TAKAKKAW FALLS YOHO PHOTOGRAPHY

We traveled here and provided extensive information on photographing Takakkaw Falls, located in Yoho National Park, part of the Canadian Rockies. Takakkaw is a good location for taking pictures, whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer. This article is based on my personal experiences exploring these locations, offering authentic insights and accuracy that you may not find in many AI-generated articles.

The falls are located inside Yoho National Park. I have been here several times since I run a Canadian Rockies Photo Tour. IMPORTANT: This road closes for the winter, so please check to ensure it is open before traveling. (Usually June, but can be July).

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Takakkaw Falls Canada Photography Location

Yoho National Park, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s greatest natural wonders. Takakkaw Falls, standing at 373 meters, is the second-highest waterfall in Canada, attracting photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. The name “Takakkaw” translates to “magnificent” in Cree, and it’s a fitting description for this cascading marvel. The falls are fed by the Daly Glacier, part of the Waputik Icefield, ensuring a powerful flow during the summer months when the ice melts.

This location is not open year-round. The road is closed for most of the winter. Be sure to check if it is open when you travel here. 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.

The parking area near the falls provides easy access, with a short trail leading to the base of the cascade. For photographers, the falls create a dynamic backdrop, especially during golden hour when the sunlight catches the water droplets. The mist casts rainbows in the air, making it an really good photography location. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for photographing the sheer scale of the falls, while a polarizing filter can help manage glare and enhance the vibrant greens of the surrounding forest.

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PHOTOGRAPHING TAKAKKAW FALLS

Whether you’re a professional photographer or a casual snapshot taker, Takakkaw Falls is a must-visit. This is one of the top waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.

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. A brief, easy trail leads to a viewpoint where the full grandeur of Takakkaw Falls can be fully appreciated and photographed.

This vantage point allows photographers to frame the waterfall against the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies, creating a sense of depth and grandeur in their compositions. The trail itself is lined with wildflowers during the summer months, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

For those interested in long exposure photography, Takakkaw Falls provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with silky water effects. The constant flow of water, combined with the misty atmosphere, lends itself to creating ethereal images that emphasize movement and texture.

YOHO NATIONAL PARK – FACEBOOK PAGE

No matter what time of day you visit Takakkaw Falls, it will be an unforgettable experience!

WHEN TO GO

The falls are best seen during the summer when the water flow is strongest.  Remember—the road to the falls was closed during our trip in the last week of June due to snow.

Optimal Visit: June (or when the road opens) to October (before the road closes from snow accumulation.)

The road usually opens in late spring.  In the summer, the falls are fully accessible, with the highest water flow, but they attract large crowds. In the fall, there are fewer people and somewhat less water flow.  The road closes in late fall.

Time of Day to Photograph: The best time of day 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, creating an incredible effect.

If you’re planning to photograph Takakkaw Falls in a long exposure style, remember a few things. First, you’ll need a camera with a wide-angle lens. Second, you must set your camera on a tripod to avoid blurring your photos. Finally, use a remote shutter release or self-timer to avoid camera shake. See more details on how to photograph Takakkaw Falls below.

With some planning and practice, you can get fantastic photos of Takakkaw Falls!

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING

  • Camera
  • Tripod
  • Wide Angle Lens & a Zoom Lens
  • Polarizing Filter
  • Neutral Density Filter
  • Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

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

WHERE IS TAKAKKAW FALLS LOCATED?

Takakkaw Falls is situated conveniently close to the quaint village of Field. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Golden, and you can get there in under half an hour from Lake Louise. If you’re traveling from Downtown Banff, you can expect to arrive at the falls in roughly an hour.

TAKAKKAW FALLS HIKE TO THE TOP

Distance: 1.4 kilometers

Time: 30-minute walk

Altitude Increase: 36 meters

Level: Beginner-friendly

NEARBY PHOTOGRAPHY

Emerald Lake is a must-visit destination. We created an award winning photo at this location. Its vibrant turquoise waters, framed by dense forests and towering mountains, create a postcard-perfect scene. The lake’s stillness makes it ideal for mirror-like reflections.

The Natural Bridge is where the Kicking Horse River has carved a natural arch through solid rock, creating a striking geological formation. The contrast between the rushing water and the solid stone offers a dramatic subject for photographers.

