The mountains of Alberta and interior BC have countless stunning waterfalls. There are many waterfalls that are accessible within 500 metres of the road, making them a great stop during a road trip or while hiking or camping. Being short trails or accessible from parking lots, these waterfalls are family-friendly as well. The waterfalls are found around Waterton, Kananaskis, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Robson, and Yoho.
Alberta Waterfalls
Cameron Falls in Waterton
On the west side of Waterton townsite you will find Cameron Falls. They are accessible walking from town or there is a parking lot across the road. There is a short trail that goes alongside the waterfall where visitors can get a view from above.
Elbow Falls in Kananaskis
In Elbow Valley, about 23 km from Bragg Creek, you will find Elbow Falls. To reach this waterfall you’ll hike a short trail that brings you to a viewpoint of the falls. This area is well-developed with paved pathways and stairs. The falls are often busy during summer weekends, but quiet in the shoulder season. They’re found across from Prairie Mountain and Vents Ridge on Highway 66 and make a great stop after a hike or if you’re camping in Elbow Valley.
Sheep River Falls in Kananaskis
Similar to Elbow Falls, Sheep River Falls sits along Sheep River Road about 39 km from Diamond Valley. It is next to Indian Oils Day Use area, the trailhead for Mount Hoffman. We stopped at Sheep River Falls after hiking Mount Hoffman, but it would also be a great stop if you are camping at Sandy McNabb or Bluerock Campgrounds. There are also many picnic tables available here for a day trip to the area.
Bow Falls in Banff
If you are visiting Banff town, you have to stop at Bow Falls. It is found near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, at the bottom of the hill near the Bow River. This lookout has its own parking lot or visitors can follow the trail in from Banff Ave.
Panther Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in Banff
Take a trip north on the Icefields Parkway and you will pass Panther Falls. At this turn off you can actually visit two waterfalls: Panther Falls (right picture) and Bridal Veil Falls (left). They are each within 500 metres of the parking area, just follow the marked trails. These waterfalls make a great quick stop on the way to Jasper.
Athabasca Falls in Jasper
32 km south of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is Athabasca Falls. If you are driving the Icefields Parkway, this stop has to be on your list. It is an stunning viewpoint accessible from the highway, no hiking required. The roar of the falls is incredible and the waterfall is so powerful that you feel drenched in the mist when you stand close to the edge. Walk with caution as the pavement can be slippery.
BC Waterfalls
Numa Falls
24 kilometres from the exit onto Highway 93 South from the Trans-Canada sits a canyon waterfall along the Kootenay River. The spectacular blue water of the Kootenay River makes Numa Falls a must-see spot along Highway 93. You take a short walk of around 50 metres from the parking lot and get a view from the bridge overlooking the falls. I’d recommend adding a detour here if you are hiking Boom Lake, Floe Lake, or even Paint Pots.
Takakkaw Falls in Yoho
In Yoho National Park, you can find the second highest waterfall in Canada — and it’s accessible without hiking. Take the turn off the Trans-Canada for Kicking Horse Campground and continue until the end of this road. However, the road into Takakkaw Falls is narrow and includes a switchback section which is not suitable for trailers. If you are towing an RV, you won’t be able to make it to these falls, but you could opt for the Natural Bridge instead.
Natural Bridge in Yoho
The Natural Bridge is found just off the turn for Emerald Lake. This area includes the Natural Bridge itself and the Lower Falls a few metres downstream. There is a parking lot next to the site and visitors can an adjacent bridge over the water. This is a great spot to visit if you are travelling to Emerald Lake or other parts of Yoho National Park.
Cottonwood Falls in Nelson
Perhaps the second most accessible falls on the list (after Bow Falls) is Cottonwood Falls — if you’re in Nelson, BC that is. Within the city of Nelson, there is a park that includes Japanese Gardens, pathways and the Cottonwood Falls. It also hosts the Nelson Farmers Market on Wednesday and Saturday. This is a must-see location if you’re visiting Nelson and East Kootenay Lake.
Overlander Falls in Mount Robson
Along the Fraser River, just up the road from the Mount Robson Welcome Centre, lies Overlander Falls. This waterfall is a brilliant blue with rushing waters that leap over the main falls and hurry through the rocky canyon. The path to the falls from the parking area is a short trail with some elevation loss on the way there (and gained on the way back).
The falls are about 500 metres from the parking lot. It took us a total of 15 minutes from the welcome centre and hike to the falls, making the total hike under 30 minutes. Add some time if you’re travelling with children, although this trail is perfectly suitable for kids and non-experienced hikers.
