Ci Fuentes Path
Alberta • Banff National Park • 8 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 m
About Ci Fuentes Path
Ci Fuentes, also called Middle North Saskatchewan Falls, is where the North Saskatchewan River forces its way through a narrow slot canyon with a drop of about 8 m (26 ft), near the Big Bend of the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. A short trail from the Big Bend pullout follows the river and climbs to a cliff-top view down into the canyon.
The Setting
Ci Fuentes Path sits at 1,760 metres within Banff National Park, in the high mountains of Alberta. The falls drop 8 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Ci Fuentes Path flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 323-419 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 26-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Alberta at 366 metres, lies 2.3 kilometres to the northeast. Also nearby: Panther Falls (66 m, 2.1 km) and Tangle Creek (48 m, 17.9 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-km out-and-back trail gains 50 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the large pullout at the apex of the Big Bend, a clear path runs beside the river, then climbs steeply up rocks to a viewpoint above the canyon. The hike is about 1.2 km with about 50 m of elevation gain and takes under 30 minutes. The steep rock section would be hard for most dogs and is slippery when icy.
What to Expect
The falls drop 8 metres over layered sedimentary rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ci Fuentes Path?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in Parks Canada places on a leash 3 m (about 10 ft) or shorter and must be under control at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ci Fuentes Path?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall is typically best for access and trail conditions; spring/early summer often yields higher water flow. Winter visits may be possible but involve avalanche/ice risk, deeper snow, and very limited access, only attempt with appropriate winter skills and equipment.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Banff National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Treat the area as remote and potentially hazardous. Specific hazards may include: steep or slippery terrain near water, fast cold water and undertows if attempting to enter streams, changing mountain weather, limited cell service, unmarked routes, and wildlife encounters (including bears). Carry bear deterrent, navigation tools, first aid, and let someone know your plans. Avoid approaching cliff edges or unstable banks. If unsure about conditions or route, seek local advice or choose a better-documented destination.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Sunwapta River, 11.6 km away, not on Ci Fuentes Path's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
0.49 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SUNWAPTA RIVER AT ATHABASCA GLACIER (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, cloudy (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early July to mid August, peaking in July.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Jasper hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) to the Big Bend, the hairpin turn about 117 km south of Jasper and 120 km north of Lake Louise, near the Bridal Veil Falls viewpoint. Park in the large pullout at the apex of the bend.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Use the large pullout at the apex of the Big Bend. There are no facilities beyond parking.
Elevation
1,760 metres above sea level
Coordinates
52.168568° N, -117.080104° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Confirm exact location and access with local visitor centres or Parks/Forest Service before heading out. • Use a detailed topographic map and GPS coordinates (52.1686, -117.0801) for navigation; consider printing maps in case of no cell service. • Wear sturdy hiking boots; expect uneven, wet, and possibly slippery terrain near water. • Bring bear safety gear (bear spray) and know how to use it. Store food properly. • Check weather and road conditions; many forest roads close seasonally or after heavy weather. • Leave no trace: pack out all trash and avoid creating new trails.
This trail sits at 5,774 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 1.2 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Wilcox Creek Campground
8.6 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Bridal Veil Falls and Panther Falls are at the Big Bend, and the Parker Ridge trail is a short drive north on the Icefields Parkway.
Wildlife
Typical species for this region may include black and grizzly bears, elk, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, wolves, coyotes, and smaller mammals and birds. Practice wildlife safety and keep a respectful distance.
Cities near Ci Fuentes Path
Nearby Waterfalls
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