Difficulty: EASY

Rating: 5/5

Duration: <1hr / 0.5kM

Accessibility: Car

takakkaw falls (yoho)

Description:

Growing up in the Okanagan Valley with family in Calgary, I have driven Highway 1 from Revelstoke through Banff more times than I can count. It was only when I reached my twenties that I realized just how many beautiful natural Canadian wonders lay just off the beaten path.

One of the most breathtaking was a 300 meter high waterfall called TAKAKKAW Falls. This name loosely translates to “something magnificent” but even that statement doesn’t do it justice. The 15 minute drive to the base of the waterfall at the entrance of Yoho National Park is just a few kilometres North East of Field, BC on Yoho Valley Rd. Once you arrive, you will get a road side view of one of Canada's most beautiful multi-staged waterfalls!  

Once you make it to the parking lot it’s a 3 minute walk down to the river which forms from Angel Falls further up the valley and from TAKAKKAW Falls itself. There is a short footpath coming from the main parking lot over the river that will take you right to the base of the falls for a spectacular view.

The Takakkaw Falls themselves are one of many waterfalls on the Yoho Iceline trail. If you’re looking for a long day trip or even a backpacking overnight trip, check out our other Yoho locations.

 

Directions:

This hike is approximately 5 hours 25 minutes drive from Kelowna, 1 hour 15 minutes from Banff, 1 hour 5 minutes from Golden, or 25 minutes from Field.

  1. Starting in Field BC, head East on Highway 1 for 3.5km then turn left onto Yoho Valley rd (closed Oct-June). You should see signs for Takakkaw.
  2. Drive approximately 13.5km up this paved road until you come to the parking lot.
  3. Park your vehicle and follow signs to the Takakkaw Falls.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

*Note, the GoogleMaps link will just take you to the Yoho Valley rd turnoff.

GPS Coordinates:

  • Yoho Valley rd turnoff: 51.416856, -116.450964
  • Parking area: 51.497408, -116.483814
  • Takakkaw Falls: 51.498677, -116.477704

Features:

  • Waterfall
  • River
  • Mountain Views
  • Dog Friendly
  • Camping spots (by reservation)
  • No cell service