Top 10 Amazing Facts about Takakkaw Falls

TakakkawFalls2. Rainbows can often be seen in the spray and mist coming from larger waterfalls, as here at Takakkaw Falls, Canada. Photo by Michael Rogers, 2004 – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Takakkaw Falls

The Takakkaw Falls Hike is more of a short walk than a true hike; however, the views that can be found on this quick adventure in Yoho National Park will produce some amazing photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

The 1.3km out-and-back route initially crosses over a bridge that spans the rushing waters of the Yoho River before climbing slightly uphill along a pathway that leads to a viewpoint over Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second tallest waterfall.

1. You won’t drive to Yoho just to complete the journey to Takakkaw falls

Takakkaw Falls, view from the trailhead. Photo by KaleighAlysse – Wikimedia Commons

You likely won’t drive to Yoho just to complete this brief journey, but if you find yourself hiking other trails in the area – especially if you have kids – then you might as well come to take in the jaw-dropping views!

2. There is hardly anything bad you are likely to say about Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls. Photo by Ovedc – Wikimedia Commons 

There isn’t anything bad that you could say about the Takakkaw Falls Hike, other than the fact that it isn’t long enough!

While there are longer hiking routes that expand out further afield into Yoho National Park, if you are simply wishing to view this majestic waterfall, then you will have to make do with this quick 1.3km out-and-back hike.

3. The trailhead of the Takakkaw falls is only open from late June to mid-October

Awesome Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo by Deror_avi – Wikimedia Commons

Plan for this hike, as the road into the trailhead is only open from late June to mid-October due to avalanche risks.

Even if this short hike is only available for a small portion of the year, it is a worthwhile experience to walk through the stunning landscapes of Yoho National Park and take in the breathtaking views of Canada’s second tallest waterfall.

4. The trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels

Awesome Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo by Deror_avi – Wikimedia Commons

With a paved pathway that is fairly level and easy to navigate, this trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and skill levels, including families with young children and those with wheelchairs.

Whether you are simply looking to take in the majesty of the falls, or are spending a few days exploring other trails within the park, the Takakkaw Falls Hike is an amazing experience that should not be passed up.

Setting out from the car park, follow the trail to the southeast and keep straight through the junction, continuing for 235m until you reach another junction near a bridge. 

5. There are amazingly beautiful views of rugged mountain peaks and swathes of pristine forest

Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Takakkaw Falls. Photo by Mike (SqueakyMarmot) – Wikimedia Commons

 In every direction, you will have magnificent views of rugged mountain peaks and swathes of pristine forest that characterize the terrain, below you, the silty rushing waters of the Yoho River will swiftly pass under the bridge, and to the northeast, you will be able to see the main attraction of the hike, Takakkaw Falls.

Continue along the paved pathway as it heads towards the falls for 330m, passing by countless trees before arriving at a viewpoint. Take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of the waterfall and admire its 373m height, 254 of which is a part of the main drop of the falls.

6. Time for the real show of torrenting water and clouds of mist

Takakkaw Falls. Photo by Ovedc – Wikimedia Commons

The Cree people gave the falls their name, which means “wonderful” or “magnificent” and it is easy to see why. If you can view this amazing spectacle at a time when there is an increase in the volume of meltwater from the glacier above, then you will be in for a real show of torrenting water and clouds of mist.

After taking in the breathtaking views of the waterfall, retrace your footsteps along the trail and make your way back over the rushing waters of the Yoho River on the return leg of the Takakkaw Falls Hike.

7. Takakkaw Falls are the second tallest waterfall in Canada

The trail to the Awesome Takakkaw Falls. Awesome Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo by Deror_avi – Wikimedia Commons

Featuring a total height of 373m and the main drop of 254m, the Takakkaw Falls are the second tallest waterfall in Canada. Fed by the frigid waters of the Daly Glacier, these breathtaking falls are at their peak in the late spring when an increase in the volume of meltwater creates a powerful effect.

8. The name Takakkaw comes from the Cree people

Takakkaw Falls is located in Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada. This photograph was taken in August of 2008. The photograph was taken by Beth Hovanec – Wikimedia Commons

The name Takakkaw comes from the Cree people, who named the “wonderful” or “magnificent” in their language, and they are right!

9. Takakkaw Falls has a height of 373m

Takakkaw Falls are so impressive. This is definitely an area worth checking out! Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA – Wikimedia Commons

With a total height of 373m, Takakkaw Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Canada. The main drop of the falls is 254m.

10. TheTakakkaw falls is only open from late June to mid-October

Takakkaw Falls. Photo by Jack Borno – Wikimedia Commons

Due to avalanche concerns, the road leading to the falls is only open from late June to mid-October. Additionally, only cars and small RVs can utilize the road due to the narrow switchbacks along the route.