Within the winter a Wapta Falls hike or snowshoe makes for a pleasant half day outing. It’s an extended hike within the winter because you mainly begin from the Trans-Canada Freeway, so it’s essential to add just a few kilometres to achieve the summer season trailhead. For those who’re staying within the Subject – Golden hall, or you’ve gotten just a few hours to spare whilst you’re driving between Golden and Calgary, I might encourage you to do the hike.
We opted for snowshoes on the Wapta Falls hike however even with as a lot snow as you see within the pictures, we may have gotten by with winter boots. I might counsel that you just carry micropsikes as I guess the ultimate descent in the direction of the falls will get slippery after just a few freeze-thaw cycles. It’s additionally a steep climb up on the hillock to get the very best view of Wapta Falls.
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Wapta Falls hike particulars
Distance in winter from the freeway: 4.4 km a method in line with indicators
Distance to Wapta Falls in summer season from the parking zone: 2.4 km a method
Elevation achieve: Roughly 30 m however I feel it’s a contact extra
Time wanted to hike in winter: 3 – 3.5 hours (it’s slower strolling on snow and its 4.0 km longer!)
Time wanted to hike in summer season: 1.5 – 2 hours
Price: You want a Parks Canada move
Canine: Allowed on a leash
Amenities: None in winter; in summer season there are bogs by the parking space
Wapta Falls in Yoho Nationwide Park
Photos of Wapta Falls (Wapta means river within the Stoney language) don’t do the setting justice. These are magnificent falls in winter – so I can solely think about how awe-inspiring they have to look in summer season. Known as the Niagara of Yoho, Wapta Falls are one of many largest waterfalls by quantity of water within the Canadian Rockies. They’re additionally the biggest waterfalls on the Kicking Horse River, measuring 100 metres huge by 30 metres excessive!
Wapta Falls hike description
It’s an easy hike to Wapta Falls. From the Trans-Canada Freeway comply with the snow-covered gravel highway to achieve the primary Wapta Falls parking zone.
On the parking zone, the path narrows passing what Parks Canada calls the “ecologically vital Leanchoil marsh.” In summer season this can be a place to search for raptors, water birds together with kingfishers and enormous animals like moose. Typically you possibly can even see wolf tracks!
After climbing for a few kilometre on this narrower part of path attain montane forest the place you’ll encounter plenty of blowdown. Additionally search for a tree with an enormous burl. We noticed it on the way in which out on the right-hand aspect of the path. It’s the largest one I’ve ever seen.
Briefly order attain the chain-link fence. In summer season you’ll be capable to hear the falls round right here, however all is quiet in winter. There may be an higher viewpoint the place you possibly can see the total width of the falls – together with folks standing on the hillock in entrance of the falls. In summer season, if the wind is blowing the precise method you might even really feel some spray.
Descend by way of switchbacks, staying left at one junction. It’s steep in locations, and also you would possibly want mirospikes right here if its slippery. As soon as at river degree, head in the direction of the hillock that blocks the view of Wapta Falls. In winter, you possibly can simply climb to the highest of the hillock – after which slide again all the way down to retrace your steps.
You may as well discover to the left and the precise of the hillock. I’m fairly threat antagonistic and wouldn’t have gotten as near the water or the falls that some folks we noticed did. I don’t know how deep the water is, however one crack within the ice and you may be in, so please train warning.
Merely retrace your steps to name it a day. For those who’ve achieved this hike in summer season, I’d extremely advocate returning to do the Wapta Falls hike in winter. I do know I’d now prefer to see the falls in summer season.
Discovering the Wapta Falls trailhead
From the turnoff to Subject, drive 24.4 km west. After crossing the Kicking Horse River, search for a turnoff on the south aspect of the freeway. There may be NO signage for Wapta Falls if you drive west. After you flip in, it’s a few 2.0 km drive to the parking zone on a gravel highway when there isn’t snow. As soon as the snow arrives park within the small lot proper simply off the Trans-Canada Freeway.
From the protection perspective, you might be higher off driving west to the Yoho Nationwide Park boundary. Flip into a big space and retrace your steps, driving east for about 3.0 km. Going east, you will see signage for Wapta Falls.
For those who’re driving east from the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Freeway 95 in Golden, you’ll discover the turnoff on the south aspect of the freeway after 33.6 km.
In winter, particularly after a recent snowfall, notice that it may be onerous to seek out the turnoff, let alongside get throughout a small snowbank, relying on what sort of automotive you’re driving. (Take a look at the primary image within the weblog.) We discovered the parking zone to be each small and snowy. Make certain you carry a shovel as its simple to get caught. Additionally, be thoughtful of different vehicles, and ensure they’ve sufficient room to get out.
Location map
The place to remain close by
In Subject you’ll discover a number of B&B’s together with Charlie’s Guesthouse, rated excellent.
For a extra upscale expertise with full eating services, take a look at Emerald Lake Lodge. In winter their scorching tub is a bonus.
Golden can also be shut by. Not too long ago we stayed at The Residence Lodge – positioned on 40 acres and simply 10 minutes from the downtown. We felt immersed in nature. The hosts are beautiful, breakfasts scrumptious and there’s a number of wildlife round together with their cool trying Scottish Highland cattle.
A couple of issues I’d actually advocate for this hike
Hopefully should you’re driving within the mountains in winter, you all the time pack a shovel and further windshield fluid. We did should shovel after we changed into the parking zone.
Carry microspikes. You’ll use them on most winter hikes within the mountains.
I all the time take a thermos with one thing scorching to drink, a handful of vitality bars and a few hand heaters and toe heaters.
Extra concepts for winter adventures
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