The crisp fall air in Jasper can be made even more refreshing with a visit to the park’s many waterfalls.
It was a hot summer in Alberta, and you might be ready for a cool-down.
Escape to Jasper for a day of chasing waterfalls, hiking the beautiful fall trails, and getting off the beaten path. Whether you’re here for the day, or a weekend trip, you can make time for at least one waterfall visit, as some are quite close to town.
You can also find waterfall views from the Icefields Parkway, or the Parkway’s numerous trails.
Athabasca Falls
Visiting Jasper’s Athabasca Falls requires a turn onto the Icefields Parkway, a detour which is stunning in and of itself in the fall. There is ample parking at the site, and is open from April to November each year, giving you plenty of time to reach the falls while the foliage changes colours. The walk between the parking and the waterfall is only about two minutes and leads to various viewpoints overlooking the Athabasca Falls as they rush over the large, jagged rocks and through the narrow bend in the river.
Stanley Falls
The waters of Stanley Falls become a deep turquoise/green colour in the fall, and the walk up to the falls is an easy little hike perfect for kids and families. Enjoy the crisp fall air with just under 4km of walking past scenic views alongside Beauty Creek. Before you see the waterfall, take in the surroundings of the river and the south edge of Jasper National Park. As you hike along the trail, simply follow the sounds of the waterfall.
Maligne Canyon Waterfalls
The cliffs which make up Maligne Canyon are full of life and vegetation which in the fall, transforms into a wide array of warm hues. Much of the green will remain, but this is all broken up by pops of red and yellow. The gorgeous area can be explored via short hikes or the long Maligne Canyon Loop. Some areas open up to mountain views of Jasper, too. Arrive as early in the day as you can, as the bridges and pathways are busy.
Tangle Creek Falls
Follow the Icefields Parkway for many beautiful locations for fall foliage, and for waterfalls. Tangle Creek Falls can be viewed from the road and nearby parking lot. The falls are before the Columbia Icefields when travelling south on the Parkway, and the parking lot offers washrooms, as well as access to a few different challenging hikes.
Sunwapta Falls
Many consider the Sunwapta Falls as Jasper National Park’s crown jewel. It is a stunning display of the power of the mountain rivers and the hanging valleys of Alberta’s Rockies. The waterfall is easy to access from the Icefields Parkway and has a large parking lot for visitors. A trail and bridge take you out over the river just before it crashes into the limestone below.