While the weather is still lovely and the roads are relatively dry, you might want to get out of town to enjoy the incredible scenery of Takakkaw Falls.
Although our next adventure isn’t in Golden per se, it is still part of our district. A trip to Takakkaw Falls is only accessible in the summer, as the road gets nasty in the winter and closes. A gnarly hairpin turn on the road was exciting, but it might freak some people out.
On your way back down toward Field, you must stop and ensure there isn’t any oncoming traffic. If you’re lucky, you might see a tour bus go up and reverse around the sharp curve, continuing to drive backwards before turning around again.
Takakkaw Falls is a waterfall in Yoho National Park, just east of Field. The drive up to it is about an hour, and I know I should have paid more attention to you, but I had my eyes on the road and not the clock. The drive is beautiful, and the road is narrow and winding, so don’t get blown away by the beauty. Stay focused on the drive.
There are a number of things you can stop and do on your way to Takakkaw Falls. For the more adventurous, I read a sign near the parking lot at the falls stating that there is a cabin or hostel you can hike into for overnight trips.
Pulling into the parking lot, hopefully, you’re not overwhelmed by how many vehicles are parked there. Surprisingly, many people will drive up that road to check out these incredible waterfalls. The hike to the falls isn’t long and is not steep.
The highest point of the falls is 380 metres, but its actual “free fall” is only 254 metres. This waterfall is named Canada’s second-highest waterfall and is fed by the Daly Glacier. The falls flow at their peak in July, but are a spectacle to take in at any time of year (granted that the road is open and safe to travel).
According to the main Field website, the road is generally open from mid-June through to October, so you have a few short months to check out this impressive sight if you haven’t been before. The road closure in the winter is due to high-frequency avalanches in the area, making it unsafe to travel (plus, I’m not sure I would test that road out in icy conditions).
Once you’ve found your parking, you might notice the crowds dispersed. There is plenty to look at before or after making your way to Takakkaw Falls. With nice seating, small trails, and a beautiful creek which flows under a picturesque bridge, this spot is nothing short of stunning.
I was happy to see all the different types of people on the trail to the falls. It shows that this is an accessible outdoor option for anyone. I am always warmed when I see elderly people walking in natural areas, and I aspire to be just like them one day.
Along the mostly dirt path, people have built rock towers in the river bed. The cute creatures were excellent reminders of all the people who have been to the site before, and they will undoubtedly all get washed away over the winter and spring freshet.
It took me a while to realize there was a lot of background noise—not from the tourists checking it out, but from the water free-falling over the cliff. It was like a buzzing in your ear that you don’t notice until it sounds like thunder. The buildup was exhilarating, and I was happy when I saw Takakkaw.
The waterfall’s base is the perfect spot for lunch or a snack before returning. For the more adventurous, I have heard there is also the opportunity to rock climb to the top.
A trip to Yoho National Park isn’t complete without a visit to The Truffle Pigs Bistro, Emerald Lake, Emerald Lake Lodge, and the Natural Bridge. There is a lot to do for a small place in the mountains! Try Cilantro on the Lake when you’re at Emerald Lake. The food and atmosphere are amazing.
To suggest a “Totally Golden” thing to do, please e-mail megan.crandall@thegoldenstar.net.
