Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls forms two tiers along the Sunwapta River, dropping roughly 18 meters through a limestone gorge in the Canadian Rockies. The upper and lower falls are connected by maintained trails and sit near the well-known Icefields Parkway.

The falls took shape roughly 8,000 years ago when retreating glaciers created hanging valleys in the landscape. The smaller Chaba Valley met the larger Athabasca Valley, establishing the current configuration.

The name Sunwapta comes from the Stoney Nakoda language and means turbulent water, describing the river's powerful character here. Visitors encounter a landscape shaped by this force, where the water has carved a clear path through the rocky terrain.

Visitors can reach both the upper and lower falls via maintained pathways that are straightforward to walk. The strongest water flow occurs in late spring and early summer, making those seasons ideal for the most dramatic views.

The water volume changes noticeably throughout the year because it comes from the Athabasca Glacier and responds to seasonal melting. Visitors who return at different times see remarkably different scenes at the same location.

Location: Alberta

Part of: Sunwapta River

GPS coordinates: 52.53220,-117.64500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46