Athabasca Falls Tours and Activities

Athabasca Falls showing landscape views, mountains and a cascade
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls


Take in the pristine beauty and powerful roar of one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Canada.

Flowing from Columbia Icefield’s huge glaciers, Athabasca Falls pour over quarzite rocks into a small canyon. The reason these falls draw in so many visitors has little to do with their height. At 75 feet (23 meters) tall, there are many bigger waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Yet, this sudden drop in the Athabasca River makes such an by impressive noise that people come here for the experience as well as the stunning picture it provides.

To get to Athabasca Falls, follow the paved trails that weave around it. These run closely enough to get the best views, yet at a safe distance away from the falls and river. The mist from the Athabasca Falls causes surrounding rocks to be extremely slippery, and the numerous memorials along the water’s edge serve as poignant reminders to stay behind the railings. 

You’ll pass through patches of pine forest and can see the vegetation of the meadows, such as wild mushrooms and berries. Some spots along the trails offer wonderful vantage points to take in the mountainous backdrop of the falls. Don’t miss the photo opportunity on the concrete bridge that crosses the water. From here you can really appreciate the power of the river. Interestingly, the color of the water varies depending on the time of year. It can be anything from icy blue to gray to milky white.

As with most landmarks around Jasper, Athabasca Falls is at its busiest in the summer. Try to arrive early in the morning or early in the evening to avoid the crowds. Some like to make the return journey to Jasper by rafting downstream from the bottom of the falls through Class 2 rapids. Book ahead if you plan to do this.

Athabasca Falls are located in the upper regions of the Athabasca River. The site is about 18 miles (30 kilometers) south of Jasper. It’s easily accessible from the Icefields Parkway.

Plan a trip to see Athabasca Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Skyridge Glamping
Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE
Peaks Hotel and Suites

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Athabasca Falls

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge

2 out of 5
Highway 93 - Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls, AB
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
Forest Park Hotel

Forest Park Hotel

3.5 out of 5
76 Connaught Dr, Jasper, AB
Forest Park Hotel
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

4 out of 5
Old Lodge Road, Jasper, AB
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Jasper Inn & Suites by INNhotels

Jasper Inn & Suites by INNhotels

3 out of 5
98 Geikie Street, Jasper, AB
Jasper Inn & Suites by INNhotels
Whistler's Inn

Whistler's Inn

3 out of 5
105 Miette Ave, Jasper, AB
Whistler's Inn
Tonquin Inn

Tonquin Inn

3 out of 5
100 Juniper Avenue, Jasper, AB
Tonquin Inn
The Crimson Jasper

The Crimson Jasper

2.5 out of 5
200 Connaught Drive, P.O. Box 1200, Jasper, AB
The Crimson Jasper
Mount Robson Inn

Mount Robson Inn

2.5 out of 5
902 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Mount Robson Inn
Astoria Hotel

Astoria Hotel

2 out of 5
404 Connaught Drive, Jasper, AB
Astoria Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Athabasca Falls

At Athabasca Falls, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including camping and hiking along scenic walking trails. The area offers breathtaking sightseeing opportunities in Jasper National Park, where wildlife can often be spotted. For those looking for more leisurely pursuits, there’s a nearby golf course, and you can also partake in free excursions to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Recreation

At the Jasper Activity Centre, located 27.4km from Athabasca Falls, enjoy a range of wellness activities amidst a calming atmosphere. The nearby Jasper Park Golf Course, 29.0km away, offers a vibrant outdoor experience perfect for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Adventure

The Canadian Rockies Express Quad, Eagle Express Quad, and School House Chair Lift are fantastic ski lifts located 20.9km from Athabasca Falls. Each offers thrilling ski vibes and breathtaking views of the stunning Rockies, perfect for both skiing enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking adventure.

Find the best attractions near Athabasca Falls

Visiting Athabasca Falls offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. Key attractions include the stunning falls themselves, as well as nearby lakes and mountains, perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Explore reviews and tips for the best experiences, whether you're looking for a serene stroll or an exhilarating hike. Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is a must-visit, ensuring a memorable vacation in this picturesque region.

  • Icefields Parkway: This scenic highway, located 4.8km from Athabasca Falls, offers stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. Experience the vibrant city vibes while enjoying panoramic vistas and the abundance of wildlife along the route.
  • Sunwapta Falls: Situated 12.9km away, this enchanting waterfall exudes a romantic atmosphere, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the rugged trails and witness the powerful cascades that create a breathtaking backdrop for adventure.
  • Mount Edith Cavell: Located 11.3km from Athabasca Falls, this majestic mountain invites thrill-seekers to explore its rugged terrain. Revel in the stunning scenery and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Athabasca Falls

To save money on your trip to Athabasca Falls, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, April, or November, when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can help secure better rates. Saturday stays often offer the best value, while Monday is usually pricier. Enjoy free attractions like the Icefields Parkway, and use Expedia's search tools to filter for budget-friendly accommodations, including eco-certified options. Combining flights, hotels, and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Athabasca Falls is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Athabasca Falls are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Athabasca Falls is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Athabasca Falls is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Athabasca Falls is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Athabasca Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.