Waves
British Columbia • Yoho National Park • 91 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
17.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
425 m
About Waves
Waves is a small, rocky cascade in the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta–British Columbia corridor. The feature gets its name from wave-like rock formations and flowing bands of water that ripple down a series of angled shelves. Flow and appearance are highly seasonal, strongest during spring snowmelt and reduced to a trickle in late summer and early fall. The site appears to be a relatively informal roadside/short-hike attraction rather than a developed park destination.
The Setting
Waves sits at 2,070 metres within Yoho National Park, in the high mountains of British Columbia. At 91 metres, it is among the taller waterfalls in British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Waves flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 485-539 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 300-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Angel's Staircase Falls (305 m) lies 7.2 kilometres to the southeast. Also nearby: Twin Falls (180 m, 4.3 km) and Laughing Falls (30 m, 5.5 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 17.2-km out-and-back trail gains 425 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
There does not appear to be a developed, signed trail to Waves. Expect a short unmarked route from a highway turnout to a rocky viewpoint. The final approach likely involves uneven footing and a low-angle scramble over bedrock and loose stones. Route-finding and basic scrambling skills may be required; there may be no maintained switchbacks, railings, or signage.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 91 metres over layered sedimentary rock.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Waves?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Waves?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early summer for highest flows (snowmelt), and late summer to early fall for lower crowds and clearer trails. Visit in daylight and avoid periods of heavy rain or spring thaw when slopes and roads can be hazardous.
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
• Slippery wet rock and unstable edges present a high risk of falls, stay back from cliff edges. • This area may be remote with limited cell service, plan accordingly and tell someone your itinerary. • Summer thunderstorms can cause rapid increases in flow; avoid low-lying areas and riverbanks during heavy rain. • Avalanche and snowpack hazards can affect access in shoulder seasons and winter. • Bear country, carry bear spray, make noise, and store food properly.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a Water Survey of Canada gauge 24.8 km away
1.5 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 55 years of record
7.46 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
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
Approximate coordinates 51.5799, -116.5183, roughly west of Lake Louise and east of points along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Access is typically from a highway pullout or small turnout near the highway, expect an unmarked short path or scramble from the parking/turnout to a viewpoint. Visitors should use GPS coordinates, exercise caution near traffic when crossing the highway, and check local road conditions before traveling.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited roadside pullout or small informal parking area. No formal lot, restroom facilities, or maintained infrastructure. Do not block traffic or park where signed 'no stopping.'
Elevation
2,070 metres above sea level
Coordinates
51.579892° N, -116.518302° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use exact GPS coordinates and be prepared for an unmarked turnout. • Park only in designated pullouts; do not block traffic. • Bring sturdy footwear; rocks are slippery when wet. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it; make noise while approaching. • Leave no trace, pack out all garbage. • Check Parks Canada or provincial road reports for seasonal access or avalanche warnings. • Avoid wet bedrock and edges, wet rock can be deceptively slick and unstable.
This trail sits at 6,791 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 27% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 challenging 17.2 km trail gains 425 m in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
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
Twin Falls Campground
3.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lake Louise (~21 miles away), Moraine Lake, Banff (approx. 60 miles), Yoho National Park attractions such as Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, and scenic drives along the Trans-Canada Highway/Icefields corridor. Distances are approximate; check maps for exact routing.
Wildlife
This is mountain habitat, black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, and small mammals may be present. Practice bear safety and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Cities near Waves
Nearby Waterfalls
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