The length and breadth of Canada offers an abundance of natural beauty, including mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. One of the most visited countries on the face of planet, Canada is blessed to have many majestic waterfalls that are simply mesmerizing. With Canada tourist visa requirements being relatively relaxed, the country continues to be on the radar of international tourists. Here’s our pick of the top 15 waterfalls to visit in Canada.
The Best Waterfalls to Visit in Canada
1. Niagara Falls
As expected, Niagara Falls are at the top of the list! It’s not as if there aren’t waterfalls as beautiful as Niagara in Canada, but there’s something about the Falls that ensures tourists have this destination in the itinerary. Straddling the international border between Canada and the U.S., the thunder of these falls is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Comprising three falls Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil – the collective spill of water is an impressive six million cubic feet. The falls have become a popular tourist attraction, so be prepared to experience hustle and bustle of the crowds. It is also a great place to celebrate special occasions. In fact, celebrating New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls is quite popular.
Location: Ontario/New York border
How to Reach: Niagara Falls is easily accessible from the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York, which are situated right along the Canada-US border.
Things to Do:
- Maid of the Mist boat tour
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Niagara Parkway
- Skylon Tower observation deck
- Whirlpool Aero Car
Height: 51 meters
2. Takakkaw Falls
In Cree, Takakaw means ‘majestic’; it will be an understatement to say that the falls are majestic. The falls are 991 feet high, offering great views and perfect ambience. The falls are located in the Yoho National Park, which itself is a crowd favorite. The best place to watch the Takakkaw Falls is at the end of Yoho Valley Road, where you will be joined by fellow travelers in a campground to take in the majestic views.
Location: Yoho National Park, British Columbia
How to Reach: Visitors can access Takakkaw Falls by hiking along well-marked trails starting from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot located within Yoho National Park.
Things to Do:
- Hiking to the base of the falls
- Camping in the park
- Scenic drives on Yoho Valley Road
- Wildlife viewing
- Visit Emerald Lake
Height: 373 meters
3. Athabasca Falls
Located in the beautiful Jasper National Park, the Athabasca Falls are known all over for their stunning views. The best time to visit these falls is during the summers; however, if you are a fan of frozen water, winters can also be a good time. In addition to these beautiful waterfalls, tourists also spend quality time at the Jasper National Park, which offers a host of trails and hikes. There are ample recreational opportunities at the Jasper National Park.
Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta
How to Reach: The stunning Athabasca Falls can be reached by driving along the scenic Icefields Parkway, a famous highway that cuts through Jasper National Park.
Things to Do:
- Hike the trails around the falls
- Scenic drives on Icefields Parkway
- Wildlife viewing
- Visit Athabasca Glacier
- Camping in the park
Height: 23 meters
4. Helmcken Falls
Located in the beautiful environs of Wells Gray Provincial Park, the Helmcken Falls remain one of the most frequented, not only in British Columbia but also in Canada. The falls are easily accessible by road, and there is a great platform where one can take in the beautiful view of the falls. These falls are named after the great physician John Sebastian Helmcken.
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia, How to Reach: To access the towering Helmcken Falls, visitors can follow hiking trails that begin from Clearwater Valley Road within Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Things to Do:
- Hike to the viewing platforms
- Camping in the park
- Wildlife viewing
- Visit Dawson Falls
- Explore the park’s caves and canyons
Height: 141 meters
5. Pissing Mare Falls
We promise you the falls are as interesting as the name itself. It isn’t about the height of the falls – at 343 meters, they may not be the most deafening, but it is about the complete ambience surrounding the falls. The Pissing Mare Falls flow into the Western Brook Pond, creating a beautiful confluence. Located in the Gros Morne National Park, these falls promise breathtaking views and spectacular ambience.
Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
How to Reach: Adventurous hikers can reach the magnificent Pissing Mare Falls by embarking on trails that start from the Bakers Brook area of Gros Morne National Park.
