Wapta Falls Hike is an awesome hike in Yoho National Park, where you can even get close for a refreshing spray. You get a huge reward for a small effort when you visit Wapta Falls.
Weβve been to Yoho National Park and hiked to Wapta Falls many times. And Iβm still amazed how such an easy hike gives you such a great reward.
Yoho National Park is an underrated destination and provides a welcome quiet break from its busy neighbours Banff and Jasper National Parks.
The trail through the forest is mostly shaded. Once you emerge onto the clearing, a giant waterfall is right in front of you. You can cool down in the river or hike up the pile in front of the waterfall to get a refreshing spray or, I should say, a nice soak. Although you can hike to Wapta Falls year-round, we only visited in summer.
This blog post includes all info about Wapta Falls Hike, including stats, the best campgrounds and other accommodation options, a hiking packing list, hiking tips, and additional tips about Yoho National Park & beyond!
MORE TIPS
Read our comprehensive Adventure travel guide to Yoho National Park for more activities and tips for visiting.
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Table of Contents
Pros & cons of the Wapta Falls Hike
Pros:
- Shaded trail
- Open year-round
- Option for a river dip
- You can get very close to the waterfall
- Very few people on the trail
- Option for camping with a waterfall view
- Close by campgrounds to stay before and after the hike
Cons:
- No amenities close by (itβs also a good thing as the trail is not overcrowded)
Where is Wapta Falls Hike & how to get there
Wapta Falls Hike is in Yoho National Park in British Columbia (close to Alberta/British Columbia border). Itβs 54 km southwest of Lake Louise, 27 km southwest of Field, and 33 km east of Golden. The trailhead is accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway.
Wapta Falls Hike starts at the Wapta Falls Main Trail on Google Maps. Itβs important to type the whole name Wapta Falls Main Trail β if you type into Google Maps just Wapta Falls, it leads by default to the Wapta Falls recreation site.
Wapta Falls Trailhead from Lake Louise & Field
If youβre travelling from Lake Louise (45 min drive) or Field (30 min drive), you wonβt see any signs for Wapta Falls, as a left turn from this direction is forbidden. You must drive to the west boundary of Yoho National Park (this spot) and turn around.
Now that you drive east, you can see the Wapta Falls sign after a few minutes of driving. After turning right, continue on the dirt road for about 2 km until you see the parking lot with a restroom.
Wapta Falls Trailhead from Golden
From downtown Golden, take Highway 95 eastbound and merge onto Trans-Canada Highway. After about 30 km, you see Wapta Falls sign. After 2 km on the dirt road, you arrive at the trailhead for Wapta Falls.
If youβre driving from Calgary to Golden, Wapta Falls Hike is a great stop to stretch your legs.
Wapta Falls Hike in Yoho National Park
- Distance: 2.4 km one-way
- Elevation gain: 30 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time to go: end of May to mid-October for the shorter hike (add 1.5 km one-way if youβre hiking in winter)
- Gear: water bottle with filter (you can fill up from the river), windproof jacket, running/hiking shoes, bear spray (map is not needed as the trail is well trodden)
- Waterfall stats: 30 meters high & 150 meters wide
- Tip for camping with Wapta Falls view: Wapta Falls recreation site provides another view of the waterfalls from across the valley. For directions, put this spot on Google Maps. Once you turn from Trans-Canada Highway, itβs about 7 km on the Beaverfoot Forest Service Road until you reach the site.
The beginning of the Wapta Falls Hike is easy as you walk through the forest with almost no elevation gain or loss. Towards the end, when you can hear Wapta Falls, thereβs a fenced viewpoint where you can take in the views from above.
From here, you continue down to Kicking Horse River. There are two trails to choose from. The one I like that is faster is the steep trail on the left side. The trail to the right has some switchbacks to make descending to the river easier.
You can take in the views of Wapta Falls from the shoreline of Kicking Horse River or cross the river (when the water level is low) and enjoy a picnic on the tiny island you see in the middle.
