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.
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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
- Set your camera to Manual mode
- Set the aperture to the smallest one (most will be f/22; some may be f/29).
- 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 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.
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.
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