Having lived in British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan), Manitoba (Manitoba) and Ontario (ONT), author Michael Law has travelled extensively across the country. Why is a waterfall so captivating? There’s something magical about watching water cascading over rock. If you’re the type of person who can stare at a waterfall for hours, then these are the best waterfalls to visit in Canada. 10 Top-Rated Waterfalls in Canada
1. Niagara Falls
Did you think we wouldn’t include Niagara Falls in our list of Canada’s best waterfalls? It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. And there’s a good reason for that. Even if you’ve seen Niagara Falls in pictures or on video countless times, it’s impossible to get an accurate picture of its sheer volume without seeing it up close. Although Niagara Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in Canada (it’s not even close), it’s incredibly wide. What’s commonly known as Niagara Falls actually consists of three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe
2. Virginia Falls
If you’re looking for one of Canada’s most impressive waterfalls, you’ll want to check out Virginia Falls. While Niagara Falls gets the lion’s share of the attention, Virginia Falls is twice as tall and has the same single drop style as Niagara Falls – meaning it doesn’t jump or change direction, it just flows straight over the top. Getting to Virginia Falls is a bit trickier than Niagara Falls. You’ll need to make your way north — way north — to the northwest territory of the Northwest Territories, which is where you’ll find the best views of Virginia Falls. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, paddle or raft down to the bottom of the falls. That’s the only way you’ll be able to truly appreciate the height of Virginia Falls. If you don’t feel like paddling or rafting your way to the falls, you can book a floatplane tour to see them from the air for an equally unforgettable experience.
3. Pissing Mare Falls
Pissing Mare, also known as Cascade Pissing, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada. If the name doesn’t sound familiar, chances are you’ve seen it before in a picture of the famous Western Brook Pond fjord in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne national park. Pissing Mare’s lush, rugged nature makes it one of the most challenging waterfalls to see in person. The easiest way to see Pissing Mare in person is by booking a boat ride across the fjord. Boat tours are seasonal and depend on the weather. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to walk about a half hour or so along a well maintained trail to get to the falls.
4. Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls stands at over 300 meters above sea level, making it the second highest waterfall in Canada. The glacier-fed waterfalls are one of the highlights of British Columbia’s picturesque Yoho National Park, and you can see them from the winding road leading to the falls, but to really experience them, you’ll need to get out of your vehicle and hike a short paved trail. Just follow your ears: you won’t want to miss the sound of the waterfall. You’ll soon find yourself standing in the mist, probably with your mouth hanging open in amazement at what’s in front of you.
5. Helmcken Falls
Nestled in British Columbia’s Cariboo Mountains lies one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the country: Helmcken falls. The water cascades over a sunken cliff, and while the falls look stunning in 2D, it’s almost impossible to get a 2D shot of them. Getting to the falls is easy on the main road, and there’s a spectacular viewing platform for the best view. Alternatively, you can continue on the eight kilometre (back) Rim Trail. There’s a lot to be thankful for when it comes to accessing Helmcken falls: it’s Arthur Wellesley gray who helped create Wells Gray Provincial park, largely with the goal of preserving Helmcken falls, which is Canada’s fourth highest waterfall and continues to be the park’s most popular feature. 10 Top-Rated Waterfalls in Canada