Glacier and spring-fed waterfalls splash to gravity’s whim almost year-round in Banff and Lake Louise. In winter and early spring, many are frozen art forms decorating the rocky landscape. Depending on the late snowfall and temperatures, in May or June the waters gush forth with powerful downhill streams of delightful beauty.
Whether you are a Sunday stroller waterfall viewer who likes a paved path and easy access to these natural water displays or an avid hiker who enjoys discovering hidden gems deep in the forest, we have a selection of waterfalls in and near Banff and Lake Louise for your waterfall hunting enjoyment.
There are so many beautiful waterfalls in the Jasper and Banff National Parks we only had room for some of the most popular ones. The waterfalls below are listed in no particular order and run the gamut between easily accessible and solid hiking required.
Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
1. Bow Falls
Banff
Bow Falls graces the town of Banff with a beautiful spot for a gentle walk or to spend a few hours contemplating nature. Within easy walking distance from the town center, several viewing spots sit along a path meandering next to the Bow River. The 30-foot block-style waterfall is mesmerizing with its water power. The paved pathway and steps along the Bow River offer panoramic views of the river and falls. You will see many locals and tourists along the path enjoying the river.
Rocky Mountain Raft Tours offers a 1-hour guided float trip down the Bow River — all aboard for a beautiful view of Bow Falls. The float boards below the falls offer riders a gorgeous view of the falls without having to traverse them, which would be very dangerous.
Pro Tip: Make sure to turn around and look behind you, the Fairmont Banff Springs towers above the river in all her glorious majesty. It is the perfect spot to snap a photo of the Grande Dame of Banff.
2. Bow Glacier Falls
Bow Lake, Banff National Park
Bow Glacier Falls, not to be confused with Bow Falls, is located along the Icefields Parkway. The falls are accessible by hiking the moderate, 5.5-mile out-and-back Bow Glacier Falls Trail. The trail begins at the Lodge at Bow Lake, formerly known as the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.
Towards the end, there is a steep climb but the reward is open, panoramic views of Bow Lake. Your reward for all the hard work: the gorgeous Bow Glacier Falls.
The 410-foot drop, tiered-style water cascading down to Bow Lake is gorgeous. Pack a snack and play on staying a while to enjoy the wide-open views.
Pro Tip: The Lodge at Bow Lake will open in 2023 and is a beautiful home base for your Banff and Lake Louise adventures.
3. Weeping Wall
Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park
The Weeping Wall is a series of waterfalls dropping down an imposing roadside rockface. Fed by a natural spring, the wall’s winter cliff face becomes a frozen wall of blue ice in the frigid northern temperatures. The lower wall is a mere 550 feet of ice beckoning climbers to don their ice cleats and ascend the frozen surface.
The roadside pull-off is a perfect spot for viewing the Weeping Wall any time of year, but especially intriguing when the climbers are out tackling the ascent.
Pro Tip: Beautiful in the winter covered in ice and in the spring with plunging falls; however, during the summer the falls reduce to a trickle and you may pass it by without ever knowing it is there.
4. Bridal Veil Falls
Icefield Parkway, Banff National Park
Another stunning waterfall that is visible from a pull-off on the Icefields Parkway is Bridal Veil Falls. The waterfall is partially covered by the forestation and cascades below the tree line, Bridal Veil Falls is not completely visible from the road. There is, however, a 200+ foot tall section that offers a beautiful waterfall ponytail style plunge that makes this waterfall worth hunting.
Pro Tip: This extremely tall and thin waterfall is easy to miss, the pullout on the highway is the best indication it is there. Watch for road signs to avoid missing it.
5. Johnston Canyon Lower Falls
Banff National Park
The Johnston Canyon to Lower Falls Trail is an easy 1.4-mile out-and-back hike. You will love viewing the river waters swirling below the metal catwalks as you make your way down the trail. It is a fun and easy trail that offers beautiful waterfall views.
