Rock Erosion over Thousands of Years

The dramatic landscape around Athabasca Falls is a result of rock erosion over thousands of years, shaped by the persistent force of glacial meltwater. The river cuts through limestone, a relatively soft sedimentary rock laid down hundreds of millions of years ago under ancient seas. Over time, as the Athabasca River gathered strength—especially during spring melts—the immense pressure of water carrying sand, gravel, and boulders acted like a natural grinding wheel. This continuous abrasion carved out deep potholes, smoothed canyon walls, and sliced narrow chasms into the bedrock.

Unlike waterfalls that form along resistant granite, Athabasca Falls is more dynamic, constantly shifting its channel slightly as it erodes new routes through weaker points in the stone. The gorge beneath the falls is a clear example: winding, uneven, and polished by centuries of flooding. Freeze-thaw cycles also play a role—water seeps into cracks, freezes in winter, and expands, gradually breaking apart the rock. Today’s dramatic cliffs, overhangs, and sculpted basins are the result of this ongoing geological evolution, offering a living example of how rivers slowly but powerfully reshape the land. Hiking Athabasca Falls