Discover Canada's Most Captivating Waterfalls
Waterfalls have a unique allure, drawing in countless admirers with their ceaseless cascade over rocky precipices. Canada, with its vast and varied landscapes, is home to an impressive array of these natural wonders. With over 1,700 named waterfalls across the country, selecting the most extraordinary falls is no small feat. From towering heights to voluminous flows, each waterfall on this list offers a breathtaking experience, whether viewed from the comfort of your car or the end of a challenging hike.
1. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, an iconic tourist destination, is renowned for its vast width and powerful flow. The Canadian side boasts the Horseshoe Falls, which spans 790 meters and has an average flow rate of 2,400 cubic meters per second. Visitors can explore behind the falls, zip line for panoramic views, or take a cruise for an up-close experience. While the attractions have a cost, viewing the falls from above is free.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Canada: Best Areas & Hotels
2. Virginia Falls
Virginia Falls, located in the remote Nahanni National Park Reserve, stands at twice the height of Niagara Falls. Adventurers can reach it by paddling the Nahanni River or taking a float plane tour for a bird's-eye view.
3. Pissing Mare Falls
In Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park, Pissing Mare Falls is a stunning sight within the Western Brook Pond fjord. Accessible by boat, the falls are most impressive in spring when glacier-fed waters surge.
4. Takakkaw Falls
British Columbia's Yoho National Park is home to the towering Takakkaw Falls. A short trail leads visitors to the base of the falls, which are best viewed in late spring during the snowmelt.
5. Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls, nestled in the Cariboo Mountains, is a dramatic sight with water plunging into a hollowed-out cliff. Easily accessible, it offers stunning views year-round, with ice formations adding to its winter allure.
6. Montmorency Falls
Quebec's Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara, is the centerpiece of Montmorency Falls Park. Visitors can enjoy various vantage points, a suspension bridge, and adventurous activities like ziplining.
7. Shannon Falls
Shannon Falls, near Vancouver, offers three levels of experience, from highway views to a park boardwalk, and a challenging hike to the upper falls. Note that swimming is dangerous and prohibited.
8. Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park impresses with its sheer volume of water. The falls are accessible via a short, well-maintained trail, though summer crowds can be heavy.
9. Della Falls
As Canada's highest waterfall, Della Falls in British Columbia requires a water crossing and a 29-kilometer return hike, making it a journey for experienced hikers. The best time to visit is in July.
10. Kakabeka Falls
Kakabeka Falls, known as the "Niagara of the North," is a natural marvel in Ontario's Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. A boardwalk trail offers the best views, and visitors are urged to respect the sensitive gorge ecosystem.
