Photograph Upper Panther Falls

The extraordinary Panther Falls can be found along the Columbia Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, Alberta. This 0.3 mile long trail requires a little scrambling and extreme caution. It leads to a breathtaking view of the falls from the top where Nigel Creek descends out from a rock canyon and drops 218 ft. and then takes you back into an alcove behind the falls. 

In the winter, Panther Falls becomes a popular ice climbing destination. 

Parking: Panther Falls shares the same parking lot as Bridal Veil Falls along Highway 93. A large wooden sign for Bridal Veil Falls on the south end of the lot will let you know you're in the right place. 

Trailhead: You can hear the roar of Panther falls from the north side of the lot but the trail begins on the south end of the parking lot with the Bridal Veil trail. At the trail junction, take the trail straight ahead. After walking a short distance through a forested area you'll come to a cliffside viewpoint where you can see the roaring falls. It's about 0.3 miles out and back. 

If you continue carefully along the trail, around the bend to the left, it will take you to an alcove where you can get a closer view from behind the falls. This route is rocky and the spray from the falls can make them slick. Use extreme caution. 

This is definitely a hidden gem in a very popular park. You will see very few if any other hikers. Enjoy!