Things to Do:
- Hike to the base of the falls
- Camping in the park
- Scenic drives along the park’s roads
- Visit the Tablelands
- Explore the park’s fjords
Height: 40 meters
6. Shannon Falls
Visiting Shannon Falls is an experience in itself – we say this because the route to reaching these falls is as interesting as the falls themselves. The Sea to Sky Highways awaits you on a memorable trip that will bring you up and close with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada. The best time to visit these falls is in spring, but you can also have great views during the autumn. You may be interested to know that these falls have been named after a brick maker, William Shannon.
Location: Squamish, British Columbia
How to Reach: Shannon Falls is conveniently accessible by taking the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, which winds through the stunning coastal mountains near Squamish, British Columbia.
Things to Do:
- Hike the Shannon Falls Trail
- Rock climbing in the area
- Scenic drives on Sea to Sky Highway
- Visit Stawamus Chief Provincial Park
- Explore the town of Squamish
Height: 335 meters
7. Montmorency Falls
Officially known as Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, these falls are among the most popular tourist destinations in Quebec City. Located in the popular Montmorency Falls Park, these falls are a treat to watch. One of the key attractions that makes these falls unique is the facility of a tram that takes tourists from the top to the base of the falls. There is a fireworks competition during the summers, which adds to the flavor and beauty of the falls. If you are visiting Quebec City, visiting the Montmorency Falls is highly recommended.
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
How to Reach: Visitors can easily access the breathtaking Montmorency Falls by visiting the designated Montmorency Falls Park, located just outside of Quebec City.
Things to Do:
- Hike the trails around the falls
- Take the cable car across the falls
- Try the zipline
- Visit the Montmorency Falls Suspension Bridge
- Explore Old Quebec City
Height: 83 meters
8. Albion Falls
These beautiful falls in Ontario are shaped in the form of a staircase! Surrounded by rocks, the falls aren’t known so much for their height as they are for their surroundings and ambience. Some of the best places to visit in the vicinity of Albion Falls include Bruce Trail, King’s Golf Course, and Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
How to Reach: To experience the beauty of Albion Falls, visitors can embark on well-marked hiking trails that begin directly from the designated parking lot area.
Things to Do:
- Hike the Albion Falls Trail
- Scenic walks in the area
- Photography
- Visit the Rock Chapel
- Explore the city of Hamilton
Height: 19 meters
9. Alexander Falls
Alexander Falls remain picturesque all throughout the year. While the falls are simply majestic and in the flow during the summers, they freeze during the winters. A key reason why these falls are so popular among tourists travelling with families is because no hiking is required to take in the views. However, if you are a bird lover, we highly recommend hiking around the area to see different varieties of birds.
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia,
How to Reach: Adventurers can access the magnificent Dawson Falls by following hiking trails that originate from Clearwater Valley Road within Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Things to Do:
- Hike to the viewing platforms
- Camping in the park
- Wildlife viewing
- Visit Helmcken Falls
- Explore the park’s caves and canyons
Height: 181 meters
10. Dawson Falls
One of the seven beautiful waterfalls in the Wells Gray Provincial Park, the Dawson Falls offers great views and beautiful ambience to visitors. After a brief climb, visitors can reach the top of the waterfall and take in the amazing views of the surroundings. There are numerous campsites in the vicinity of the waterfalls, and you can enjoy the wilderness in the area.
Location: Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia,
How to Reach: To experience the beauty of Alexander Falls, visitors can hike along trails that start from Callaghan Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia’s Callaghan Valley.
Things to Do:
- Hike to the viewing platforms
- Camping in the park
- Wildlife viewing
- Visit Helmcken Falls
- Explore the park’s caves and canyons
Height: 181 meters
11. Bridal Veil Falls
Nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park, Bridal Veil Falls captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty. Cascading from a height of 617 feet, the waterfall gracefully drapes over the granite cliffs, creating a mesmerizing veil-like appearance. As the mist dances in the air, rainbows often emerge, painting nature’s canvas with vibrant hues.
Location – Bridal Veil Falls is located in the Yosemite Valley, within the renowned Yosemite National Park in California..
How to Reach – Visitors can reach Bridal Veil Falls by driving along the Wawona Road and parking at the designated lot near the base of the falls. A short, paved trail leads directly to the viewing area.
