11. November 2011
| by
John
Everybody knows that Canada has majestic beauty to spare. Trees, mountains, plains… all of those things are beautiful, sure, but some of the most jaw-dropping wonders we have to offer come in the form of thousands of cubic meters of water crashing down every second – the waterfall. To see a massive waterfall up close is an amazing thing. It’s much more than just a stunning visual, but it’s a complete sensory experience. Complex natural beauty combined with the roar of water, the mist on your skin, and the smell of fresh air and water — similar to being at the seaside. Absolutely mesmerizing, and worth planning an entire vacation around. Here are some of Canada’s best, for some vacation inspiration.
Best Holiday Waterfall - Niagara Falls, ON
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Niagara Falls sit prettily between the Ontario and New York border, meaning they can’t be claimed as an exclusively Canadian wonder (although the famous Horseshoe Falls are on the Canadian side). Niagara is considered one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Although it isn’t the tallest, the combined vertical drop and volume of water determine a waterfall’s prowess. Niagara has some serious bragging rights. She’s also got the Maid of the Mist Tour, and some 30 million tourists a year. She’s most definitely an A-list waterfall.
Best Adventure Waterfall - Helmcken Falls, BC
British Columbia is home to the tallest waterfalls in Canada. Helmcken is the fourth tallest at 141m tall. Just for some perspective, that’s nearly three times as high as Niagara. While there are taller, Helmcken is spectacular. It is located in the Wells Gray provincial park, making it a beautiful vacation for outdoors-folk. There are four marked trails that access the falls, and it’s open for summer and winter viewing. The winter temperatures make a stunning “ice cone” – a literal cone of ice that forms from the water spray freezing. The cone can grow to 50m in height alone. It’s an amazing effect. If you want to experience Helmcken Falls, try looking in the nearby Murtle River area for beautiful BC cabins and cottages.
Best Daytrip Waterfall - Montmorency Falls, QC
You’ll probably want to visit historic Quebec City at some point, as it’s an all around great vacation destination and tourist spot. But just 12km from the heart of Old Quebec City resides the amazing Chute Montmorency. It’s ideal to hike or bike out to when you need a refreshing day away from the city. These are the highest waterfalls in Quebec. Montmorency has great amenities and access points for supreme viewing, including a suspension bridge over the top of the falls and a gondola that takes you from the ground up, no hiking required.
So there you have it – the three best waterfalls in Canada, depending on how you want to see them. We highly suggest getting awestruck by some of these great Canadian natural beauties.