Either way, I also recommend getting closer to the waterfall. You can walk up the dirt pile before the waterfalls and get a refreshing summer spray. Or I should probably say a good soak. Donβt worry; once you hike back to the parking lot, your clothes dry.
Wapta Falls is the biggest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River, and as you get closer, you see the massive amount that flows down the river creating a tumbling sound – a beautiful sight to watch during your picnic on the shore.
After your hike, I highly recommend fuelling up at Truffle Pigs Bistro in Field. We always eat here whenever we visit Yoho National Park. Their bistro & lodge are fantastic. I often get the Purple Burger with beets patty; itβs so delicious!
Wapta Falls in winter
You can visit Wapta Falls in winter. The dirt road to the closest parking lot is closed till May, so in that case, you need to add 1.5 km one-way to your hike.
I only saw pictures of the frozen Wapta Falls, but they look magical. Ensure you have microspikes for your shoes, and check trail conditions before you go.
Where to next?
Donβt miss the most stunning place in Yoho: Emerald Lake & Takakkaw Falls. Several hikes in Yoho are worth a stop.
Hiking in Yoho National Park
When driving from Banff/Lake Louise, the first hike when you cross the border from Alberta to British Columbia is Sherbrooke Lake, with a stunning and quiet lake. Then there is Iceline Trail with a view of Takakkaw Falls from above, the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada, a few hikes leaving from Emerald Lake in the next valley, and Lake OβHara, which is hard to get to due to daily limits for the shuttle bus.
Golden
This small and charming mountain town offers lots of fun outdoor adventures. You can check out our 3-day Golden itinerary, or 30 fun things to do in Golden.
My favourites are:
Banff National Park
If youβre continuing east to Banff National Park, check out our Adventure travel guide to Banff National Park for activities and tips for visiting.
Just a few stops you shouldnβt miss on your visit are:
- Lake Louise
- Moraine Lake
- Johnston Canyon Hike is open year-round with beautiful frozen waterfalls in winter
- Lake Minnewanka
More hiking ideas
- Hiking in Jasper National Park: 17 best hikes for all levels
- 20 best hikes in Banff National Park
- Hiking in Yoho National Park
Know before you go
National park entrance
When you enter any national park in Canada, you must pay an entrance fee. You have a choice of either a daily pass or a yearly pass.
- 10.50 CAD per person for a daily pass, 21 CAD for a group/family
- 72.25 CAD per person for a yearly pass, 145.25 CAD for a group/family
The yearly Discovery Pass is valid for all National Parks in Canada. You can purchase it at the gate when you enter the national park, in the Visitorβs Centre or online here.
Hiking essentials for Wapta Falls Hike
These are just a few of our hiking essentials. But we do carry a few more things. For the complete list or more details about any of these essentials, read our post Hiking packing list for summer in the mountains.
- Lifestraw bottle with filter (or Thermos if youβre visiting in winter)
You need to carry water in a reusable Nalgene bottle, which I find is the most lightweight bottle, or you need to take a filtration system. In this case, all you need is a bottle with a water filter and fill it up when you arrive at the waterfalls. We always carry LifeStraw bottles on our runs, hikes, and backpacking trips.
- Sunscreen
One of the best-rated sunscreens from EWG, which I use and highly recommend, is Thinksport and Attitude mineral sunscreen. Alternatively, you can pack a sunscreen stick to re-apply during the day without getting your hands messy.
- Repellent
I donβt like DEET repellent’s smell or skin stickiness, so I make my own. Itβs been effectively tested in the Canadian backcountry and smells incredible!
My recipe for DIY repellent β combine 200 ml Witch hazel, 5 drops of Lemon essential oil, and 5 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil and pour it into a glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use and spray on your skin or clothes a few times a day.
Alternatively, you can buy biodegradable repellent.
