Panther Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Panther Falls is the largest waterfall along Nigel Creek, dropping 218 feet in a massive explosive plunge as the creek flows towards the North Saskatchewan River. Above the falls proper is a small 15 foot cascade followed by a sharp 90 degree bend in the creek, from which the waters intersect a series of water-scoured fractures and funnel into a narrow crack, accelerating down a slide and then slamming into a lip sticking out from the cliff, which causes the water to pulverize itself into a cloud of spray as it hurtles to the canyon floor.

All parts of the waterfall can be accessed with relative ease, but the majority of visitors traveling along the Icefields Parkway pass by completely unaware of the existence of the falls. The large turnout which serves as a viewpoint for the surrounding mountains and of Bridal Veil Falls across the valley also doubles as the trailhead for the path leading to the base of Panther Falls, and tourists stopping to view the scenery are often blissfully unaware of the monstrous cataract just feet away.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Panther Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

Panther Falls are commonly mistaken as standing 600 feet tall and have been frequently branded as the 3rd or 4th tallest waterfall in Canada – neither claim is anywhere near being accurate. We have debated the origin of both these fallacies but only have speculative theories to suggest the origin of the confusion. Our best guess as to the origin of the confusion is that nearby Sideways Falls may have, at one time, been the waterfall labeled as Panther Falls since it is both taller and would have been more visible from the original Banff-Jasper Highway. Whatever the case may be, Panther Falls is one of the best waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway.

Location and directions

Panther Falls is found adjacent to the Icefields Parkway 11 kilometers south of the Columbia Icefields Center in Banff National Park. At the south end of the large turnout (look for a sign calling out Bridal Veil Falls) on the east side of the road a wooden post marks the trail which descends to the base of the falls in ½ kilometer. The top of the falls and the upper 15 foot tier can be accessed from the north end of the pullout.

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Panther Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Bridal Veil Falls	0.29 mi / 0.46 km
Stairstep Falls	0.41 mi / 0.66 km
Nigel Falls	0.53 mi / 0.85 km
North Saskatchewan Falls	0.7 mi / 1.12 km
Old Wonder Falls	0.99 mi / 1.58 km
Unnamed Waterfall	1.3 mi / 2.07 km
Sideways Falls	1.36 mi / 2.17 km
Mistashu Falls	1.52 mi / 2.43 km
Unnamed Waterfall	1.54 mi / 2.47 km
Unnamed Waterfall	1.59 mi / 2.54 km

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Photography tips

Panther Falls can be difficult to photograph for several reasons. The spray thrown into the air by the falls is immense and staying dry at its base is simply not an option. The falls face east and will see the most direct light before noon, where practically every other waterfall in the Big Bend area sees the best light in the afternoon. Lastly because of the narrow gorge at the top of the falls, the upper tiers simply cannot be seen in conjunction with the main drop.

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Panther Falls Alberta, Canada