Athabasca Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway, is a must-see on any trip to Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is the most powerful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies, despite not being the highest or widest. Athabasca Falls trail is also one of the best hikes in the area.
1. Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park: An unmissable attraction you shouldn’t miss in Alberta
On the Athabasca River, the major river system in Jasper National Park, there is a Class 5 waterfall called Athabasca Falls. Rainwater, snowmelt from nearby mountains, and water from the Columbia Icefield glaciers all feed the river and its falls.
It is one of the most potent waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, although being only 23 meters tall. Its power comes from the Athabasca River’s sheer volume and force as it crashes over a huge ledge and into a small canyon.
2. How was the waterfall formed?
During the previous glacier, the Athabasca Valley Glacier’s movement broke off sections of hard quartzite, forming a cliff that gave rise to the Athabasca Falls. The brief canyon that is visible now was formed when water gushed over the cliff after the ice melted and carved a route through the softer limestone below.
The water has carved fascinating formations, pits, and fissures into the canyon walls over thousands of years. Particles of sand, silt, and gravel caught in spinning water below the cascade “carved” the potholes into the walls. Still forming are the potholes that will one day hang over the water of a deeper canyon.
3. Hike to Athabasca Falls
The Athabasca falls trail is about a kilometer long and begins at the parking lot. Concrete bridges span the gorge, and the trail is paved. Follow the interpretive route to learn about the science behind the watercolors, the formation of the canyon, and the local flora and animals. To see the gorge created by the river, cross the bridge and descend the stairs.
4. Can you visit Athabasca Falls in winter?
Consider going to Athabasca Falls in the winter for a totally new experience. You will observe a frozen waterfall of ice reaching down to the gorge in place of water pouring over the rocks.
Because fewer people travel during the winter, the area is also much quieter. To get to the falls, you might therefore need to slog through some unpacked snow.
5. Are there any fees to enter Athabasca Falls?
Admission to Jasper National Park is included. Park entrance fee:
- Adult: $ 9.80
- Senior: $ 8.30
- Youth: $ 4.90
- Family (up to seven persons per car): $ 19.60
6. How to get there
Athabasca Falls can be reached by traveling south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) from Jasper and then turning right onto Highway 93A.
The parking lot is on the left after a short distance of driving up the road. The exit for Athabasca Falls is also marked by signs on the highway.
7. When is the best time to visit Athabasca Falls?
That depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Because snowmelt flow is at its maximum in late spring and early summer, the falls are particularly strong during those times.
Try to visit the falls early or late in the day during the summer because they can get very busy, especially on weekends. The falls are at their calmest in the winter.
8. Best tips for visiting
- Avoid stepping over safety fences and railings because the mist from the falls makes the rocks slick.
- Pack out your waste to leave no trace. Take your waste home with you if the bins are full.
- Bears frequent the falls, so don’t leave food out unguarded.
- The Athabasca Falls Trail can be walked in regular running shoes.