- Bear spray
Bear Spray Repellent is an essential item in the Canadian Rockies. If youβre flying in, you cannot take it on an airplane, but it can be purchased in most outdoor stores or rented at your hotel. Make sure you know how to use it, and keep it close.
Despite popular belief, Parks Canada stated that bear bells are ineffective in deterring bears, and you should make noise while hiking to let bears know youβre there.
- Waterproof jacket
A windproof jacket is a must on any mountain trip. Double bonus if itβs waterproof with breathable fabric as well.
My jacket packs small as itβs from a light fabric, but itβs both windproof and waterproof. Because this shell jacket is an outer layer, you need a fleece or a down jacket for warm insulation.
- Fleece or down jacket
I like to use my comfy soft fleeceΒ in spring and autumn when I know Iβll wear it most of the day. When I need to pack a light and small insulating layer into my backpack (especially in summer), I like to use a down jacket thatβs lighter than fleece, packs into a little pouch, and uses very little space in my backpack.
- Trail running shoes
My long-time favourite trail running/hiking shoe is Adidas Outdoor Kanadia. They have a waterproof membrane, excellent grip on rocks, and great foot support, and I use them year-round. Michal tried several trail shoes over the last few years, and his favourites for hiking are waterproof Salomon with a wider toe box.
Where to stay when visiting Yoho National Park
Budget pick: HI Whiskey Jack Hostel near Takakkaw Falls is open from late June till September but is currently under construction.
Depending on which direction youβre travelling, you can choose from these options:
- The closest hostel is Dreamcatcher Hostel in downtown Golden offering a shared kitchen and the perfect location close to all amenities. Click here for reviews and the latest prices
- Another option is HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre Hostel with a shared kitchen, sauna, and the epic Lake Louise nearby. Click here for reviews and the latest prices
Value pick: Truffle Pigs Lodge
Truffle Pigs Lodge (our beloved bistro) also offers accommodation in Field. You can choose a single room, a queen room with a kitchenette, a double queen, and a family suite. All offer stunning mountain views!
Luxury pick: Emerald Lake Lodge
Located on the gorgeous Emerald Lake shore, the lodge offers rooms with fireplaces, a private balcony, and the most stunning views.
Click here for reviews and the latest prices
Staying in Banff National Park
We always recommend staying in the campgrounds to have the most freedom and enjoy nature to the fullest while staying on a budget. Check out our Smile Campervans, your home on wheels in the Canadian Rockies.
Camping in Yoho National Park
- Kicking Horse Campground
Both reservable and first-come, first-serve sites are available. This scenic campground is open from May 18 to October 9 and offers sites by the river, in the forest or a meadow. The campsite fee is 29.25 CAD/night, including hot showers and flush toilets.
- Monarch Campground
Only first-come, first-serve sites are available. Itβs a basic campground open May 4 to September 18 for a fee of 18.75 CAD/night.
- Takakkaw Falls Campground
Walk-in campsite with a view of the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada. Itβs open from June 15 to October 9 for a fee of 18.75 CAD/night. Only tents are allowed (parking is about 500 meters from the campground, with trolleys available to carry your gear).
- Hoodoo Creek
Hoodoo Creek Campground is furthest from Takakkaw Falls and other Yoho attractions. Itβs open from June 15 to September 4 for a fee of 18.75 CAD/night.
- A fire permit costs 9.50 CAD/day, and firewood is provided
- Online reservation, modification or cancellation costs 11.50 CAD
Road closure in Yoho National Park
For trail closures due to wildlife presence or avalanche dangers in Yoho National Park, check out the report from Parks Canada.
Accurate road conditions for Alberta can be checked here and for British Columbia here.
Trail report for Yoho National Park
Before you head out, check current trail conditions on Trail Report from Parks Canada.
Bear Country
As always, you are in a bear habitat in the Canadian Rockies. You should always carry a bear spray (can be purchased at Visitorβs Centre or outdoor stores), know when and how to use it and make noise while hiking and running (so you donβt surprise any bears)! Carefully read these instructions on how to behave around them.
