Highlights of Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is located in Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park and is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. A massive volume of water plunges from sheer rock walls, and the spray and roar grow stronger as you approach the base. The short trail from the parking area, together with the open valley overlooking the surrounding mountains and river, lets you experience the vast scale of the Canadian Rockies landscape even in a short visit.
Takakkaw Falls cascading down the rock face
From the parking lot, you can look up at the entire sheer rock face and the waterfall cascading down it. Takakkaw means “magnificent” in Cree, an Indigenous language of Canada.
Near the end of the trail, you can approach directly beneath the rock face and see the water cascading down the tiers and the fine spray up close.
Parks Canada lists Takakkaw Falls as one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. Near the parking lot, the banded rock face and the height of the drop stand out, while the end of the trail offers a close-up view of the water fanning out as it strikes the rocks. The flow increases when mountain snow and ice melt, so the waterfall's power varies with the season.
Yoho Valley and Wapta Mountain
Behind the trail to the waterfall, Wapta Mountain rises with its hat-shaped summit above a pale-colored river.
In the Yoho Valley, views extend across coniferous forests and rocky riverbanks to the mountains beyond. The river's pale color is characteristic of glacial water containing fine rock flour. Beyond the waterfall, the Canadian Rockies unfold as one continuous landscape, with water draining from steep rock walls into the valley floor.
Basic Information about Takakkaw Falls
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- You can check visitor facilities, vehicle restrictions, and seasonal road closures.
Points of interestFrom waterfalls to fossils! Check out the top places to see in Yoho. Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnels a...parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Takakkaw Falls, Yoho Valley Road, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
- 🕒 Visiting hours
- The waterfall has no fixed visiting hours. Visit during daylight and check road and trail conditions.
- 🚫 Closed days
- Yoho Valley Road is generally open, weather permitting, from mid-6 to mid-10. From mid-10 to mid-6, vehicle access is closed because of avalanche danger.⚠️ Opening and closure dates vary with snow and weather, so check road conditions on the day of your visit.
- 💶 Admission
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- Adult 1-day pass (ages 18–64): CA$12.25
- Senior 1-day pass (ages 65 and over): CA$10.75
- 17 and under: Free
- Family or group 1-day pass: CA$24.50. For up to 7 people arriving in the same vehicle.
This is the admission fee for Yoho National Park.
- ⏱️ Time required
- According to the official information, the round trip on the trail to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes. To take your time viewing the base of the waterfall and the scenery along the river, allow approximately 45 minutes to 1 hours.⚠️ Parking waits, crowds, and trail conditions may make the visit take longer.
Getting to Takakau Falls
By car
From the Trans-Canada Highway, turn onto Yoho Valley Road, located 5 km east of Field. The parking lot is at the end of the road, 17 km northeast of Field. The road has sharp switchbacks, and trailers cannot travel on it. Vehicles longer than 7 m must reverse through the turn.
The parking lot fills up quickly in summer. In 7 and 8, consider visiting earlier or later in the day and allow plenty of time.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
