Stanley falls
Alberta • Jasper National Park • 12 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.4 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
136 m
About Stanley falls
Stanley Falls is the last named waterfall in the Beauty Creek canyon in Jasper National Park, off the Icefields Parkway about 86 km south of the town of Jasper. A short trail follows a dike to the old highway roadbed, then climbs along the canyon rim past a string of eight waterfalls in about 1.5 km. The trailhead is unmarked.
The Setting
Stanley falls sits at 1,670 metres within Jasper National Park, in the high mountains of Alberta. The falls drop 12 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Stanley falls flows over layered carbonate rock, primarily dolomite, laid down about 497-509 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a 40-foot drop into the landscape.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 3.4-km out-and-back trail gains 136 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the trailhead, follow the dike along a small creek to the old highway roadbed, turn right to Beauty Creek, then take the path that climbs up and left along the canyon rim. Stanley Falls is about 1.6 km (1 mile) from the trailhead; round trip is roughly 3.2 to 3.4 km. The path continues past the falls but fades into an animal trail.
What to Expect
The falls drop 12 metres over soft fine-grained rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Stanley falls?
✅ 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 Stanley falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early summer for the highest flows (snowmelt). Summer offers the most reliable access on roads and trails; fall can be pleasant for color and fewer visitors but flows may be lower. Winter access is often difficult and hazardous; only recommended for experienced winter backcountry travelers with appropriate gear.
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 Jasper National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards may include slippery rocks, steep drop-offs, fast cold water, sudden changes in weather, limited cell coverage, seasonal road closures, and wildlife encounters (bears). Use caution near cliff edges and riverbanks, do not climb wet rocks, and avoid approaching the lip or immediately below powerful cascades. In winter, ice and avalanche risk can be present. Check local advisories and prepare appropriately.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Sunwapta River, 13.1 km away, not on Stanley falls'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 (13 km away).
Today
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
0.1 m³/s
5/10Sun
Moderate
0.2 m³/s
5/10Mon
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) about 86 km south of Jasper, or about 15.5 km north of the Columbia Icefield Centre. The trailhead is just under 2 km south of the Beauty Creek Hostel, on the east side of the highway, marked by a gate and two large culverts that pass under the parkway.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no signed parking lot. Hikers use an unmarked pullout on the east side of the parkway near the gate and culverts; watch for parked cars or a wooden trail post.
Elevation
1,670 metres above sea level
Coordinates
52.322711° N, -117.315822° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Check current road and trail conditions with provincial park or forest service offices before you go. 2) Practice bear safety: carry bear spray where appropriate and know how to use it; make noise on the trail. 3) Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear; approach to viewpoints may be wet and slippery. 4) Expect limited facilities: no toilets, no potable water; pack out all trash. 5) If unfamiliar with backcountry navigation, go with someone who has experience or hire a guide. 6) Leave precise itinerary with someone and expect limited cell coverage.
This trail sits at 5,479 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% 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.
This easy 3.4 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
Jonas Cutoff
10.9 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Tangle Falls is about 10 km south on the Icefields Parkway, and the Columbia Icefield area is beyond it. Sunwapta Falls is about 30 km north.
Wildlife
Black bear and possibly grizzly bear, elk, moose, mule deer, mountain goats in nearby high country, small mammals and many bird species. Maintain distance and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
Cities near Stanley falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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