Upper Sunwapta Falls

Upper Sunwapta Falls is the centerpiece of the Sunwapta Falls experience - an awe-inspiring cascade where the Sunwapta River plunges suddenly into a narrow limestone canyon with breathtaking force. Located just off the Icefields Parkway, this dramatic waterfall is fed directly by meltwater from the Athabasca Glacier, giving the river its silty, glacial-blue hue during the warmer months. The falls drop approximately 18 metres (59 feet) over a sharp ledge, creating a powerful display of crashing water that churns into a swirling pool below. A footbridge spans the gorge just upstream, offering visitors a striking overhead view of the river as it splits around a small forested island before funneling into the canyon. From this vantage point, one can appreciate both the raw energy of the falls and the deep erosion carved into the rock over centuries. Surrounded by subalpine forest and rugged terrain, the setting is equally photogenic and immersive, especially when accompanied by the thunderous sound of water echoing through the trees. Upper Sunwapta Falls is easily accessible and a must-see highlight of the southern Jasper region.
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