This location is not always open all year. The road is closed for most of the winter. Be sure to check if it is open when you travel here. One year it was open the last week of June on our visit; another year, it was closed. Don’t miss this incredible spot if you can help it. Bring your tripod for your long exposure shot. Bring some lens cleaners also. If you get too close, the mist will hit your lens. This is a silky waters paradise.
The Canadian Rockies mountain system comprises the southeastern part of this system, laying between the Interior Plains of Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia on the east to the Rocky Mountain Trench of BC on the west. The southern end borders Idaho and Montana, the USA. In geographic terms, the boundary is at the Canada/US border, but in geological terms, it might be considered at Marias Pass in northern Montana. The northern end is at the Liard River in northern British Columbia.
TAKAKKAW FALLS
Takakkaw Falls, Canada, is a waterfall in Yoho National Park near Field, British Columbia, in Canada. Its highest point is 302 meters or 991 ft from its base, making it the 45th tallest waterfall in eastern British Columbia. However, its true “free-fall” is only 260 meters, 850 ft.
“Takakkaw,” loosely translated from Cree, means something like “it is magnificent.” The Daly Glacier, part of the Waputik Icefield, feeds the falls. The glacier keeps the volume of the falls up during the warm summer months, and they are a tourist attraction, particularly in late spring after the dense snow melts, when the falls are at peak condition. The Takakkaw Falls were featured in the 1995 film Last of the Dogmen.
PHOTOGRAPHING TAKAKKAW FALLS
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual snapshot taker, Takakkaw Falls is worth a visit.
There are several different vantage points from which to view and photograph Takakkaw Falls. An easy trail leads to the base of the falls, where you can get up close and personal with the roaring water. For a different perspective, head to the top of the falls via a short but steep hike. You’ll see the upper and lower sections of Takakkaw Falls and the surrounding mountains.
No matter what time of day or year you visit Takakkaw Falls, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
WHEN TO GO
The falls are best seen during the summer when the water flow is strongest. However, the falls are also beautiful when partially frozen in winter. REMEMBER – Due to snow, the road to the falls was closed one year during our trip, the last week of June.
The best time to photograph the falls is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is at a low angle and casts long shadows. During these times, the light reflects off the water and creates an incredible effect.
If you’re planning on photographing Takakkaw Falls or any other night sky targets, remember a few things. First, you’ll need a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens (35mm or wider). Second, you must set your camera on a tripod to avoid blurring your photos. Finally, make sure to use a remote shutter release or self-timer to avoid camera shake.
With some planning and practice, you can capture fantastic photos of Takakkaw Falls and the Milky Way when it is visible!
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING
If you have one, DSLR, tripod, wide angle lens, zoom lens, circular polarizing filter, neutral density filters, batteries, extra memory cards, and a drone!
WHAT ELSE TO BRING
- Organic sunscreen (sunscreen is a cancer causer; the more it bakes into your skin, the more carcinogenic it gets).
- Hiking boots
- Water and Snacks
- Bug repellent
- DSLR Camera
- Tripod
- Wide Angle Lens & a Zoom Lens
- Polarizing Filter
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
TAKAKKAW WATERFALL PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn how to do waterfall photography. We explain waterfall photography here.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR SHOT
Step 1: Put your camera on a tripod. You will also want to use a remote shutter release to expose the image. You can also use the camera’s self-timer if you don’t have one. You absolutely must use a tripod.
Step 2: Use live view
Step 3: Put your filter on your camera. Even on a cloudy day, you will want to use a Neutral Density Filter. It’s like sunglasses for your camera. You can do a more prolonged exposure, making the water movement silky. The darker the ND Filter, the longer you can expose it.
Step 4: Camera Settings
- Set your camera to Manual mode
- Set the aperture to the smallest one (most will be f/22, some f/29).
- Set your ISO to 100 or the lowest your camera will allow.
Now, looking through the camera, roll the shutter speed so the exposure level indicator goes to ‘0’ on the exposure scale at the bottom of the screen. Without a filter, you may not get lower than 1/15th sec. or even that low on a sunny day. This is why a neutral density filter is so important.
Step 5: Set your Camera on a 2-second timer or use your shutter release to expose the image. Evaluate the image. If your image has hot spots (areas of overexposed white spots), adjust your shutter speed and test again until it is just right. Remember, the darker the filter, the longer the exposure, and the milky flow looks better. Be sure to read about filters if you are not familiar with them.
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
HOTEL INFORMATION
Our Favorite Canadian Rockies Resort – Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – 1029 Banff Avenue, Banff – (800) 563-8764 in Canada/USA | +1(403)762-5531 Local
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
THE BANFF ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESORT
It is the perfect rocky mountain getaway for any traveler. They feature suites and condo-style accommodations in Banff National Park. Stay with them and enjoy the comforts of home and more. This picturesque location has a dining room, a deli, tennis courts, health facilities, a swimming pool, squash courts, and conference facilities. Take your vacation at Banff and live the mountain lifestyle.
