signs to stay within the railing and respect Mother Nature!
Gorgeous. That's what comes to mind when I recall Athabasca Falls. The views are breathtaking, the carved potholes and tunnels are beyond impressive and the roar of the falls resonates into your bones. We walked around this area for at least an hour reading the interpretive signs and exploring all the paths. The only downside, too many people and the bathroom situation (portable toilets), but don't let that detour you...it's worth it. This beauty was definitely one of my favorites on the Icefield Parkway.
Beautiful! Pictures don't really do it justice. You have to feel the energy of the water to get a good feel for the power and beauty. Super easily accessible. There is a small trail across the bridge should you want a different view. Go early in the morning if you can... before 8:30am and you will probably have the place to yourself before the tour buses start rolling in. read more
Canada has so many beautiful natural wonders. And the Canadian Park Service does such an amazing job of preserving, presenting, and curating the entire experience. These falls are just another example. There is an ample parking lot, the walk ways are well maintained. The structures are high quality and allow people of all mobilities access to the beautiful views. Lots of places to enjoy the falls, and also take pictures. Amazing! read more
Amazing place to stop by to take some wonderful pictures next to some amazing waterfalls and roaring Rivers and roaring rapids. Bathrooms available. This is a definite worthwhile stop if you are traveling to Banff. 5 stars for Athabasca Falls! read more
The Athabasca Falls are inside the Jasper National Park. Although they are not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, the size of the river makes them very powerful. Pouring over a layer of hard quartzite, the falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes & a short canyon. We were warned that Mist from the falls covers surrounding rocks with a thin, slippery film of water that can be dangerous. Flowing from the glaciers of the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca River is the largest river system in Jasper. In 1810, Canada's premier map-maker & explorer, plied the Athabasca searching for a viable fur trade route to the Pacific. Discovering Athabasca Pass he established Canada as a country that spans the North American. In 1862, the Overlanders traveled along the Athabasca River headed for the Cariboo Goldrush, then 30 years later by 2 national railways. Today one railway and a transcontinental highway follow parts of the river through the park. It was recognized for its historical, natural & recreational values, it was designated a Canadian heritage river in 1989. read more
These falls are located just over 20 miles south of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway. I would rank them as slightly more impressive / scenic than Sunwapta Falls (nearby), but both are worth seeing. This spot has much more parking available and finding a space was not so challenging here. The falls are a short walk along a level paved path from the parking area. There is a bridge over the falls (about where it tumbles into a short, narrow gorge) and short trails up- and down-stream to check out. Upstream gives you the best view of the falls themselves and makes the most impression regarding the power of the water. If you follow the trail that leads under the highway bridge, it actually follows a now-dry former streambed and gives you some further insights into the waters' interaction with the rocks. This path leads to either a cliff view of the stream or, via some stairs, access to a rocky beach after the falls empty into the riverbed at their end. Both are worth exploring. Given that there are somewhat more paths here than at Sunwapta, you can probably devote between 1 - 2 hours here, depending on how long you want to linger at each overlook / area. I thought this was a very worthwhile stop. read more
3 years ago
Athabasca Falls was just okay. In terms of all the wonderful attractions, sceneries and landmarks within the Canadian Rockies...it's definitely nowhere near the top. For most people though, it's extremely accessible situated right off famed Icefields Parkway. To be precise, between Banff and Jasper, Athabasca Falls is 75 kilometers or 46 miles north of the Columbia Icefield area and 33 kilometers or 20 miles south of downtown Jasper. This place cannot be missed while you're driving. And...Athabasca Falls is quite popular with the tour buses. During my visit in the middle of June, 2022, there were plenty of buses parked in the lot. Then upon casually walking the pathway towards the viewing area...I could sense all the groups of tourists huddled together trying to capture family photos. Being here at Athabasca Falls is quite simple. From the parking lot, it's like 1/4 of a mile walk towards the falls. I maybe spent 20 minutes hanging out before returning to my car. Overall, Athabasca Falls was nothing special. It's like a big river flowing through a canyon gorge and with tourists standing over a bridge section, the river drops down below, which is then (I guess) deemed a waterfall. You can capture real closeup pictures which can make this place worthwhile. But for me...I was expecting some sort of plunging, statuesque waterfall standing high and mighty in the background. That was definitely not the case. Most visitors were doing their usual selfie photos. Athabasca Falls is not an example where you can stand on a shoreline or down