Hiking Cascade Falls

Banff Canada

Overview

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RATING: Easy Hike

LENGTH: 1+ hours (0.9 mile)

SEASON: Summer, Fall

hike

dog friendly

family friendly

access: paved

Cascade Mountain and Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls, at almost 290 meters (950 feet) tall, is an impressive waterfall to visit! The falls are the namesake of Cascade Mountain and the third largest waterfall in Alberta.

A short distance from Banff and Canmore, this is a popular hike that is suitable for most. The trail is a bit steep in a few spots, but reaching the base of the falls is within reach of most, including relatively young children. Our two year old needed to be carried in a few areas.

Warning: The falls have extreme avalanche danger, even late into spring when the snow on the lower slopes has long melted. Summer and fall are the time to visit.

Big views from the falls.

Getting There

The trailhead is off the Banff/Minnewanka Loop/Boucle Minnewanka exit of the Trans-Canada Highway. This exit is the first exit you reach when traveling to Banff from the south. Take the exit, then turn right (north) on Range Road and follow it for about 300 meters to a dirt parking area on the left (west) side of the road. This small parking area is the trailhead, near a large grassy field.

Ruby and Diane heading to the falls.

Route

From the parking area, follow the trail as it heads west along the grassy field. It then enters the trees and climbs steeply to the falls. The last section before the base of the falls is a bit steep and loose.

Note: It is possible to scramble up several of the lower sections of the falls. Climbing up makes for great views, but beware, the rock is slippery! Make sure you can come back down whatever you climb up!