Takakkaw falls - Yoho National Park - British Columbia, Canada

The approach

As you descend into the valley in Yoho National Park - between Banff and Field - you can see the incredible Takakkaw falls. Unfortunately the falls are off-limits to cars during the winter (you can do the round trip 15km by snow shoe if you are feeling epic) - but in the summer the view points and hiking trails are open for everyone to get up and personal. Although I didn't take any pictures, you can also spot the spiral tunnels from the highway as well. It's a bit of an engineering marvel, which trains still use to get through the Kicking Horse pass. Incredible considering it was built in the 1870s.

The hike

Well, the hike is more like a short walk. The trail is a bit rooty but otherwise good for all ages. Everything is covered in a misting of water because of the falls so make sure you pack good footwear. You'll get those nice sneakers muddy for sure. For the amount of effort (almost none) it's an incredible place. It feels about as wild as any place you'll find in the Rockies. It feels like something out of the past, you can feel the water reforming the earth. It feels prehistoric.

The falls

The thunderous roar of the falls can be heard from the parking lot. It's incredible. It's nice to be able to get up close and personal with the falls. Many places in the parks have barricades and barriers to stop people from getting close to things (mostly because it's usually dangerous), but in this case if you're stupid enough you could climb right under the falls. It's a great place to bring kids, and big kids - scrambling over the rocks is a joy!

There was so much mist in the air, it was tough to get a clean shot without speckles on my lens.

If you visit early on in the season, there's hardly any tourists. By August - it's packed. If you're in the Banff area, this is worth the drive. You can also include Emerald lake in a day trip without too much trouble - in fact, if it were me - this is a much more beautiful day than going to Lake Louise. I guess we're spoiled for choice!

Getting there

Keep driving past Lake Louise towards Field, BC. It's not far. As you come down into the big valley, keep your eyes peeled on the right hand side. You can't miss it.