below at the base of the falls and have a stranger take a photo of you and your family. The only possible way of getting yourself and the falls all within one shot is by doing selfie pics, and for me...selfies are not that important, especially since Athabasca Falls wasn't memorable. Btw, if you are heading south, then Sunwapta Falls will most likely be your next stop...about 25 kilometers down the road. Sunwapta Falls is similar to this Athabasca Falls in being another roadside stop along Icefields Parkway where you're viewing the falls from a bridge viewpoint while it's spilling out through a canyon ravine. I was traveling north and my next stop was Valley of the Five Lakes, 22 kilometers north from here, which I very much appreciated. Athabasca Falls is basically just a waterfall that is formed by a drop in the Athabasca River as it gushes through a rugged canyon gorge. Most people will say this place is beautiful, but I believe in reality, and compared to the wondrous snowcapped mountains of Icefields Parkway, this place is certainly a step below the rest of the sights and surroundings among the Canadian Rockies. read more
Not to be missed while driving the Icefields Parkway. This place was one of the "must see" stops along our drive from Jasper to Banff. It's right off the Parkway and literally next to the parking lot. It is absolutely stunning and certainly didn't disappoint. If you have mobility issues, it may present a bit of a struggle as the ground is uneven and the path has multiple obstacles, but we passed two individuals in wheelchairs who got close enough to enjoy the beauty of the falls. There are several spots to take pictures and on the day we went, it was not that busy. While not as tall or volumnous as Niagara/Horseshoe Falls, it is still very impressive, and it will inspire awe. The canyon (carved by the river) is beautiful as well. Highly recommend stopping here. read more
5 years ago
What a beautiful place to visit! It's only a 30 min drive from the town of Jasper. It's got a big parking lot and bathrooms (outhouses) available. The walk is wonderful, you can stay at the top level of the falls or walk down to the bottom and see the beautiful lake. You can see it in a few minutes or spend a few hours walking around. There are paths, and stairs, lots of rock formations, a few different view spots to see the falls. Definitely a must see if you are visiting Jasper. read more
7 years ago
This is another pretty falls in a canyon along the Icefields Parkway. It's a little hard to get a great view of it, but the whole area is pretty. The viewpoints are pretty close to the parking lot. The closest viewpoint is crowded, but probably has the best view of the falls. You can't really see the falls from the bridge. The viewpoint of the falls on the far side of the bridge isn't bad either. You can walk around the area a bit. You can walk upstream and get really close to the falls and downstream to see the canyon and river. It's all pretty close and has good views. This is definitely worth a quick stop at. read more
4 years ago
Massive waterfall and very easy walk to get there (about 0.6 miles). Parking is easy and there are bathrooms there too. Go early to catch sunrise and avoid the crowds. read more
Waterfalls in Canada? 9 am Monday Labor Day weekend, a short drive out of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is one of the major attractions of Jasper National Park, the Athabasca Falls. We pull up in our touring bus, alongside a half dozen other touring buses in the parking lot, each bus carrying up to 57 more tourists to add to the crowds. Pit toilets for those willing to hold their noses! Short walk to the river area, running in a gorge carved by raging waters. Farther on, a 70 foot falls, pushed by thousands of gallons per second roaring over the edge alongside large multi ton boulders anchored like sentinels in the river. Warning signs, along a fenced in area, with safety barriers and wire mesh fences to keep visitors from falling in. No holding up babies, or standing taking selfies on top of the barriers, or on the slippery rock surfaces nearby. One slip means certain death with you being smashed head first into the rocks below the surface. Memorials and bench plaques to only a few of the many who have perished. Thousands of visitors, all trying to take pictures of the spectacle, from a few photography vantage points, unobstructed by the visitors. Areas near the waterfall full of ankle deep pools of water from runoff and spray. I stand in line right next to a guy with a corner shot. Before I know it, a lady from our tour bus jumps the line and sneaks in a series of pictures. No she wasn't Chinese! Time is of the essence as we only have 20 minutes here before the bus loads up and drives on. Why only 4 stars. No comparison to 2450 foot Yosemite falls in the spring time, tallest falls in North America, the mist trail and Vernal Falls in Yosemite, Bridalveil falls in Yosemite, Yellowstone Falls, just to name a few. But for easy accessibility, sheer volume of water, close up action, and in your face violence of the raging waters, Athabasca Falls has few rivals. Just don't fall in, as not only will it throw off the tour schedule, but there will be a lot of added paper work for our tour manager! read more
7 years ago
So beautiful. Just so. so. so. beautiful. This is hands-down. My favorite stop along the Jasper-Banff route. After a while ...you see so many canyons and falls that they start to blend together. But this one stands apart. There are many angles to take photos and a fun stairwell with various vantage points. Its a slick dangerous place so keep an eye on the kiddos. But do bring your camera and fancy lenses. We loved it here. We visited twice. read more
