The majority of visitors to Banff don’t come for the waterfalls. The area is more known for its beautiful peaks and glacial lakes. This is not to say that you shouldn’t explore some of the amazing waterfalls in Banff while you’re there.
1. Cascade Falls
Nearly every park visitor is guaranteed to witness Cascade Falls, located directly on Cascade Mountain’s slope. This 240-meter-tall fall may be seen on your right as you pass Cascade Ponds if you’re traveling on Trans Canada from Canmore to Banff.
It’s advisable to pull over and get a better view of the falls, even if you can see them from the automobile. In the summer or on the ice, climbers may be visible nearby.
2. Bow Falls
One of the best things to do in Banff is to visit Bow Falls, which is among the easiest waterfalls in the area. They are located close to the Banff Springs Hotel on the Bow River, just outside of town.
There is a tiny parking lot close, but I recommend walking there instead because it takes less than 20 minutes to get there from Banff Avenue. Another option is to reserve a whitewater rafting experience that passes by the falls up close but doesn’t go over them.
When the entire environment transforms into a winter wonderland in Banff, they are a great thing to do.
- Don’t miss Top 5 Unreal Lakes in Banff, Canada
3. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls and Upper Falls
The Johnston Canyon trek in Banff is a lovely, simple, and welcoming hike for families. It’s one of the most well-liked activities in Banff and a fantastic route to take. The falls on this trail are its two primary highlights. Just 1.2 km and 2.4 km of hiking, respectively, will get you to the Lower and Upper Falls.
Both in the summer, when the water is roaring and in the winter, when the falls are frozen solid, they are breathtaking to behold. You may reserve an ice climbing tour here throughout the winter.
4. Lake Agnes Waterfall
These falls are located immediately before you reach the Lake Agnes Tea House if you’re hiking there. These are quite tiny falls, so I wouldn’t go out of my way for them. However, they are a welcome reward after a strenuous ascent to Lake Agnes.
5. Bow Glacier Falls
It’s a short stroll away if you’ve ever seen Bow Lake in Banff and wondered where all the water comes from. Water that has melted from the Wapta Icefield and Bow Glacier flows over Bow Glacier Falls and into Bow Lake.
To return and visit Bow Glacier Falls is a rather short climb. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is located to the right of Bow Lake. Continue up the steps and through the meadow after following the trail all the way around the lake. In the summer, it’s a great hike that provides Icefield Parkway users with a great opportunity to get some exercise.
- Post for you Helpful Tips For Camping In Banff National Park 2022
6. Silverton Falls
This fast trip to Silverton Falls takes a quick detour to Silverton Falls before continuing on to Rockbound Lake, a long climb in Banff. Up until it reaches the vantage point for Silverton Falls, the trail travels alongside Silverton Creek. The 50-meter-tall Banff waterfall is quite stunning throughout the summer.
The best thing about this path is how peaceful it is in comparison to adjacent Johnston Canyon; if you can’t stand crowds, this is a terrific option.
7. The Weeping Wall
At the foot of Cirrus Mountain are a group of cliffs known as The Weeping Wall. As you travel down the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper, you can see it on your right. You can see water flowing in a sequence of cascades, sort of “weeping,” if you turn your attention in that direction. The largest is referred to as a “Teardrop.”
The weeping wall will be at its best if you travel the parkway in June. As the neighboring peaks snowmelt, a surreal landscape is created. Driving it in the winter, however, will result in encounters with ice, snow, and the occasional ice climber.
They are visible from the car, but you can get out and hike straight up to them if you don’t mind a little bushwhacking.
8. Panther and Bridal Veil Falls
There will be a pull-off spot on your right as you continue along the Icefields Parkway in the direction of Jasper. It is definitely worthwhile to stop at this pull-off location to enjoy and take pictures of Panther Falls! The rest station may be found directly before the Parker Ridge Trailhead when traveling from Banff to Jasper.
You can get up close to Panther Falls, wander around the amazing ice, and even get below the falls if you hike there in the winter.
9. Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is a deep, narrow canyon whose magnificent blue waters and soaring cliffs are its most notable features. A short hiking track makes it simple to reach the canyon, which is located on the Mistaya River, both in the summer and the winter.
The trail is a well-liked location for hiking, photography, and tourism since it offers beautiful views of the canyon and its surroundings. There is a pullout for parking here on the west side of the parkway, but there isn’t much of it, so it could get busy in the summer.
You must descend a simple 5 km walk to a well-maintained, walled bridge in order to reach the canyon. You can see the raging canyon surrounding you from here. Avoid walking too close to the edge of the canyon because a slip would almost surely result in death.
