Golden sits in one of the most spectacular corners of the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by rugged peaks, glacier-fed rivers, and dense forests that seem to reveal a waterfall around nearly every bend. Especially come summertime, when snowmelt sends water rushing down mountain cliffs and hiking trails are finally (mostly) clear of snow.
From towering cascades in Yoho National Park to quieter local spots that many visitors miss entirely, there’s no shortage of incredible waterfalls near Golden, BC, worth adding to your itinerary.
That variety is part of what makes this area such a great long weekend destination. Visitors can spend the day hiking to awe-inspiring viewpoints, cooling off beside misty falls, and discovering lesser-known corners of the Rocky Mountains, then return to your quiet Kicking Horse Lodging Accommodations in the evening.
Without further ado, here are the stunning waterfalls:
Thompson Falls
Moderate; 11.6 km/7.2 miles out and back; 463 meters/1,519 feet elevation
Unlike some of the busier Golden attractions and waterfalls nearby, Thompson Falls remains somewhat under-the-radar. On the Blaeberry River, about 30 minutes from downtown, this powerful waterfall offers a quieter experience, yet doesn't require a long drive. Better yet, the route is accessible for any vehicle, making it one of the more approachable waterfalls near Golden, BC, for visitors who want impressive scenery without committing a full day. An overlook offers an easy top-down view from above, but hikers looking for a bit more adventure can continue on the trail through the forest.
Wapta Falls
Easy; 4.5 km/2.8 miles out and back; 110 meters/360 feet elevation
One of the most impressive Golden attractions for waterfall lovers, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. While it cascades from about 18 meters (60 feet), its real scale comes from its width, stretching more than 100 meters (300 feet!) across with an immense volume of water spilling over the edge. Inside Yoho National Park, roughly 30 minutes from Kicking Horse, Wapta Falls is an easy, family-friendly trail. The real highlight is hiking closer to the riverbank near the base of the waterfall. The mist is intense, especially in summer, when rainbows often appear. If you plan to get close, an extra layer or change of clothes is a smart idea. The spray leaves hikers completely soaked within minutes!
Wapta Falls
Takakkaw Falls
Easy; 1.4 km/0.9 miles out and back; 40 meters/131 feet elevation
Another standout inside Yoho, Takakkaw is Canada's second-tallest waterfall, plunging a staggering 373 meters (1,224 feet) over a cliff face. The waterfall’s two-tiered drop is visible far down the valley, and the sound alone is enough to signal your arrival long before you reach the base. This is one of the classic waterfalls around Golden, and for good reason.
An easy walk from the parking lot leads visitors close to the falls, where the mist and thunderous water create an experience that feels much bigger than photographs can capture. Along the walk, several small cascades flow down the surrounding rock walls, especially in early summer. The drive itself is memorable, with steep switchbacks and massive mountain views throughout Yoho Valley.
For hikers wanting a longer outing, the trailhead connects to routes leading toward Laughing Falls and Twin Falls, which we detail below.
Laughing Falls
Moderate; 8.7 km/5.4 miles out and back; 334 meters/1,095 feet elevation
Wondering what to do in Golden beyond the more popular roadside stops? The hike to Laughing Falls delivers a full day of classic Yoho scenery. Starting from the Takakkaw Falls parking, the route passes through the campground before entering a broad valley with additional waterfalls, creeks, and forest trails. One of the best parts of this hike is how many worthy side trails branch off the main route, leading to smaller cascades like Point Lace Falls and Angels Staircase Falls.
Just before reaching Laughing Falls Campground, hikers cross a suspension-style footbridge that sways above the river. From there, the trail continues to the waterfall itself—a roaring 30-meter/98-foot cascade crashing into a narrow canyon with enough force that you'll feel the vibration in your body. The trail becomes extremely muddy after rainfall, and some sections may briefly flood, so waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
Twin Falls
Moderate; 16 km/9.6 miles out and back; 771 meters/2,529 feet elevation
Twin Falls is one of the best longer waterfall hikes in the area, easily earning its place among the top Golden attractions for experienced day hikers. Farther along the same trail system as Laughing Falls, the route continues roughly two additional kilometers each way to the impressive double waterfall. The full loop from Takakkaw Falls covers 16-18 kilometers, depending on your side quests, but the trail remains relatively moderate throughout. Most sections follow a gentle incline between the Yoho River and Twin Falls Creek, with plenty of opportunities to stop at smaller waterfalls and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Near the end of the trail, hikers can continue past Twin Falls Campground toward the falls themselves, climbing high enough to look down from atop the cascades. Along this stretch, you’ll also pass another smaller waterfall, unofficially called Marpole Falls, which cuts dramatically through a narrow gorge. You'll pass the Twin Falls Tea House, now recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. While it no longer operates as a tea house, it's a fascinating reminder of the area’s early mountain tourism and a worthwhile stop before hiking back.
If you’re thinking about where to stay while on these adventures…
Kicking Horse Lodging makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the region, with accommodation options ranging from traditional hotel-style rooms to cozy lodges, cabins, and vacation homes. Many units include full kitchens, while select rooms at Palliser Lodge feature private hot tubs—a welcome luxury after a full day on the trails.
Guests are also steps from hiking and biking routes, with easy access to outdoor gear rentals and seasonal amenities like scenic gondola rides. For visitors searching for what to do in Golden during summer, here's the short answer: massive mountain scenery, glacier-fed rivers, fewer crowds than nearby hotspots, and enough waterfalls to fill an entire weekend of exploring.
