Are there fees or permits required for Point Lace Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Point Lace Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Point Lace Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Point Lace Falls.

Nearby gauge (Bow River) · 3.8 m³/s · About average

Point Lace Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Point Lace Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Point Lace Falls.

British Columbia • Yoho National Park • 12 m

By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026

Partly frozen · 0 days below freezing

Yoho National Park Of Canada National Park · Parks Canada Agency

Photo Credits (3)

Jerry Bowley CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

5.1 km

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

40 m

About Point Lace Falls

Point Lace Falls appears to be a lesser-known cascade in the Alberta Rockies near the Lake Louise / Banff region. Precise published information about the waterfall is limited; it may be a small to medium drop on a tributary stream and is likely most impressive during spring snowmelt and after heavy rain. Approach commonly requires travel off the main highways and possibly cross-country navigation rather than a developed day-use trail.

The Setting

Point Lace Falls sits at 1,586 metres within Yoho National Park, in the high mountains of British Columbia. The falls drop 12 metres.

Why This Waterfall Exists

Point Lace Falls flows over Sullivan Formation, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 497-509 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a 40-foot drop into the landscape.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Takakkaw Falls (373 m) lies 2.4 kilometres to the southeast. Also nearby: Angel's Staircase Falls (305 m, 0.8 km) and Twin Falls (180 m, 4.0 km).

Takakkaw Falls Angel's Staircase Falls Twin Falls

Trail & Hike Details

5.1 km distance 40 m climbed

The Approach

The easy 5.1-km out-and-back trail gains 40 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

There is little to no detailed, widely published trail information for Point Lace Falls. Visitors should be prepared for an unmaintained approach that may include route-finding, bushwhacking, uneven terrain and short scrambles near the creek. Expect the final approach to be on steep or rocky ground near the waterline. If you require a maintained path or signage, this site may not have those amenities.

What to Expect

The falls drop 12 metres over soft fine-grained rock.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Point Lace Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Point Lace Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Late spring to early summer (snowmelt) for highest flow and visual impact; summer for easier access and weather; early fall for fall colour and lower crowds. Winter access may be possible for experienced winter travelers but is likely hazardous (ice, avalanche risk) and not recommended without appropriate training and equipment.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yoho National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Hazards may include steep and unstable banks, slippery rocks near the water, fast currents, sudden changes in flow after rain or rapid snowmelt, hypothermia risk in cold water, and wildlife encounters (including bears). If the approach crosses avalanche-prone slopes in winter/early spring, avalanche risk may be significant. Tell someone your plan, carry navigation and emergency equipment, and check current conditions with local authorities before setting out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 4 days ago Moderate

These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Bow River, 23.5 km away, not on Point Lace Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

3.8 m³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.7 3.0 4.1 5.0

Based on 32 years of record

1.14 m

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BOW RIVER AT LAKE LOUISE

WSC 05BA001

23.5 km from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the WSC gauge BOW RIVER AT LAKE LOUISE (24 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

3.8 m³/s

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

3.8 m³/s

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

4.0 m³/s

6/10

Fri

Moderate

3.8 m³/s

6/10

Sat

Moderate

3.6 m³/s

8/10

Sun

Moderate

3.7 m³/s

6/10

Mon

Moderate

3.8 m³/s

6/10

Tue

Moderate

3.5 m³/s

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, fog (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late August, peaking in July.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lake Louise hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Point Lace Falls Frozen?

Updated about 10 hours ago

Partly frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast

Point Lace Falls is probably icing up: 1 freezing day in the last two weeks, with 1 more freezing day in the forecast. Expect icicles and ice at the edges with water still running through the middle.

Days below freezing: 1 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 1 of the next 7
Flow: no gauge

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

General location: coordinates 51.5166, -116.4974 (approx. 17.4 miles from Lake Louise, 56.5 miles from Banff by road). Exact public access info is not well documented. Expect to approach from Forest Service/secondary roads or by backcountry trails; use a topographic map or GPS and confirm access with local land managers (Parks Canada, provincial forest service) before you go.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking details are not well documented. There may be limited roadside pullouts or small trailhead parking on nearby service roads; a formal parking lot may not exist. If visiting from Banff National Park or other managed lands, obey posted signs and any parking restrictions.

Elevation

1,586 metres above sea level

Coordinates

51.516615° N, -116.497369° W

Land Management

Yoho National Park Of Canada National Park

Managed by Parks Canada Agency

Visitor Tips & Gear

• Confirm exact location and access rules with Parks Canada or the local forest authority before you go. • Bring a detailed topo map and GPS; cell service may be unreliable. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and expect wet slippery rock near the falls. • Carry bear safety gear (bear spray, make noise) and know how to use it; this is wildlife country. • Park passes or national park entry fees may apply if the route includes park lands, verify in advance. • Leave no trace: pack out all waste and avoid creating new social trails.

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This easy 5.1 km hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Laughing Falls Campground

1.7 km away

Walking distance

View campground

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Lake Louise (approx. 17 miles), Moraine Lake region, Bow Valley scenic areas, and other classic alpine attractions in the Lake Louise/Banff corridor. Exact proximity to formal attractions may vary depending on the access route.

Wildlife

Common wildlife in the region includes black and grizzly bears, elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, and smaller mammals and birds. Standard mountain-wildlife precautions apply.