On our road trip to Alaska, we spent so much time in BC and Alberta. It is possible that these two provinces provided more adventure and beauty than Alaska itself.
As whitewater kayakers, whitefalls are of great interest to us. Not only because they are fun to run, but because they are beautiful, raw and natural. Takakkaw Falls, located near Field, BC is all of these things. It is also powerful and very impressive with a most majestic roar!
Lovers of waterfalls are not the only visitors to Takakkaw Falls. While we were there, we saw climbers scaling the face alongside Takakkaw Falls. What an amazing way to experience Takakkaw Falls!
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Takakkaw Falls
The name “Takakkaw” is from the Cree language and means “magnificent” in English. And, magnificent is exactly how I would describe Takakkaw Falls.
Takakkaw Falls is a moderately high volume waterfall flowing from the Daly Glacier, part of the Waputik Icefield in Yoho National Park. They tumble some 830′ in front of your eyes, but the total amounts to more than 1200′. They are among the highest in Canada as well as the starting point of some of Yoho’s best hiking.
From the base of Takakkaw Falls, you will feel the spray, avoid other people and beat the heat. So, get to the base!
Accessibility of Takkakaw Falls
The waterfalls were easily accessible. It is a very short walk along a well-maintained and paved pathway. The flat terrain leads from the parking lot to a wooden bridge that crosses the Kicking Horse River. This bridge is a great vantage point to look down and see more of the beautiful scenery. It is also where you get your first ful view of Takakkaw Falls.
The trail is about 1/3 of a mile from the parking lot to the base of the Takakkaw Falls and should only take about 10-15 minutes.
Kicking Horse River
The Kickinghorse River is glacier fed and can be a milky color. It is also a geological haven. Our kids thought the water was insanely cool It is a great spot for kids to wade either on the hike in or the hike out … or both. The milky color is really intriguing and chock full of educational scientific material!
Popularity of Takakkaw Falls
While a popular stop along the Trans Canada Highway, Takakkaw Falls did not feel overly crowded. A bit touristy, sure, but this fact did not lessen the amazing fortitude of Takakkaw Falls.
And, few people walked all the way up to the base. So, as we stood there experiencing the impressive spray, we felt like we were the only ones there.
Tips for Visiting Takakkaw Falls
- Wear a rain resistant rain jacket or windbreaker As you get closer and closer to Takakkaw Falls, the air temperatures drops and you can count on being sprayed by the mist.
- Bundle kids up in layers, so they can don more clothing at the Falls and be comfortable, but shed clothing on the walk.
- Wear grippy water shoes it you plan on climbing onto the large rocks scattered about as you draw closer to the Falls.
- Wear supportive hiking shoes for comfort and reduced risk of injury.
- Arrive earlier in the am or later in the evening to beat the crowds.