Adding a trip down the canyon to the lower falls is a great way to lengthen your enjoyment of the Sunwapta Falls area of Jasper National Park. The trail is downhill on the way in but it's a gentle climb back up, and the waterfalls are very much worth it. To obtain the perfect view of the lower falls, stacked one above another, it is necessary to scramble down a steep bank (cliff) below the last fall. Regardless, it is still an enjoyable hike.
Head downstream of the parking lot along the canyon, do not cross the viewing bridge, as that is the trail to Fortress Lake. The trail sign is beyond the end of pavement where the trail turns right. Follow the trail downstream for just over a kilometre with the occasional glimpse into the canyon below. The lower falls are unmistakable and mark the end of the trail. Below the last waterfall the canyon ends and the river bed reverts to a bouldery stream.
Distance is return.
Text by 'mtncat'.
In winter please check the Avaluator
(Online Trip Planner) rating is: Simple.
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Directions:
Drive south of Jasper on Hwy 93 (The Icefields Parkway) for 55km and turn right at the Sunwapta Falls Resort. (http://www.sunwapta.com/). The parking lot is at the end of the 500m access road. There are tables, privies and garbage can but the area is a bit too busy for an enjoyable picnic.
