Sunwapta Falls is one of Alberta’s most iconic waterfalls, nestled in the heart of Jasper National Park along the legendary Icefields Parkway.
Sunwapta Falls forms where a hanging valley (Chaba River valley) drops into the deeper Athabasca valley—a classic glacial landscape formed around 8,000 years ago. The rushing glacial melt creates aesthetically powerful, milky turquoise waters that carve deep into limestone beds .
Vistors will find a vantage point bridge that offers sweeping views of the river splitting around a tree-covered island before cascading over the rock ledge
Upper Falls: The largest and most visited, easily reached from the parking lot with dramatic views from the footbridge.
Lower Falls: A sequence of smaller drops downstream, accessible via a short hiking trail.
The Stats:
Sunwapta Falls (from the Stoney word for “turbulent water”) features two main cascades along the Sunwapta River—a glacial tributary born from the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield.
These waterfalls plunge approximately 60 feet (18.5 meters) and feature an average width of 30 feet (9.1 meters) as they drop through a narrow limestone gorge, especially dramatic during late spring melt.
The best time for visiting is Late spring through early fall.
The Hike:
The hike to the Upper Falls is a very short walk from the parking lot (under 5 minutes), with accessible viewpoints right by the bridge.
The Lower Falls requires a short 2.3 km (1.4 miles) out-and-back trail with approximately 479 feet (146 meters) of elevation gain. This trail takes about 1 hour to complete and is considered a moderate hike.
Getting There:
Lots of parking is available just off Icefields Parkway, a short walk from the upper falls.
