Exploring a Yoho National Park Waterfall
A Short Hike to see the Spectacular Wapta Falls BC Canada
A Hike to Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park BC is one of my new favourite destinations to visit in the park. This trail has a high reward to effort score. Meaning, that it is only a short and easy hike (2.3km) to reach one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Yoho. Now, Yoho National Park has a lot of great waterfalls, but Wapta Waterfall has upstaged the rest to become my favourite. In fact, Wapta Falls is one a must-see attraction in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Hike to Wapta Falls in Yoho Park Trail Facts
Distance: The Hike to Wapta Falls is 2.3km out or a 4.6km round trip
Duration: Plan for 1.5 - 2 hours
Elevation: 60m
Amenities: picnic tables & pit toilets in the parking area
Difficulty: Easy
When to hike: The trail is open year-round
Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs: Are permitted and must be on leash
Hike to Wapta Waterfall
It is an easy hike to Wapta Falls through a lush mountain forest. The trail is wide and has very little elevation gain. There are often some muddy sections and some roots to watch out for on the trail. Hikers will reach the top of the falls in just under 2km. There are view nice spots to view the falls nearby. Some people will choose to stop here. After this point the trail descends about 60 meters to the base of the falls. This part of the trail is a little bit more challenging, however with good shoes most people should be fine. The reward at the base is worth the effort to get here.
Wapta Falls Facts
Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River
Height: 30m according to Parks Canada
Width: 107m
Volume of water: 96 cubic meters per second
Type of waterfall: Block
Wapta falls
Wapta Falls is a powerful block waterfall that creates a thunderous roar as the water pours over the ledge. It it is the largest, by volume, waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. At 107 meters, Wapta Falls is also the widest. These falls remind me of Niagara Falls in Ontario. Moreover, with the Canadian Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Wapta Falls is an impressive site to see.
Wapta Falls Rainbow
With the powerful force and volume of water plummeting over the edge, Wapta Falls creates quite a bit of mist at its base. If you are willing to brave the chill and getting soaked to your core, then the most amazing site awaits at the top of the rocky mound at the base of the falls. Your reward for your daring to the Hike to Wapta Falls Mound at the rainbows that are visible from the ridgeline.
How to get to Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park
Wapta falls is about 30 minutes from both the town of Golden and the Village of Field. on the Trans Canada Highway. If driving to the falls from Field BC it is important to note that there is no left turn at the Wapta Falls Main Trailhead. You will need to continue to Yoho National Park's western boundary. There it is a sharp right onto Wapta Road followed by another right onto the Beaverfoot exit to turn around and head back to the Wapta Falls Trailhead. One other important note, when inputting the destination into your vehicles navigation system search Wapta Falls Main Trail.What you Need to Know About Visiting Wapta Falls
Since Wapta Falls is in Yoho National Park, a Parks Canada Pass is required to visit. If you are going to hike all the way to the base of the falls be prepared to get soaked. You will probably want to take pictures here because it is amazing. So some sort of waterproof case for your phone or camera is a wise decision. It is a good idea to bring a rain jacket or to have dry clothes to change into when you get back to your vehicle too. The trail to the base of the falls is a little bit steep and can be tricky so proper footwear that you don't mind getting wet and muddy is also recommended. A pair of hiking poles to help with balance might be nice for this part as well.
Final Thoughts on our Hike to Wapta Falls
Event though we were completely soaked by the end of our adventure our Hike to Wapta Falls was fun. I am happy that we took the time to stop and explore Wapta Falls. This is one adventure I will happily do again. The trail is open year-round, so perhaps a winter visit is in store.