Athabasca Falls
Jasper National Park
Overview
The river opening after the gorge.
One of the must-do side trips along the Icefields Parkway, in my opinion, Athabasca Falls is an impressive sight to see. The falls drops about 25 m (80 feet). Though the height is not particularly remarkable, the amount of water that gets funneled over the falls and into the narrow gorge below is! The falls and narrow gorge below has been created here because the river changes layers from quartzite to a much softer (and more erodable) limestone.
With easy access and a short walk, this is a very scenic and family-friendly place to visit. Our two year old loved walking the short trails and seeing the waterfall and gorge from all angles.
Athabasca Falls - Jasper National Park
The tumultuous gorge below the falls.
Getting There
From the town of Jasper, go south on AB93 (Icefield Parkway) for 30 kilometers to the signed Athabasca Falls side road on the right. The road goes to a large parking area with restrooms.
The massive pothole.
Looking up the gorge toward the falls.
Route
From the parking area, the trail heads down to the falls proper. A bridge across the river gives excellent photo opportunities of both the falls and the gorge. Be sure to continue as the trail meanders down a series of steps, visits a massive pothole, then ends at the river and bottom of the gorge.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
11U 440281mE 5835482mN N52° 39' 58" W117° 52' 59" |
| Falls |
11U 440214mE 5835311mN N52° 39' 52" W117° 53' 03" |
| River |
11U 440094mE 5835351mN N52° 39' 53" W117° 53' 09" |