Takakkaw Falls – Yoho National Park, Canada

Did you know that one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies is also one of the easiest to visit? Takakkaw Falls is located in Yoho National Park, just 45 minutes west of Lake Louise. It’s the second highest waterfall in Canada and is a must-see for anyone who wants to see the very best mountain scenery in the Canadian Rockies.

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Takakkaw Falls Highlights

Your first glimpse of Takakkaw Falls will be from Yoho Valley Road, as you near the parking lot. It’s one of those “Wow!” moments when you first get a glimpse of these magnificent falls.

Once you secure a coveted parking spot in the medium-sized parking lot, you can easily see the falls from anywhere, but we highly recommend enjoying the short interpretive walk to experience the wonders of Takakkaw Falls up close.

As you begin walking, if you can peel your eyes away from the thundering Takakkaw Falls, the first thing you’ll notice is the Yoho River rushing alongside the path. Take a moment to notice the color; it’s a brilliant, milky-white, turquoise color that you can only get in the Canadian Rockies!

The paved interpretive trail is a short 800 m (0.5 miles) walk to the the base of Takakkaw Falls. It’s well-maintained and is suitable for for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone looking for an easy walk.

You’ll enjoy some amazing waterfall views as you cross the bridge over the Yoho River, another chance to admire the raw beauty of freshly melted glacial water. On the other side of the bridge, the trail leads you through a dense forest. This is a great opportunity for those who are unable to undertake longer hikes to enjoy the beauty of a Canadian mountain forest.

As you approach the base of Takakkaw Falls, you’ll start to feel the cool mist on your face. It was 27°C (81°F) on our most recent visit, and the cool feeling from this mist was magical.

There’s a round viewing area at the base of Takakkaw Falls, where you can take your time and soak it all in. As the mist cools your face, look up to see one of the most amazing sights in Canada.

The powerful falls drop an incredible 254 metres (833 feet) in a single plunge, with a total height of over 370 metres (1,213 feet). Being this close to the base of the falls, you can actually feel the power of the water crashing onto the rocks below.

Parks Canada Red Chairs

Just before you cross the bridge over the Yoho River, you’ll encounter a pair of the iconic red Adirondack chairs. These red chairs are strategically placed by Parks Canada around the country in amazing locations with equally amazing views.

The red Adirondack chairs at Takakkaw Falls are in a perfect location. From here, you’ll enjoy a stunning vista of Takakkaw Falls, the surrounding mountains, with the beautiful bridge and Yoho River in the foreground. This makes an excellent photo opportunity, so be prepared to wait a little bit for your turn.

When to Visit Takakkaw Falls

You can only visit Takakkaw Falls seasonally, as the road is closed in the winter due to avalanche risk. The dates vary annually, but Yoho Valley Road typically opens around mid-June and closes in early October. If you are visiting near Yoho National Park in June or October, check the Parks Canada website for current Yoho Valley Road status.

From a water flow perspective, July is usually the best month for volume and mist. That said, we’ve visited Takakkaw Falls in the first few days of the season, as well as near the end of the season, and we can tell you there is no bad time to visit Takakkaw Falls (as long as the road is open of course!). The flow does diminish as the season goes on, but it’s still an incredible sight.

It should be noted that Takakkaw Falls is enormously popular, so we highly recommend visiting early in the morning, or in the late-afternoon / early evening. Not only will it be less crowded, you’ll have an easier time finding parking.

Takakkaw Falls Vehicle Restrictions

Yoho Valley Road is mostly an easy drive, but there is one small section with two very tight switchbacks. These switchbacks are challenging in a small car, and vehicles over 7 metres long will need to reverse to navigate the tight turns. If you are visiting in peak season, keep in mind this road will be very busy.

Due to these very tight switchbacks, trailers are NOT allowed on Yoho Valley Road. If you are traveling with a trailer, you’ll need to leave it behind in order to visit Takakkaw Falls.

What to Bring to Takakkaw Falls

If you are only walking the short path to the falls, you won’t need any special hiking gear. That said, there are a few items you may wish to bring:

A waterproof jacket is a good idea. The spray from Takakkaw Falls is substantial and if you walk all the way to the base, you will get wet. There are also times of the day when the viewing area at the base of the falls is in the deep shade, so in addition to getting wet, it’ll be much chiller than in the sun!

If you are traveling with a good DSLR camera (as many do in Banff and Yoho), be prepared to keep it dry as you near the falls. And if you take it out, bring a lens cloth to wipe off the drops from the mist.

To make the most of the scenic drive through Yoho National Park, we recommend you buy the GuideAlong audio tour. It’s a fun way to learn more about the area as you drive!

Takakkaw Falls Trail Map

The walking path to Takakkaw Falls is impossible to get lost on. If you’d like to learn more about this trail, or would like to record the activity as part of your vacation memories, you can use the Takakkaw Falls Trail Map on the AllTrails app.

Hikes Near Takakkaw Falls

If you are a big hiker, you’ll want to know that one of the best alpine hikes in Yoho National Park begins here. Check out the Iceline Trail for more details.

For something shorter, try the Laughing Falls Trail, which also begins nearby.

Nearby Adventures

Many people visit Takakkaw Falls as a day trip from Banff or Lake Louise. When we do travel consultations for people traveling to Banff & Yoho, we often recommend the following day trip itinerary:

Assuming you are coming from Lake Louise, start your day with Takakkaw Falls as it is closest. Get there as early as possible, as you’ll also want to arrive at your next destination ahead of the crowds.

After Takakkaw Falls, venture deeper into Yoho National Park and visit Emerald Lake, which is even more popular than Takakkaw! Arrive early!!!

After Emerald Lake, take a few minutes to visit the Natural Bridge, before ending your day with a short hike to the much shorter, yet very impressive Wapta Falls.

Takakkaw Falls Logistics

• Dogs: Allowed on leash.
• Bikes: Not allowed on the walking path.
• Toilets: Located at the parking area.
• Cell service: None.
• Camping: There’s a walk-in campground near the falls, which is reservable in peak season.
• Picnic Tables: Along the Yoho River.

Takakkaw Falls – Final Thoughts

If you are planning to visit Yoho National Park, Takakkaw Falls is a must visit. It’s one of Canada’s most stunning sights, and it’s surprisingly easy to reach. Whether you are taking a quick photo, or want to get soaked from the mist, Takakkaw Falls is one of the best waterfall experiences in the Canadian Rockies.