Wapta Falls

Wapta Falls is a waterfall in Yoho National Park where water drops over rock ledges into the Kicking Horse River below. The falling water spreads across a wide span as it descends, and the impact at the base creates a misty spray that rises into the air.

The name comes from the Nakoda indigenous people, who used the word Wapta in their language to describe rivers. The area was home to these peoples long before the national park was established and developed.

The natural formation served as a filming location for the 1983 movie Le Ruffian, featuring performances by Lino Ventura and Claudia Cardinale.

The waterfall can be reached via a trail that starts from a parking area along the Trans-Canada Highway west of Field. The path is relatively straightforward and leads directly to the base of the falls.

In winter, cold temperatures form ice formations on sections of the falls, completely changing how it looks. These frozen structures create an entirely different scene and draw visitors during the cold season as well.

Location: British Columbia

Height: 18 m

Part of: Kicking Horse River

GPS coordinates: 51.18700,-116.57600

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26