Spring Snowmelt at Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls Rafting

Athabasca Canyon Run

Raft beautiful Athabasca Canyon on a half-day whitewater rafting adventure from Jasper. The Athabasca Falls Canyon Rafting Run is a fun, family-friendly Class 2+ rapids. Start rafting at the base of Jasper's Athabasca Falls and enjoy the 7.5-mile (12-km) stretch of athabasca river!
Book Athabasca Family River Rafting

Athabasca Glacier

Columbia Icefield Tour & Glacier Skywalk

Walk on the Glass-Bottom Glacier Skywalk and tour the Athabasca Glacier in the Rugged Ice Explorer Vehicle from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
Book the Columbia Icefield & Glacier Skywalk Tour

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

Near Athabasca Falls

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise to Spirit Island, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Accessible only by boat, part of the UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park, admire views of imposing granite peaks, vibrant blue water, and ancient forests. View Maligne Lake's "Hall of the Gods" and keep your camera close as you scan the area for the eagles, bears, and deer that call this area home.
Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

Spring Snowmelt at Athabasca Falls

In spring, Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park undergoes a dramatic transformation due to the melting snowpack in the surrounding mountains.

Spring Snowmelt at Athabasca Falls

In spring, Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park undergoes a dramatic transformation due to the melting snowpack in the surrounding mountains. As temperatures rise, snowmelt increases, leading to higher water levels in the Athabasca River, which feeds the falls. This results in a powerful and thunderous display, making spring an ideal time to witness the falls' full force.

The average flow rate of Athabasca Falls is approximately 113 cubic meters per second (m³/s) . However, during the spring snowmelt, flow rates can increase significantly, depending on the rate of snowmelt and precipitation. This surge in water volume enhances the falls' intensity, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors.

If you're planning a visit to Athabasca Falls, consider timing your trip for late spring or early summer to experience the falls at their most impressive. However, even during periods of lower flow, the falls offer stunning views and a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Jasper National Park. Hiking Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls Reviews

Tempestt C.. Beautiful Any Time of Year!

We have visited the Athabasca Falls in April, July and November and they have been stunning every time. A quick walk from the parking lot will get you to the first view of the falls. It is not wheelchair friendly, though, and I would recommend good walking/hiking shoes, especially if there is snow/ice present, and if you are planning to walk beyond the first viewpoint. We watched a couple of people slide around or fall in early April. The falls were quite amazing in their partially frozen state in early spring, as well. The area is also dog friendly.

Stephen D.. A Spectacular Feature

We visited this as part of a Rocky Mountaineer package on a journey from Jasper to Lake Louise by a coach operated by Brewsters. This was the first stop and we had enough time to visit and experience the full force of Athabasca falls, which were very full because of the relatively late snow melt. A must to visit.

JohnOmaha_Nebraska.. Blown away!

Very nice car park and trails to the Falls themselves with other adjoining trail. Please do stop, you won't regret it.

CESAR AYLLON.. Strength of Nature

Nice stopping spot for watching the powerful Athabasca river waters falling, amazing Nature! Lots of people stop there, park and walk around, it's on hwy 93A, and of course not far from Sunwapta Falls, a bigger one and worthy to visit too if you're in the area. There's parking, washrooms, handicap accessibility, wild animals could be around to watch too. Many tourists visit this beautiful site south from Jasper town.