7 years ago
Must see on the way to Jasper! This is a very popular waterfalls and parking isn't hard to find. The walk to the falls is easy and the views are magnificent. There are several places to explore other than just looking at the waterfalls. Make sure you stop by here on the way to Jasper. Highly recommend! read more
On the drive from Jasper to Banff, you'll find the Athabasca Falls as one of the first major stops. We were glad we stopped by! Upon entering from the parking lot, you'll see the top part of the falls, with water moving steadily through the fall. Walking a bit further down, you'll see the full fury of the falls. It may not be the highest waterfall, but the roar and volumetric flow of water against the rocks are impressive! You'll have the opportunity to walk around and see the falls from different angles, along with potholes created by water. Hike a bit farther down toward the canyon and its a completely different scenery - quiet still water surrounded by a large rocky beach. Some clever folks made some creative rock sculptures here. One somber aspect of visiting the Athabasca Falls is that there are some benches and makeshift memorials dedicated to folks who died trying to hike on the slippery rocks and fell. Heed the signs to stay within the railing and respect Mother Nature! read more
Gorgeous. That's what comes to mind when I recall Athabasca Falls. The views are breathtaking, the carved potholes and tunnels are beyond impressive and the roar of the falls resonates into your bones. We walked around this area for at least an hour reading the interpretive signs and exploring all the paths. The only downside, too many people and the bathroom situation (portable toilets), but don't let that detour you...it's worth it. This beauty was definitely one of my favorites on the Icefield Parkway. read more
This falls is spectacular and the walkway is convenient. There's info signs along the way that were nice to read. One star off because it's not the kind of falls where can have fun in the water. We stopped here on our way from Banff to our hotel in Jasper. Worth the trip. Got lots of pictures and video. read more
Athabasca Falls was my favorite waterfall in Jasper National Park. It is off the Columbia Icefield Parkway (Highway 93A). My friends and I visited the waterfall last month and it was still winter. The road to the parking lot was inaccessible since it was covered in snow so we parked off of Highway 93A and walked to the waterfall. It was a short walk so it was no big deal. There are restrooms around here. The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking!! I really liked how there were multiple viewpoints along the trail, allowing different perspectives of the waterfall and its surrounding scenery. The snow-peaked mountains with the half frozen waterfall completed the whole picture. It was so soothing to watch and hear the waterfall. Since the waterfall was half frozen, we got to see the emerald blue color of the water that you usually see in the summer. It was like it was giving us a sneak peek of what to expect in the summertime. We walked all the way around the waterfall and even further. Some of us walked along the riverbank or sat on a log in the middle of the lake staring off towards the mountain. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Mother Nature is absolutely amazing. read more
What a stunning area to show the power of nature, especially water. The parking lot is close by, so it's a great spot for those who are handicapped, disabled, the elderly, or not in the best shape of their life. If you want to walk around, there is certainly plenty of room and area to do that too. It's a great place to get a view of rushing water, surrounded by canyons, evergreens, and mountains. read more
What a feast for the eyes!!! And I can only imagine what this area is like in the summer when all the water is flowing. Athabasca Falls is off Highway 93, within 15 minutes of Jasper, heading North. This is a stunning park with lots of picnic tables and places to stop and take in your surroundings. There are also plenty of lavatories and ample parking. I was here Easter Long Weekend, 2011, so needless to say, there wasn't a lot of water flowing compared to the images you see in the travel magazines in my hotel. However, I did get to see plenty of ICE! If you have never visited a half frozen waterfall, I highly, highly recommend it. It is a site to see. It is beautiful, and slighly eerie at the same time. Parts of the waterfall were still moving, as indicated in my photos. However, the thick ice and stunning icicles were a sight to see. Even at this type of year, the parking lot was jammed with tourists. Athabasca falls is a MUST SEE if you are in this area. Update: September Long weekend I went back and had another amazing experience. I added more pictures. :) read more
A very impressive and powerful waterfall. There's a parking lot very close by so it's a short walk to the falls. You know what that means--tourists galore. I prefer my waterfalls to be a bit more remote but still this is a great site to see. You can also go down to the bottom of the falls where the water is more calm. Everything is clearly marked and fenced off so it's safe for the little ones. Check it out on your drive back from the Columbia Icefields. read more
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