The most stunning waterfall in British Columbia, Canada, is Wapta Falls. Yoho is traversed by the Kicking Horse River, creating a beautiful waterfall. Discover more about your Wapta Falls hike guide by reading on!
1. Wapta Falls: The Niagara of Yoho
These falls are spectacular in the winter, so I can only imagine how breathtaking they must be in the summer. Wapta Falls in British Columbia, often known as the Niagara of Yoho, is one of the Canadian Rockies’ greatest waterfalls by water volume. Additionally, at 100 meters broad and 30 meters high, they are the greatest waterfalls on the Kicking Horse River.
2. What does the name Wapta mean?
The river is the Stoney word for “wapta.”
3. How to get to Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. After entering Yoho National Park from Golden, the waterfall is immediately off Highway 1. Along the Trans-Canada Highway, it is situated 20 miles east of Golden and 15 miles west of Field.
The trailhead is accessible through a 1.25-mile road during the summer. Although the entrance is plowed for a parking space alongside the highway, the trailhead’s road is closed in the winter.
4. The best time to visit Wapta Falls
The waterfall is open all year long. Although the park and Wapta Falls are more well-known in the summer, they make a great winter retreat.
5. Guide to Wapta Falls hike
From the south end of the parking area, trek to Wapta Falls. The walk follows an old road to the falls. Aspen, black cottonwood poplar, Douglas fir, western red cedar, and white birch populate the woodland surrounding Mt Hunter. A marsh east of the route is useful for spotting bald eagles, ospreys, and kingfishers.
After 1 km, the track enters a cool, shady montane forest. The route has blowdowns and newly cut wood. This part has a big burled tree. The trail climbs till the cascade roars.
Wapta Falls is Yoho National Park’s greatest waterfall by volume. This 30-m-high cascade carries most of Yoho’s water. Wapta Falls‘ spray may reach this far. “Wapta” is the Stoney word for river. However, it’s generally coupled with another word.
Continue downward to see more of the falls. Switch back down to a junction. The left trail switchbacks downhill, and the right trail goes straight into woodland. Take the steep, degraded left trail.
The trail leads to a gravel bench by Wapta Falls. Here, a massive rock protrusion obscures Wapta Falls. You can traverse a riverbed of red and green flat stones in late summer and fall. After crossing, climb up for a better perspective, but not during high water. The glacier-ground rock flour in this river gives it a milky grey-green color. Along the river are sand nooks perfect for a sunny picnic.
Return the way you came.
6. Can you hike Wapta Falls in winter?
During the winter, the road is closed from Highway 1. There is a little parking spot away from the road. Continue on the turnoff for 1.25 miles to reach the trailhead parking area if the road is not closed.
The climb is level, making it a wonderful activity for the whole family to enjoy. Even when it is covered in snow, the trail is well-defined. The distance to the waterfalls is 1.5 miles from the trailhead. There are three overlooks, all of which offer breathtaking views. Before these overlooks, looking down to the Wapta River, are some of the nicest vistas.
We do not advise making the descent to the ice river on foot for safety reasons. It is extremely dangerous and difficult to gauge how thick the ice is. That being said, it is doable. If you decide to get closer, stay on the river’s margins and keep away from the waterfall’s edge. Please exercise caution and safety if you attempt this.
7. How to prepare for a hike
- Put on hiking boots or sneakers with a firm soles. The path is frequently muddy.
- Bring a water bottle that you can refill.
- Use bug repellent or risk having a picnic meal at the price of the mosquitoes.
- Sunscreen shields your skin from UV rays, especially on sunny and cloudy days.
- When hiking, wearing a sunhat or baseball cap will keep you protected from the sun, rain, and ticks.
- Bring food with you to dine at the waterfall or while hiking.
- Bring a small backpack with you on the hike to carry your picnic food and other necessities. If it starts to rain while you’re hiking, it’s better to invest in a waterproof backpack or bring a sizable plastic bag to cover the backpack.
- Another necessary item when hiking through grizzly habitat is bear spray.
