Pics: Canada's Top 20 Must-See Waterfalls

Posted by Doug Murray on February 15, 2017, Updated on May 15, 2018

Canada is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions. Oceans, mountains, and... waterfalls. No matter where you live in our great big country, you're likely within driving distance of a spectacular cascade. From coast to coast, these are Canada's must-see waterfalls.

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    1. Shannon Falls – Shannon Falls Provincial Park, BC

    Located in Shannon Falls Provincial Park, about 60 km north of Vancouver, Shannon Falls is one of BC's highest. The waterfall plunges a staggering 337 metres and is best enjoyed in the spring when water volumes are at their highest.

    Need another excuse to get over there? The Toronto to Vancouver, BC journey on the Canadian is one of the best train trips you can take in Canada.
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    2. Montmorency Falls – Quebec City, Quebec

    Montmorency Falls is just a short drive from Quebec City. The 84 m waterfall features two drops. There are a number of viewing points and a suspension bridge over the top of the falls provides an outstanding experience.
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    3. Pissing Mare Falls – Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

    At 350 m, the aptly/oddly named Pissing Mare Falls in Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park, is one of the highest in Canada.

    Checking out Gros Morne National Park is one of our top things to do in every province and territory in Canada.
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    4. Albion Falls – Hamilton, Ontario

    Albion Falls, in Hamilton, Ontario, is a cascading waterfall with a height of 19 m. The falls are easily accessible by car, foot or bike.

    If you feel like a drive across Canada, you may also be interested in these Canadian road trips you need to take at least once.
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    5. Athabasca Falls – Jasper National Park, Alberta

    Located in Alberta's Jasper National Park, Athabasca Falls isn't that high — just 24 metres. But it is powerful. There are several viewing areas and nearby parking.
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    6. Maligne Canyon – Jasper National Park, Alberta

    Another impressive waterfall in Jasper National Park is Maligne Canyon Falls. The 50 m waterfall drops through a steep canyon and is viewable from several platforms and bridges.
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    7. Della Falls – Strathcona Provincial Park, BC

    Located in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, Della Falls, at 440 m, is one of the tallest in the country. If you want to see the falls in person, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. They're only accessible via helicopter or a long boat ride plus a 15 km hike.
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    8. Panther Falls – Banff National Park, Alberta

    Panther Falls, in Banff National Park, is a series of falls with a height of 61 m. The falls can be reached via a short hike. In the winter months, it becomes a popular spot for ice climbing.

    RELATED: 20 of the most beautiful Canadian cities to live in.
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    9. Nailicho (Virginia Falls) – Nahanni National Park Reserve, NWT

    Nailicho (Virginia Falls) is nothing if not impressive. Located in the Nahanni National Park Reserve, NWT, it is 96 m tall and 259 m wide. The water cascades down and around Mason's Rock. To access the reserve, you'll have to either fly or hike in.
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    10. Helmcken Falls – Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC

    Located in Wells Gray Provincial Park in east-central BC, Helmcken Falls is a stunner. It has a drop of 141 m and is the fourth highest in the country. Accessing the falls is easy and there's a viewing platform for visitors.
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    11. Alexander Falls – Whistler, BC

    Alexander Falls is in the Callaghan Valley, near Whistler, BC. The waterfall is tiered with three drops covering 43 m. Access is easy and there are plenty of hiking trails should you wish to explore the nearby Whistler Interpretive Forest.
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    12. Brandywine Falls – Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, BC

    The spectacular Brandywine Falls is located in a provincial park not far from Whistler, BC. The falls drop 70 m. There is a year-round hiking trail that offers great views from a new viewing platform.

    RELATED: 20 underrated Canadian towns you should totally visit.
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    13. Chatterbox Falls – Princess Louisa Inlet, BC

    Chatterbox Falls is located along Loquilts Creek in Princess Louisa Inlet. The 37 m high waterfall is popular with boaters who visit this part of BC.
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    14. Dawson Falls – Wells Gray Provincial Park, BC

    Dawson Falls in BC's Wells Gray Provincial Park features two drops on the Murtle River. The total height is about 20 m. Dawson Falls is just one of seven waterfalls in the park.
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    15. Bridal Veil Falls – Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, BC

    Bridal Veil Falls, near Chilliwack, BC, is easy to get to. The 60-metre-high waterfall flows over a smooth rock surface, creating a veil-like effect. It's also a great place for a picnic.
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    16. Englishman River Falls – Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, BC

    Englishman River Falls is located in the BC provincial park of the same name. The park is north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The falls cascade down into a deep canyon.

    RELATED: 17 amazing things to do in Canada before you die.
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    17. Takakkaw Falls – Yoho National Park, BC

    You'll find Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, which is close to Field, BC. Fed by a glacier, the waterfall is 260 m high. The waterfall gets its name from the Cree word meaning 'magnificent'.
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    18. Kakabeka Falls – Oliver Paipoonge, Ontario

    Not far from Thunder Bay, Ontario is the impressive Kakabeka Falls. Located on the Kaministiquia River in Oliver Paipoonge, the waterfall drops 40 m and is known as the 'Niagara of the North'.
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    19. Easach Ban Waterfall – Nova Scotia

    Located in Cape Breton, NS, the waterfall's name literally means 'white water'. The 16 m waterfall is reachable via a short hiking trail in Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park. Note that there are several different spellings used for the waterfall.
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    20. Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls, Ontario

    And finally, the grandest of all the waterfalls in Canada and arguably the world. Niagara Falls is actually three waterfalls that straddle the Canada-US border. Of these, Horseshoe Falls is the biggest. Water from the Niagara River drops 50 m with the world's highest flow rate.

    Speaking of Niagara Falls, test your knowledge and see if you know all 15 of these little-known facts about the world's top tourist attractions.
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