See below for the full list.

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. If you don’t have a self-timer, you can use the camera’s timer. 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

  1. Set your camera to Manual mode
  2. Set the aperture to the smallest one (most will be f/22; some may be f/29).
  3. Set your ISO to 100 or the lowest setting your camera allows.

Now, looking through the camera, roll the shutter speed so that the exposure level indicator reads ‘0’ on the exposure scale at the bottom of the screen. Without a filter, you may not get lower than 1/15th of a second, or even that low on a sunny day.   This is why a neutral density filter is so important.

Step 5: Set your camera to a 2-second timer or use your shutter release to take the imageEvaluate 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.

Takakkaw Falls Canada Photography Location

TAKAKKAW WATERFALL

Takakkaw Falls, located in Yoho National Park near Field, British Columbia, is a waterfall. Its highest point is 302 meters (991 ft) from its base, making it the 45th tallest waterfall in eastern British Columbia. However, its true “free-fall” is only 260 meters or 850 ft.

“Takakkaw,” loosely translated from the Cree language, means something like “it is magnificent.” The Daly Glacier, part of the Waputik Icefield, feeds the falls. The glacier maintains the volume of the falls during the warm summer months, and they are a popular tourist attraction, particularly in late spring after the dense snow melts, when the falls are at their peak condition. The Takakkaw Falls were featured in the 1995 film Last of the Dogmen.

WE RUN A PHOTO TOURS HERE

Overlooking the big sir At the bridge with beautiful blue green waters.

Southwest USA Private Jet Tour

Baby grizzly bear eating a huge salmon in the river while fishing.

Canadian Rockies & Grizzly Bear  Private Jet Photo Tour

area information - photography

CANADIAN ROCKIES NATIONAL PARK INFO:

Passes

To visit the parks, you must have a pass. You can purchase one when you arrive or before you leave. Here is the link to the different types of passes.

Free admission for youth 17 and under

As of January 1, 2018, admission to Parks Canada places for youth 17 and under is free!

Daily

Adult $11.00
Senior $9.50
Youth free
Family/Group $22.00
Commercial Group, per person $9.35

Parks Canada Discovery Pass

Adult $75.25
Senior $64.50
Family/Group $151.25
photography magazine extra Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

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

photography magazine extra

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

THE BANFF ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESORT

It is the perfect Rocky Mountain getaway for any traveler. Banff National Park features suites and condo-style accommodations. 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.

Click here to go to their website.

GOOD CAMPING

 

CAMPGROUNDS IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

DOWNLOAD BANFF NATIONAL PARK BROCHURE

Lake Louise Campground: Address: Located 1.3 km east of the Village of Lake Louise on Fairview Road. Lake Louise, AB

Phone: 1-877-737-3783 – Located just minutes from the Village of Lake Louise, this year-round campground is perfect for anyone needing space for larger units and those who want power without full hookups. It is close to local attractions and offers mountain views, year-round camping, and access to hiking and biking trails. Evening interpretive programs are offered during the summer season.

Sites: All 187 campsites have picnic tables and electrical hookups. Some sites have fireboxes. Electrical-only sites (15 and 30 AMPS) can accommodate RVs up to 15 meters (50 feet) in length. A maximum of 6 people and two vehicles are permitted on each site. All vehicles must be parked on the gravel area of the campsite. All soft-sided camping units must stay in the Lake Louise Tent Campground enclosed electric fence.

Services: The campground has flush toilets, showers, and hot and cold running water. There is a sani dump.

Mosquito Creek Campground 

For tents and RVs that are no more than 27 feet long. This site is conveniently located near the Icefields Parkway, providing easy access to Lake Louise and various local attractions. Visitors can access dry toilets, a picnic shelter, food lockers, and safe drinking water on-site. However, you must travel to Lake Louise if you need to dump waste from your RV. Keep in mind that there is no cell phone coverage at the campground. The nightly fees are $17.60 for no fire and $26.40 for a campfire.

FOOD & DINING

RESTAURANTS

Do you want us to put your restaurant information here? Go to the contact us page.

The best hotels while doing photography

HOTELS

Our Favorite Place to Stay – Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – 1029 Banff Avenue, Banff –  (800) 563-8764 in Canada/USA | +1(403)762-5531 Local

WEATHER
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