Last year I’ve been to many falls in Jasper and thought falls look somewhat the same.
I had to dismiss that thought this summer when my colleagues and I went to Takakkaw Falls. It is located in Yoho National Park in Field, British Columbia.
The Road Trip
With only breads I bought in Vancouver the night before our trip, I waited for my friends to pick me up at a C-Train station.
I’ve only slept for 3 hours after coming home from Vancouver at 2:00 am. So I had no care in the world when I slept in the backseat.
Whenever I get to open my eyes, I feast on the food I brought with me. Of course, I shared it with my friends who forgot to bring anything edible.
We all wished to grab a bite in a place along the way. But with excitement and water and bread, there’s no time for a stop over.
Takakkaw Falls at Yoho National Park
I was looking more forward for a longer sleep when we got closer to Takakkaw Falls. That was disappointing for a sleepyhead like me.
Well time to stretch and go for a walk.
We made a few stop over taking selfies and photo of the falls from afar.
Then finally we arrived at our destination. With photography gear, we head out to Takakkaw Falls.
Here’s what the inscription says:
When you say “Takakkaw” you are saying it is magnificent in Cree. It is the right name for this 254-metre waterfall, one of the highest in Canada. Daly Glacier, 350m from the brink, feeds the falls. The glacier in turn is fed by the Waputik Icefield. Snow falling on the icefield becomes moving ice in the glacier, which melts to become Takakkaw Falls.
In summer, the rock face roars with the plunging mountain torrent. But in autumn, the melt is slowed, and by winter, the raging falls narrows to a ribbon of ice awaiting summer to set it free.
First, we passed by a bridge over a muddy river.
From afar, the falls look close enough but not quite.
I like that we get to walk a little longer before reaching the falls. The wait built up the excitement.
It gets colder and wet that my excitement turned to hesitation. Now I was awake, alert, and wanting to hide somewhere.
Caveat: We should have worn a raincoat.
The splash of water is felt at the base of the falls and add the force of wind make up a recipe for retreat.
Climbing the Falls
I took photographs as much as I could. At this time, my friends were all over the place.
We were minding our own business and clothing. I didn’t have extra shirt. From below, I can see small figures of people climbing the side of the falls.
If only I have a telephoto lens then I could show you what was going on.
Kids, adults of varying nationalities were climbing the rocks.
I was down there in awe ready to go back before I get soak up. I thought of bringing food but not an extra shirt.
So it’s time to walk away from the falls. I found a friend seeking refuge behind the trees. Brilliant idea.
From a safe spot, I was able to appreciate more the beauty of the falls and took more photos.
We regroup after half an hour. Some wanted to climb yet prioritize being dry and safe on the ground.
Good thinking of sensible beings I must say.
So it was time to eat. But before we satisfied our hunger, we stopped by at Emerald Like hoping for a sightseeing and probably a quick bite. I’m saving this story for another post.
What falls have you been to this year?
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