Dramatic and chilly Takakkaw Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Canada, at a height of 833 feet. It is fed by the enormous Wupatik Icefield by Daly Glacier, and deposits into the Yoho River. As with almost any other breathtaking attraction in this part of Canada, no photo could portray the scale of a waterfall of this size, easily the largest I have ever seen. On a late afternoon after several hikes earlier in the day, the short walk across the bridge and up to the foot of the falls left us filled with wonder, and covered in mist and ice. The roar of the falls, slow moving cumulus clouds, and circling Black Swifts overhead made for quite a scene.

While the Yoho River is fed by icefields only a few miles up the valley, it roared past us as we crossed the bridge to hike to the falls. Given that the river is primarily fed by icefields, it appears dirty- alternating between the brightest teal blue or muddy tan hues. The shot of the river peers through the ferns, firs, and spruces to glance at the many tall peaks at the head of this valley.