Point Lace Falls
British Columbia • Yoho National Park • 12 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
5.1 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
40 m
About Point Lace Falls
Point Lace Falls appears to be a lesser-known cascade in the Alberta Rockies near the Lake Louise / Banff region. Precise published information about the waterfall is limited; it may be a small to medium drop on a tributary stream and is likely most impressive during spring snowmelt and after heavy rain. Approach commonly requires travel off the main highways and possibly cross-country navigation rather than a developed day-use trail.
The Setting
Point Lace Falls sits at 1,586 metres within Yoho National Park, in the high mountains of British Columbia. The falls drop 12 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Point Lace Falls flows over Sullivan Formation, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 497-509 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a 40-foot drop into the landscape.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Takakkaw Falls (373 m) lies 2.4 kilometres to the southeast. Also nearby: Angel's Staircase Falls (305 m, 0.8 km) and Twin Falls (180 m, 4.0 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 5.1-km out-and-back trail gains 40 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
There is little to no detailed, widely published trail information for Point Lace Falls. Visitors should be prepared for an unmaintained approach that may include route-finding, bushwhacking, uneven terrain and short scrambles near the creek. Expect the final approach to be on steep or rocky ground near the waterline. If you require a maintained path or signage, this site may not have those amenities.
What to Expect
The falls drop 12 metres over soft fine-grained rock.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Point Lace Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Point Lace Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early summer (snowmelt) for highest flow and visual impact; summer for easier access and weather; early fall for fall colour and lower crowds. Winter access may be possible for experienced winter travelers but is likely hazardous (ice, avalanche risk) and not recommended without appropriate training and equipment.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yoho National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards may include steep and unstable banks, slippery rocks near the water, fast currents, sudden changes in flow after rain or rapid snowmelt, hypothermia risk in cold water, and wildlife encounters (including bears). If the approach crosses avalanche-prone slopes in winter/early spring, avalanche risk may be significant. Tell someone your plan, carry navigation and emergency equipment, and check current conditions with local authorities before setting out.
Current Water Conditions
41.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
2.00 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lake Louise hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
General location: coordinates 51.5166, -116.4974 (approx. 17.4 miles from Lake Louise, 56.5 miles from Banff by road). Exact public access info is not well documented. Expect to approach from Forest Service/secondary roads or by backcountry trails; use a topographic map or GPS and confirm access with local land managers (Parks Canada, provincial forest service) before you go.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking details are not well documented. There may be limited roadside pullouts or small trailhead parking on nearby service roads; a formal parking lot may not exist. If visiting from Banff National Park or other managed lands, obey posted signs and any parking restrictions.
Elevation
1,586 metres above sea level
Coordinates
51.516615° N, -116.497369° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Confirm exact location and access rules with Parks Canada or the local forest authority before you go. • Bring a detailed topo map and GPS; cell service may be unreliable. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and expect wet slippery rock near the falls. • Carry bear safety gear (bear spray, make noise) and know how to use it; this is wildlife country. • Park passes or national park entry fees may apply if the route includes park lands, verify in advance. • Leave no trace: pack out all waste and avoid creating new social trails.
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This easy 5.1 km hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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
Laughing Falls Campground
1.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lake Louise (approx. 17 miles), Moraine Lake region, Bow Valley scenic areas, and other classic alpine attractions in the Lake Louise/Banff corridor. Exact proximity to formal attractions may vary depending on the access route.
Wildlife
Common wildlife in the region includes black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, and smaller mammals and birds. Standard mountain-wildlife precautions apply.
Cities near Point Lace Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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