ATHABASCA FALLS

View the sheer force of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.

At 23 m (75.5 ft) in height, Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies but it is one of the most powerful, due to the sheer volume of water flowing into the gorge from the Athabasca River, fed by the massive Columbia Icefield.

There are a number of platforms and walkways where you can view the falls.

Located 30 km (19 mi) south of the town of Jasper, it is easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway using Highway 93A. Plenty of free parking and an easy stroll to the falls. Take the walk way down and you can view Mount Athabasca behind the falls as well and watch rafters start their journey down the river while the little ones search for all kinds of fun rocks!

Take the walk way down and you can view Mount Athabasca behind the falls as well and watch rafters start their journey down the river while the little ones search for all kinds of fun rocks!

THINGS TO DO:

Walk along the interpretive trail along the Athabasca river and learn about the Athabasca river and the water fall.
Hike along the canyon (stay on trail) and marvel at the deep canyon from various lookouts, caused by the flowing water, which still whittles away the rock floor few millimeters each year.
Cross the concrete bridge , climb down the stairs to the bottom of the falls to see the canyon caused by earlier erosion and appreciate the might of flowing water.
Notice the tiny plants, mosses, litchens, trees that have found a foothold in the narrow crevices of the Canyon.
Try to spot the dark grey bird called Canyon sprite as it zooms down into the gorge.

LENGTH:

From the parking lot, the Athabasca falls hike is only about 1 mile. It’s really just a nice nature walk and site to see.

How long to see it? Half an hour to an hour and a half depending on interest.

TRAIL DETAILS:

The trail is paved and there are concrete bridges over the gorge. Walk along the interpretive trail which explains the science of the water colour, how the canyon was formed and flaura & fauna in the area. Cross the bridge and walk down the stairs to see the gorge caused by the river.

LOCATION:

JASPER, ALBERTA CANADA

Located 30 km (19 mi) south of the town of Jasper, it is easily accessed from the Icefields Parkway using Highway 93A. Plenty of free parking and an easy stroll to the falls.