Athabasca Falls Potholes Carved into the Bedrock

At Athabasca Falls, potholes are natural cylindrical depressions carved into the bedrock by the relentless swirling action of water and rocks over thousands of years. As fast-moving meltwater from the Athabasca Glacier rushes through the narrow canyon, it picks up small stones and sediment that spin in eddies, grinding against the limestone walls and creating smooth, round holes. These potholes vary in size—some small enough to fit your hand, others large enough to climb into—and they serve as dramatic evidence of the river’s erosive power. You’ll spot many of them near the railings and on the canyon ledges, sometimes partially filled with water or fallen leaves, quietly showcasing nature’s ability to sculpt solid stone through time and turbulence.

The potholes at Athabasca Falls contribute strikingly to the canyon's rugged and sculpted appearance. These smooth, circular cavities punctuate the sharply cut limestone walls, adding texture and depth to the already dramatic gorge. When viewed from the pathways and lookouts, the potholes give the canyon a pockmarked, almost lunar quality, highlighting the chaotic force of the water that shaped them. Some potholes are stacked or interconnected, forming small tunnels and basins where water once churned with incredible intensity. Their presence tells a silent geological story—one of glaciers melting, rivers carving, and time etching patterns into stone. As light filters through the canyon and water glistens across the rock, the potholes enhance the visual complexity of the falls, making them not just a thundering waterfall but a living monument to erosion and geological transformation. Hiking Athabasca Falls