6. Johnston Canyon Upper Falls
Banff National Park
The hiking trail across Johnston Canyon to the Upper Falls is a moderate hike across partially paved trails. The 3.2-mile out-and-back route rewards you with a gorgeous view of the Upper Falls. The Upper Falls put on a powerful water show, particularly in the spring; it is worth the extra effort to see these magnificent falls.
Pro Tip: The falls are a favorite spot for ice climbers; you may want to tackle this trail on a warm winter day. The climbers put on quite a show.
7. Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff National Park
At the base of the Banff Upper Hot Springs — the birthplace of Banff National Park — is a small waterfall. Just before you enter the parking lot for the Banff Gondola, you will see the waterfall coming under the footpath which leads to where the Banff Hot Springs were originally discovered.
8. Sundance Canyon Trail
Banff National Park
The Sundance Canyon Trail is both easy (in the beginning) and slightly more moderate (at the falls loop). It runs out and back for 5.6 miles. You will have a bit of an up and downhill hike on the second half of the trail, however, the views of secret waterfalls and cascades will dazzle your imagination.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a less traveled waterfall hunt, the Sundance Canyon Trail is a great option.
9. Silverton Falls
Banff National Park
On your way to Lake Louise, Silverton Falls is a great little stop. The short 1.1-mile out-and-back hike will take you to a pretty two-tied waterfall. In general, the hike is easy and rated as such. However, there is a steep drop-off at the end of the trail down to the waterfall. The climb down the ravine is not necessary to enjoy the beauty of the peaceful falls.
10. Cascade Falls
Banff National Park
As you travel along the Trans Canada highway between Canmore and Banff, you will pass by Cascade Mountain. Cascade Falls are pretty little falls that you can see from the roadside. If you want a closer look, you can hike the 0.8-mile easy trek for a better view. The climb is steep, and there is a lot of rock scrambling involved to get to the top.
Pro Tip: The view from the highway is pretty and the climb is good if you need to stretch your legs, but not necessary for a beautiful view of the falls.
11. Athabasca Falls
Jasper National Park
Athabasca Falls is a lovely stop if you are in the Athabasca Glacier area and have extra time. It is about an hour’s drive further north from the Columbia Icefield. However, the short 0.6-mile hike to the Athabasca Falls offers unobstructed views of the waterfall.
Hiking Safety
Many of these waterfall hikes are populated with other hikers, which is good for keeping wildlife at bay. If you want to avoid the crowds and select some of the less-traveled trails, make sure to carry bear spray — just in case. Being aware of the wildlife, their habits, and how to avoid critters large and small is the best way to stay safe. Bear safety should be one of your top priorities when traveling throughout the Canadian Rockies.
It is important to know the difference between a grizzly and a black bear. Grizzlies have a distinct muscular hump in the middle of their upper back, a round face, and can weigh up to 300 pounds. Black bears tend to be smaller (about half the size of a grizzly) and they have a longer nose (snout) and large ears. It is best not to encounter either type of bear. Be vigilant; at certain times of the year, they come down the mountains to feed and can be found almost anywhere.
Trails in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are subject to seasonal closures. As you can imagine, when snowfall is high, hikers’ safety becomes a concern. You can find up-to-date trail information at Parks Canada’s Trail Conditions.
Waterfall Hunting Near Banff National Park
You will be in awe of the powerful waterfalls located around the Banff and Lake Louise area. It seems as though everywhere you turn, there is another cascade of crystal clear water rushing down a rocky mountain face.
While you are visiting, you will find sumptuous dining with gorgeous views all around Banff and Lake Louise. A relaxing dinner with stunning mountain peaks in the background is the perfect way to end a day of hiking and waterfall hunting.
Pro Tip: When you are visiting the Banff National Park area and need help sorting through all the wonderful experiences you can enjoy while visiting, the Banff and Lake Louise Tourist Bureau is the best spot for up-to-the-minute information.