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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Athabasca Falls, Alberta

Athabasca Falls. Photo by; Mike.

Athabasca falls, Alberta is a waterfall in Jasper National Park on the upper Athabasca River. It is approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the townsite of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, and just west of the Icefields Parkway.

Athabasca Falls are an extremely powerful, picturesque waterfall to witness. Athabasca Falls are known for their strength due to the large quantity of water.

Even when Athabasca river levels are at their lowest in the autumn, large amounts of water still flow over the falls. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about it;

1. It is Located in the Jasper National Park

Athabasca Falls in snowy Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Photo by: Jakub FryÅ›.

Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. It’s approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite.

Getting to Athabasca Falls: From Jasper, travel south on Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway) then turn right onto Highway 93A.

2. It was formed as a Result of Anthabasca Valley Receding through the Park

Athabasca Falls, Alberta.
Courtesy: Antony Stanley from Gloucester, UK.

The Anthabasca falls were formed as the Athabasca Valley Glacier receded through what is today Jasper National Park. The falls are fed by the water runoff from the Columbia Icefield.

The Cree, one of the largest groups of First Nations in North America, are indigenous to the area. It is one of the best tourist attraction sites in North America and one of the most visited. 

3. Its Water Shapes the Surrounding Rocks because of its Force

Athabasca falls
Photo by: Murray Foubister.

The water of Athabasca Falls drops at a great force and thus shapes the surrounding rocks and creates holes in them. One of the contributing factors to the power and force of the Athabasca Falls, is the width of the Athabasca River. 

It also has a relatively narrow opening where the water falls over the rocks. The force of the water from the fall makes holes in the rocks and also gives them different shapes and sizes. 

4. Athabasca Falls Drops a very Huge Distance

Closeup of Athabasca Falls.
Photo by: WCVanHorne.

The falls drop at a very huge distance of 24 metres (80 feet) and reaches 18 metres (60 feet) in width. This makes it fall under the category of a Class 5 waterfall.

Waterfalls are divided into ten categories based on their height and width, depth, volume of water, and average flow, through a logarithmic scale. Starting from class 5, waterfalls are considered mightier and larger. This is where the athabasca falls are classified. 

5. There are many Beautiful Types of Wild Animals around the Falls 

There are many beautiful wildlife around the falls though most times tourists are advised to be careful on the Icefields Parkway. This the official route to the Athabasca falls, because there have been instances of wildlife spotting in the road.

In the hike, you will spot many birds and animals, all of which contribute to the pristine natural beauty of the area.

For example the Canyon bird which can be seen whizzing over the gorge. An exciting mystery surrounds the fishes found in the falls.

While there are 12 species of fishes at the foot of the falls, there are only one species of fish, called bull trout, at the top of the falls.

6. Its Water Creates Beautiful Ice Structures and Formations during Winter 

Athabasca Falls in winter.
Photo by: ChrisStubbs.

Athabasca falls freely flowing during the summer. But during the winter, the water freezes.

This creates beautiful ice structures and formations. This structures and formations are a beauty to watch and most people go there during winter to witness the snow skiing and hiking. 

The only thing you will be missing out on is the thunderous roaring of the falls. However it can also be a good thing for people who are not fond of the overpowering noise of waterfalls.

7. The Hike to the Falls is also Human Friendly 

The hike to the falls is human friendly as its conditions are not harsh even in winter. One can also bring children and even pet animals along. One can also easily take a walk along the path that leads to the falls. 

The hike towards the  is wholly kid-friendly and can be a great day out for your family. The hike to Athabasca Falls allows you to bring your dogs, as long as they are put on a leash.

8. Its Water Colour Changes every Season

Athabasca Falls
Photo by: Glenlarson.

There is a seasonal change in the Athabasca falls’ water. This is attribute is because of the type of rock flour that is present in the water in that particular season.

Rock flour, also known as glacial flour, is the finely grained powder form of rock that is caused due to glacial erosion.

Since there is changing rock flour every season, it reflects light wavelengths differently. This water change is what makes it unique from the rest of the falls in the region. 

9. Athabasca Falls is the Home to Different Vegetation and even wild Creatures

Athabasca Falls
Courtesy: m01229 from USA.

The Athabasca falls is home to different vegetation including trees, lichen, and moss, as well as the Canyon sprite, a bird.

The falls is also home to different wild creatures, which makes it one of the perfect tourist attraction sites to visit. 

The wildlife that calls it home includes a wide range animals, including elks, moose, mule deer, grizzly bears, coyotes, beavers, cougars and mountain goats, among others

10. Athabasca Falls are Accessible any Time of the Year

The Athabasca falls is generally accessible year round, and as part of the Jasper National Park, an entrance fee is payable.

This is one of its other attribute that makes it one of the most visited tourist attraction sites in the world. 

It is also one of the most dangerous places if care is not taken because of it slippery ground.  

While trying to take better pictures, several tourists have reportedly fallen to their deaths as they have underestimated how slippery the rock ledges are.

As part of the Jasper National Park, the habitat and wildlife surrounding the falls are protected from human developmental activities as much as possible.

Tourists are afforded vantage multiple points from which to view the waterfall from the extensive networks of walkways and bridges that are provided.