Jasper National Park is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and nestled within this national park is one of the most scenic waterfalls, Athabasca Falls. The best part? It doesn’t require much hiking to get close and personal to this incredible waterfall!
About Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is a powerful Class 5 waterfall on the Athabasca River, the largest river system in Jasper National Park. This glacier-fed waterfall is absolutely stunning with a total drop height of 24 metres and a width of 46 metres, and it is an incredible sight to see and hear.
As mentioned, there isn’t much hiking involved. There is a paved path from the parking lot to Athabasca Falls, one that is hard to miss—just follow the sound of the roaring waterfalls!
There are several viewpoints along the path for some pretty spectacular views of the upper falls, and I highly recommend stopping at each one as no two viewpoints are the same.
There is a longer trail that takes visitors down a set of stairs to the lower falls. You actually walk down and through a canyon with walls made of hard quartzite and limestone with some parts covered in moss. It is very beautiful and looks like something out of a fairy tale.
The trail splits into two at the base of these stairs. The path to the right leads to a lookout point above the end of the canyon. The second set of stairs lead to the rocky shoreline where the waterfall widens into the calm Athabasca River.
Retracing your steps will take you back to the parking lot.
How to Get to Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is located just 30 minutes south of Jasper, or 2 hours and 15 minutes north of Lake Louise (3 hours from Banff) along Highway 93, aka the iconic Icefields Parkway. Because the waterfall is located within Jasper National Park, visitors must purchase a Park Pass. Day passes can be purchased at the park gates and are per day per person.
Highway 93A is the turn off to the falls. The parking lot is immediately on the left and can accommodate a fair amount of cars, but it does fill up quickly during peak season.
When to Visit Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is accessible year-end. The summer months draw a much heavier crowd than any other time of the year. To avoid elbow-jabbing crowds, consider visiting early or late in the day.
I prefer and recommend early fall, September and October, when the temperature starts to cool and the leaves begin to change colours.
I have never visited Athabasca Falls in the winter months but if the Internet photos are any indication, Athabasca Falls is just as stunning in the winter surrounded by snow covered trees and mountain ranges. You just have to contend with the possibility of -30°C, three or more feet of snow, and road closure due to icy road conditions.
Regardless of when you visit, Athabasca Falls is well worth a stop along the Icefields Parkway or a fun, short day trip from Jasper.
Have you been to Athabasca Falls? When is your favourite time of the year to visit? Let me know in the comments!
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