Skip to content
Book the Falls

Canada · Canadian Rockies, British Columbia

Takakkaw Falls

Its Cree-derived name simply means 'it is magnificent,' an apt description for one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, fed by meltwater pouring off the Daly Glacier above. A short, steep trail from the parking area reaches a spray-soaked viewpoint at the base.

UNESCO World HeritageOne of Canada's tallest waterfalls Essentials guide

Its Cree-derived name simply means 'it is magnificent,' an apt description for one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, fed by meltwater pouring off the Daly Glacier above. A short, steep trail from the parking area reaches a spray-soaked viewpoint at the base.

Takakkaw Falls drops 373 metres (1224 ft) on the Daly Glacier meltwater, inside Yoho National Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Field, with YYC the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.

Fed directly by the Daly Glacier, it's fullest on warm summer afternoons and can be reduced or frozen outside Jun-Sep.

What you can do here

Camping

Falls where you can legally sleep within earshot of the water.

Hiking

From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.

Photography

Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.

When to go

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Fed directly by the Daly Glacier, it's fullest on warm summer afternoons and can be reduced or frozen outside Jun-Sep.

Entry: Park entry pass required

Getting there

  • Base townField
  • AirportYYC
  • CountryCanada
  • RegionCanadian Rockies, British Columbia, North America
  • AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint

On the map

51.4761, -116.5033

Quick answers

How tall is Takakkaw Falls?

Takakkaw Falls drops 373 metres (1224 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Daly Glacier meltwater.

When is the best time to visit Takakkaw Falls?

Peak flow is June to August. Fed directly by the Daly Glacier, it's fullest on warm summer afternoons and can be reduced or frozen outside Jun-Sep.

What can you do at Takakkaw Falls?

Beyond the viewpoints: camping, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.

How do you get to Takakkaw Falls?

The usual base is Field, and the closest airport is YYC. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Park entry pass required.