Takakkaw Falls

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Image:TakakkawFalls2.jpg Takakkaw Falls (also spelled Takkakaw Falls) is a group of three waterfalls located in Yoho National Park, near Field, British Columbia, in Canada. Its highest point is 380 m (1247 feet), making it the second-highest officially measured waterfall in western Canada, after Della Falls on Vancouver Island. However its true "free-fall" is only 254 m.

"Takakkaw" is pronounced TA-kuh-koh, and is derived from the Cree word for "magnificent." They are fed by the Daly glacier, which keeps the volume of the falls up during the warm summer months, and are a tourist attraction, particularly in late spring after the heavy snow melts, when the falls are at peak condition. The Takakkaw Falls were featured in the 1995 film Last of the Dogmen.

To reach the falls, follow the Trans-Canada Highway for 23 km west of Lake Louise until Yoho Valley Road. Follow this road for 13 km to the parking lot. A short hiking trail leads to the base of the falls. Note that Yoho Valley Road is narrow with two steep switchbacks and thus is not recommended for large RVs or trailers. Trailers should be left at a designated drop-off point near the start of the road. The road opens in late June and closes for the year usually in October after the first heavy snowfall. The road is a ski trail for the rest of the year.