Rearguard falls is a little out of the way but well worth adding to your Canadian Rockies tour. Salmon season in August and September brings Salmon from the Pacific Ocean via Richmond BC (near Vancouver BC). The hardy Chinook salmon that make this 1200 km journey cannot navigate up Rearguard Falls and unfortunately most perish trying. If you are travelling this route do not pass Rearguard Falls Provincial Park without a look. Kayaks, Canoes & Rafts run this section of the river, though portage around Rearguard Falls which is a class 4-5, usually 5. Freezes up almost completely over the winter, hopefully we will visit Rearguard again fall 2006 as it freezes.
Highway Directions
From Valemount BC begin at the river crossing just north of town, drive north on Highway 6 Yellowhead Highway 19.3km (12mi) on highway 5 past Mount Terry Fox and Tete Jaune Cache on your right, bear right (east) onto highway 16 Yellowhead Highway, continue east for 4.2km (2.6mi) and turn right into the signed parking lot for Rearguard Falls Provincial Park. From Jasper Alberta begin at intersection of Highway 16 Yellowhead Highway and Highway 93 Icefields Parkway, drive west for 96.6km (60m) through Mount Robson Provincinal Park, turn left into the signed parking lot for Rearguard Falls Provincial Park. Large RV's may wish to pull into pullout on right instead facing a large sign promoting the Yellowhead Highway 16, to avoid twice crossing a fairly blind/dangerous road.
Local Directions
You'll hear the falls from the parking lot, walk about 200 metres to several great viewpoints. Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Photographing Rearguard Falls
This falls gets a LOT of light, all from the wrong angles. If possible try for an overcast day, in this area the weather can change quickly. When there is direct sun it will be off to your left upstream the falls, or beyond the falls shining right at you later in the day. Try to get there during clouds or at least in the morning if it's sunny out.
