The scenic, winding Takakkaw Falls Road, which leads thousands of travellers deep into Yoho National Park’s wilderness each year, is now open for the 2012 summer visitor season.
Parks Canada highway and visitor safety specialists opened the road earlier this week after clearing a record-breaking amount of snow and debris accumulated over the winter.
The word Takakkaw is loosely translated from the Cree language and means “it is magnificent.”
“I’m very pleased to announce that the road to Takakkaw Falls is open for the 2012 visitor season,” said Alex Kolesch, Visitor Experience Manager in Yoho National Park. “Takakkaw is like the Niagara Falls of Yoho – it’s accessible to all visitors and quite simply one of the most photogenic destinations in the country.
With its highest point at 384 metres (1260 feet), Takakkaw is one of the tallest measured waterfalls in Canada and is one of Yoho’s most popular attractions.
Minutes from the picturesque mountain community of Field, the 13-kilometre-long road, located off the Trans-Canada Highway, offers visitors the chance to drive, cycle or hike to the falls. The road also acts as a gateway to popular hiking destinations in the area, such as the world-renowned Burgess Shale fossil beds, where access is restricted to guided hikes.
“No matter your mode of transportation, the road up to the falls is stunning,” said Kolesch. “We ask that visitors observe the road’s speed limit and watch out for wildlife, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Created in 1886 as Canada’s second national park, Yoho is home to many other striking waterfalls, including Wapta Falls, Laughing Falls, and Twin Falls.
