Takkakawa Falls

Takkakaw Falls is one of the classic must-see sights in Yoho National Park, and it is one of the most popular side trips from Lake Louise. It is the second tallest falling waterfall in Canada, and it is unique in that a chockstone causes the water to rooster tail outward. This feature has moved in recent years, so this unique display may soon be gone. 

The drive begins just east of the town of Field, and there is a well-signed turnoff marked Takkakaw Falls on the north side of the Trans Canada Highway. 

The road proceeds past an RV campsite, over a bridge, and it rounds into the Yoho Valley. The road is pleasant, lined with greenery, and wanders gently through the valley. About half way down the road there is a steep switchback that dozens of RVs, and Buses try to navigate. Often you can get stuck here waiting for an RV driver to get vehicle out of the hairpin turns, which can be frustrating. Past this sits gorgeous and calming scenery on winding roads through alpine forest. Keep an eye out for bears, porcupines, and other critters. 

The parking lot is a large circle that makes finding a spot fairly organic. Because there isn't much to do, most people are in and out quickly, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. 

From the edge of the parking lot, signs direct you past a 3D model of valley and over a bridge. To the right of the bridge are two of the classic Parks Canada Red Muskako Chairs, which make for a neat viewpoint. 

From here you can wander a paved path up toward the roaring sound of the falls. In high flow days with a bit of wind it's pretty common for spray to make its way down to the pavement, so bring a rain jacket and watch out for paper and electronics. 

The road is closed from late fall until late spring. The falls are a sight to see in winter, but it's a 20-kilometer cross-country ski to the base. They don't normally groom it, but there is a lot of ski touring traffic, so if it hasn't snowed in a while you might get away with classic skis. I would recommend snowshoes or backcountry Nordic skis to be certain, though. Gear Up in Canmore rents both, and you can get downhill backcountry skis or snowshoes at Wilson's in Lake Louise.