There are many reasons why you should visit Takakkaw Falls. First of all, it is the second tallest waterfall in Canada at 373 meters high. There are two drops, with the main one being as high as 254 metres. Takakkaw Falls is also very accessible and should be visible to almost any visitor to the Rockies. There is a parking lot and a well-maintained trail that allows you to get up close and personal with the falls.
You can see Takakau Falls from the parking lot, and the best view is from the hike. Don’t worry this is a short, easy hike that will take you straight to the stunning waterfall.Takakkaw Falls is not demanding at all, but if you want a longer day, consider the Ice Line Trail or the climb to Paget Peak.
To get to Takakkaw Falls, you'll need to drive along Yoho Valley Road, which connects to the Trans-Canada Highway. The parking lot for Takakkaw Falls is located at the end of Yoho Valley Road, 15 kilometers down the road from the Trans Canada exit. The road is narrow, long and winding, but really beautiful.
If you head to takakaw Falls, there are many things to see around the falls. They are also located within Yoho National Park, which features endangered species, rock walls, waterfalls, and Rocky Mountain peaks. Some of the more common animals include moose, elk, cougars, and bobcats.The park is easily accessible and has lookouts, photo opportunities, public restrooms and picnic tables for visitors.
Yoho National Park’s Takakkaw Falls is Canada’s second tallest waterfall at 373 metres. It’s one of B.C.’s most-visited areas in summer, but in winter when the access road closes, few people make the kilometres-long ski to visit it.It forms every winter, but conditions vary due to the high volume of water the flows behind the ice. It can be climbed by a strong team in a day or casually ascended with a bivi near the falls. The approach is a 14-kilometre ski along the closed-in-winter road in big avalanche country.
Before you head out into Canada’s mountains, always check the avalanche conditions here.
Winter is here, and the familiar sound of waterfalls, so prominent in the warmer months, softens in the colder surroundings. As climbers scale the ice, their movements are punctuated by the crisp crunch of crampons hitting the ice, creating a rhythmic sound. Be immersed in the natural tranquility of the winter landscape. A symphony of nature's tranquility and adventurous determination, a winter climb to Takakaw Falls offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities for those seeking novel experiences. Frozen surfaces require a different set of skills and techniques as the once flowing water turns into vertical walls of ice of varying textures and difficulty. Climbers must adapt to changing conditions, traverse frozen terrain and deal with the complexities of ice climbing.
Winter climbing adventures at Takakaw Falls require specialized gear and an understanding of the unique demands of freezing conditions. Climbers equip themselves with insulated clothing to protect themselves from the biting cold, crampons to secure a foothold on the ice, ice axes for stability, and ice screws for protection. In addition, wearing a helmet is not only to prevent falling ice, but also to enhance the heat insulation effect
In addition to rock climbing, Takakaw Falls is a hub for winter outdoor activities. Surrounding Yoho National Park offers snowshoeing opportunities, and the adventurous can explore frozen trails that lead to viewpoints for unparalleled views of the waterfalls and surrounding snowscape.
At 1,224 feet tall, Takakaw Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. Its water source comes from the Dali Glacier, which is a perennial water source, ensuring a stable flow of water even in the driest season. Glacier water begins its journey high in the Canadian Rockies, rolling and roaring over cliff edges, its power resonating in the surrounding valleys.
Approaching Takakaw is a journey in itself. Winding roads pass through Yoho National Park, where waterfalls can be glimpsed through curtains of verdant trees. As you get closer, the sound of rushing water gets louder and louder, a prelude to the spectacular sight that awaits you.
In addition to its natural beauty, Takakaw also has cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of the area. The name "Takakaw" itself is of Cree origin and means "it is magnificent." The Falls have been a place of awe and cultural significance for generations and still hold a special place in the hearts of those who call this land home. As the sun sets behind the towering peaks, coating the waterfalls with a golden hue, one can't help but be struck by the majesty of Takakaw. It reminds us of the infinite beauty and power of nature and is a timeless testament to the power that has shaped our planet over millennia. In the embrace of Takakaw Falls, visitors can find solace, inspiration and a deep connection with the earth. Here, time seems to stand still and the rush of modern life is replaced by the peaceful rhythm of nature.