Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park attracts countless visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders. The allure of Banff lies not only in its serene lakes and hiking trails but also in its waterfalls.
If you love to chase waterfalls, you’ll have a varied selection to choose from by staying in the town of Banff. Whether you prefer a moderate hike or something less challenging, there’s a cascade for every hiking ability.
If you visit Banff in the winter months, its picturesque cascades turn into frozen waterfalls, providing adventurers with ice-climbing opportunities. So, here are the best waterfalls to check out when visiting Banff.

Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls, near Banff, is a stunning 290-meter (950-foot) waterfall named after Cascade Mountain, making it Alberta’s third-largest. The popular hike to the falls is mostly moderate but includes some steep sections.
The trailhead is off Banff/Minnewanka Loop road, starting in a grassy field before leading into the forest. Near the end, the path climbs steeply to the falls.
Open year-round, the hike requires crampons and poles in off-season conditions due to loose terrain. Be cautious of avalanche risks when snow is present.
Bow Falls
Bow Falls sits on the Bow River, and you can view it from several locations, both easily reachable by road. It’s the closest waterfall to downtown Banff. The Bow Falls Viewpoint is located directly adjacent to the parking lot at the base of Bow Falls.
You’ll find the parking lot near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. If you stay at Fairmont, you can take a leisurely walk to the waterfall viewing area.
From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a close-up view of the falls as they cascade down the Bow River. The outlook offers a great vantage point to admire the power and beauty of the waterfall. In the summer, you might even see some visitors taking a rafting tour down Bow River.
The second viewpoint is on the other side of the river. The Surprise Corner Viewpoint is a short distance upstream from Bow Falls. You must drive back to Banff, cross the Bow River, and turn right onto Buffalo Street to reach it.
There is no parking lot here, and finding a parking place is often problematic. However, the Surprise Corner Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of Bow Falls, the Bow River, and the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Johnston Canyon might arguably be the most popular hike in Banff. Located off the Bow Valley Parkway, you can visit the canyon year-round.
In fact, the winter attracts fewer crowds than the summer. During the peak summer months, the parking lots fill up fast.
So, plan to go early, later in the afternoon, or take the Johnston Canyon shuttle from Banff. The trail follows Johnston Creek and is approximately 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) one way to the Upper Falls.
The Johnston Canyon hike is relatively easy to moderate, with some sections featuring elevated walkways and stairs. Of all the waterfalls in Banff, the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls might be one of the most popular.
The trail is a marvel of engineering, with cantilever platforms hanging over the creek. While the upper waterfall provides a dramatic, plunging cascading, you have the option to do a short hike to the lower falls instead.
You’ll encounter the lower waterfall about 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) from the trailhead. Although the canyon marks the lower and upper falls, you’ll see multiple cascades on the trail.
Johnston Canyon’s winter façade is remarkably different than its summer version. With its cascades frozen, ice climbers require ice cleats, ropes, and safety equipment to scale their icy walls. We recommend crampons in winter as those small slopes turn into slippery hazards.
Bow Glacier Falls
One hour north of Banff, Bow Lake offers an option to hike to Bow Glacier Falls. There’s lots of parking near the Lodge at Bow Lake, as this is one of Banff’s popular hikes.
Follow the path past the lodge to the Bow Glacier Falls trail. This 9-mile round-trip hike is well-maintained but includes uphill sections and steep stairs. Open year-round, winter hikes take longer and require crampons, poles, and snowshoes. Check avalanche risk beforehand.
Early mornings offer a mirror-like Bow Lake, while early spring brings muddy sections before the scenic falls. Though not a roaring waterfall, the trail features stunning lake views, a waterfall, and Bow Glacier.
Takakkaw Falls
An hour’s drive from Banff, you can visit the towering Takakkaw Falls on a short hike in Yoho National Park. At 373 meters (1,224 ft), the falls earn the title of the second-highest waterfall in Canada.
Take the Yoho Valley Road from the Trans-Canada Highway and follow it for about 13 kilometers (8 miles) until you reach the Takakkaw Falls parking lot.
The route is a winding mountain road unsuitable for RVs or novice drivers. You can only access Takakkaw Falls in the summer months, as the road closes for winter.
There are two main viewing points for Takakkaw Falls. The first is accessible by a short, paved walkway from the parking lot.
This viewpoint offers a decent view of the falls, and nearby, you can take some selfies in the iconic red Adirondack chairs. However, continue to the second viewing point if you want a closer look.
To reach the second viewing point, follow the well-marked hiking trail that starts near the parking lot. The path is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long and takes about 15-20 minutes to walk.
Near the end, the trail turns into some rock jumping. Be cautious when approaching the falls. While there’s little elevation gain, the spray from the waterfall can make the rocks and trails slippery.
Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls, one of the largest in the Canadian Rockies, spans 150 feet (46m) wide and drops 98 feet (30m), earning its “mini-Niagara” nickname.
The 3.1-mile (5km) roundtrip hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with some elevation changes and uneven terrain but no major challenges. Unlike Takakkaw Falls, this trail is open year-round.
