Athabasca River is the Powerful Waterway that feeds Athabasca Falls

The Athabasca River is the powerful waterway that feeds Athabasca Falls. Originating from the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, the river begins as glacial meltwater—icy and turquoise in color—before gathering strength as it flows northward. By the time it reaches Athabasca Falls, the river has already traveled over 70 kilometers, cutting through valleys and collecting tributaries. As it nears the falls, the wide, fast-moving river is forced into a narrower channel of hard limestone, dramatically increasing its velocity. This constriction creates the conditions for the thunderous plunge over the 23-meter-high drop at Athabasca Falls. The immense volume and force of the water are amplified by the elevation and flow changes, making it one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies despite its relatively modest height. After cascading through the gorge, the Athabasca River continues its long journey north through Alberta, eventually feeding into the Mackenzie River system and reaching the Arctic Ocean. Hiking Athabasca Falls