Things to Do-
- Hike the Bridalveil Fall Trail
- Explore the nearby Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
- Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery
- Rock climbing or bouldering in the Yosemite Valley
Height – 617 feet (188 meters).
12. Kakabeka Falls
Kakabeka Falls, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Northern Ontario, is a breathtaking display of nature’s power and beauty. The roaring cascade plunges over the ancient rocks, creating a mesmerizing curtain of water that captivates all who witness its majesty.
Location: Kakabeka Falls is located in the municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, approximately 30 kilometers west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. It is situated along the Kaministiquia River, which flows into Lake Superior.
How to Reach: Visitors can easily access Kakabeka Falls by taking Highway 11/17 west from Thunder Bay. The falls are well-marked, and ample parking is available at the designated lot near the viewing platforms.
Things to Do:
- Explore the hiking trails
- Guided tours to learn about the rich history and geological formations
- Visit the nearby Ouimet Canyon
- Engage in picnicking or outdoor recreation.
Height: 40 meters (131 feet)
13. Panther Falls
Panther Falls, a hidden gem tucked away in the lush forests of Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge State Park, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and thunderous power.
Location: Panther Falls is located within the confines of Tallulah Gorge State Park, situated in the northeastern part of Georgia, near the town of Tallulah Falls. The park is a scenic two-hour drive from Atlanta.
How to Reach: To reach Panther Falls, visitors must first enter Tallulah Gorge State Park and follow the well-marked trails that lead to the gorge overlooks. From there, a strenuous hike down the gorge’s stairs is required to access the base of the falls.
Things to Do:
- Hike the challenging trail to the base of Panther Falls.
- Explore the park’s other scenic trails.
- Engage in rock climbing or rappelling adventures
- Visit the nearby town of Tallulah Falls for local dining and shopping experiences
Height: 60 feet (18 meters)
14. Della Falls
Della Falls, a breathtaking natural marvel nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, is a sight to behold. This towering waterfall cascades gracefully down the rugged terrain, captivating all who witness its majestic beauty.
Location: Della Falls is located on Vancouver Island, within the boundaries of Strathcona Provincial Park. This remote and pristine area is situated approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Campbell River, on the eastern side of Vancouver Island.
How to Reach: Accessing Della Falls requires a considerable effort due to its remote location. Visitors can either embark on a multi-day hiking adventure along the Della Falls Trail, which spans approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) one way, or opt for a scenic floatplane or helicopter tour from nearby communities like Campbell River or Port Hardy.
Things to Do:
- Marvel at the stunning 440-meter (1,444-foot) drop.
- Explore the surrounding old-growth rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna
- Engage in wilderness camping along the Della Falls Trail
- Visit nearby communities like Campbell River or Port Hardy.
Height: 440 meters (1,444 feet)
15. Nailicho (Virginia Falls)
Nailicho, also known as Virginia Falls, is a spectacular natural wonder located in the remote wilderness of Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories, Canada. This magnificent waterfall is a true testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.
Location: Nailicho Falls is situated within the boundaries of Nahanni National Park Reserve, which lies approximately 500 kilometers west of Yellowknife, in the heart of Canada’s Northwest Territories. The park is accessible only by air or through a multi-day hiking expedition.
How to Reach: Reaching Nailicho Falls is an adventure in itself. Visitors can opt for a scenic flight tour from Fort Simpson or Muncho Lake, offering breathtaking aerial views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, experienced hikers can embark on the challenging Nahanni River Trail, a 92-kilometer (57-mile) trek through the rugged terrain of the park.
Things to Do:
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of the falls.
- Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including ancient rock formations, canyons, and hot springs
- Engage in kayaking or rafting adventures.
- Spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, Dall’s sheep, and caribou.
Height: 92 meters (302 feet).
These were some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada. For people who love to spend their day outdoors, visiting a waterfall can be a great option. You get to explore the nature in its full glory. If you know of other Canadian waterfalls that are beautiful and majestic, do share it with our readers.
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