Hike through a forest, cross a bridge over the Kicking Horse River, and hear the falls before you see them. Multiple viewpoints offer stunning perspectives—look down from the top or descend a steep path to the base for a closer view. A mound at the bottom provides incredible sights, but expect some spray.
Silverton Falls
Located south of Lake Louise, near Castle Junction, Silverton Falls is a hidden gem of a hike that may not be on everyone’s radar. At less than a 2 km roundtrip, it’s a short and sweet trek that leads to a stunning 50-meter-high waterfall.
The hike starts with a leisurely walk from the small parking lot. You’ll travel through the forest before ascending a few steep switchbacks.
Despite its relative obscurity, Silverton Falls is definitely worth the visit, offering a quiet place and a more peaceful experience than some of the more popular trails in the Rockies. Plan to spend about 15-20 minutes on the trail before reaching the breathtaking waterfall at the end.
Mistaya Canyon Falls
North on the Icefields Parkway, Mistaya Canyon offers stunning views rivaling Johnston Canyon. This 1.8 km loop descends into the forest, making it an easy hike for beginners.
A 10-minute walk leads to a wooden bridge with breathtaking canyon views. The rushing water has carved smooth rock formations and deep potholes, creating dramatic scenery.
Walk along the river for different perspectives, with Mt. Sarbach as a striking backdrop. Be cautious in wet conditions, as rocks can be slippery. Unlike Athabasca Falls and Maligne Canyon, Mistaya has no safety railings.
The Weeping Wall
The Weeping Wall, visible from the Icefields Parkway south of the Columbia Icefields, requires no hiking.
At Cirrus Mountain’s base in Banff, this 1,000-foot cliff changes with the seasons. In summer, waterfalls stain the rock; in winter, they freeze into towering ice pillars, attracting climbers.
Park at the Weeping Wall pull-out to admire the frozen cascades, fed by a constant spring. This world-class ice climbing spot stays frozen well into spring due to its shaded location.
Tangle Creek Falls
Tangle Creek Falls is a stunning cascade renowned for its dramatic plunge and crystal-clear waters. The falls are situated near the Icefields Parkway, surrounded towering mountain peaks and by lush green forests.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tangle Creek Falls is its accessibility. Unlike remote waterfalls requiring arduous treks, Tangle Creek Falls offers a unique advantage: you can admire it without an extensive hike.
Visitors can pull over at a designated viewpoint and enjoy the magnificent sight of the cascading waters. This makes it an ideal destination for those with limited mobility or those seeking a quick and rewarding stop along their journey.
Panther Falls And Bridal Veil Falls
Hidden in Banff’s forest, Panther Falls is a 1 km hike from the highway, leading to a powerful waterfall. The trail descends from the parking lot into a serene woodland.
As a bonus, you can glimpse Bridal Veil Falls across the valley, Banff’s second-highest waterfall, with its wispy cascade.
Stanley Falls
The underrated trail to Stanley Falls offers a serene trek through ancient forests, moss-covered rocks, and tranquil meadows located near the Icefields Parkway.
The parking area at the trailhead is a little hard to find. However, you’ll enjoy an easy hike with little elevation gain once there.
A moderate hike along the Beauty Creek Trail awaits adventurers to reach Stanley Falls. Since this trail isn’t walked as often as more popular trails, you need to be wary of bear activity.
Expect to spend sixty to ninety minutes hiking this 1.6 km route. While the goal is to see Stanley Falls, you’ll see seven other cascades along Beauty Creek.
Sunwapta Falls
Located in Jasper National Park, Sunwapta Falls is one of two stunning waterfalls visible from the Icefields Parkway. As you drive north, you’ll come across Sunwapta Falls first, followed by Athabasca Falls south of Jasper.
Since Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls are closer to Jasper, these are best visited on a road trip from Banff to Jasper.
A short stroll from the parking lot will take you to the Upper Falls, where a bridge spans the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the cascading water and the surrounding mountains.
The falls are fed by the Athabasca Glacier, further south. For those up for a bit of exercise, a 1.3 km hike downstream will take you to the Lower Falls, which may not be as impressive as the Upper Falls but are still worth a visit.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that you should not miss. It boasts a powerful and thunderous volume of water that surpasses even Sunwapta Falls.
During the summer months, it attracts large crowds of visitors who come to witness its beauty. To fully experience the falls, plan to spend some time exploring the area.
By crossing several bridges and walking up and downstream, you’ll enjoy different views from contrasting vantage points.
Remember to follow the trail to the lower canyon. Here, you can walk through an ancient canyon, see a large pothole, and watch the water enter a wider channel.
The color of the water changes depending on the season. In summer, the abundance of meltwater turns it white, while in the off-season and with little meltwater, the river may reflect greens and blues.
It’s truly a sight to behold, even if the falls are a muddy brown torrent during your visit.
Beyond The Waterfalls In Banff
While most don’t travel to the Canadian Rockies to chase waterfalls, the cascades are a bonus to the beautiful hikes and day trips.
Depending on the time of year you visit, waterfalls could be frozen, which adds to the adventure.
Beyond the waterfalls, the Rocky Mountains offer gorgeous lakes, back-country hiking, and canoeing opportunities. One visit and you’ll be captivated by its beauty, convincing you to return again.
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