Chasing cascades in the Rockies
Waterfall Hikes in the Canadian Rockies – Volume 2
by Steve Tersmette
Victoria: Rocky Mountain Books, 2024
$25 / 9781771606882
Reviewed by Amy Tucker
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I had just finished reading Waterfall Hikes in the Canadian Rockies – Volume 1 when I reached for Volume 2 as if drawn by the gravitational pull of cascading water.
The first book took me through the southern Rockies, where waterfalls tumble through mossy ravines and emerald lakes reflect the peaks above. However, this second volume felt even wilder—the vast, untamed landscapes of Mount Robson, Jasper, David Thompson Country, and the Icefields Parkway, where waterfalls crash through deep canyons and disappear into alpine valleys that few people ever visit.
Steve Tersmette’s next guidebook is not just about waterfalls, it is about the pursuit of them, as well as the pull of discovery that keeps hikers lacing up their boots and heading into the unknown. His approach is both practical and deeply personal, making this book more than just a collection of trail descriptions—it reflects a lifetime spent exploring the Rockies.
Many hiking books read like instruction manuals—clear, concise, and informative, but hardly something you would pick up for the joy of reading. Not this one. Tersmette writes with an energy that pulls you along, blending vivid descriptions with personal anecdotes and a good dose of humour.
Take, for example, his comment on spotting waterfalls while driving the Trans-Canada Highway. “It is slightly more dangerous to be on the lookout for waterfalls while negotiating the Formula One racetrack that the Trans-Canada Highway has become.” I laughed because I have been there—half-driving, half-squinting at a blur of water tumbling down a rock face, debating whether it is worth pulling over. This relatable charm is what sets the book apart.
The family-friendly focus is another highlight. As an avid hiker, I know how a good day on the trail can become a grumpy retreat if kids are not on board. Tersmette gets this, offering practical and humorous advice on hiking with children. The family-friendly focus is another highlight. As an avid hiker, I know how a good day on the trail can become a grumpy retreat if kids are not on board. Tersmette gets this, offering practical and humorous advice on hiking with children. “If a child isn’t comfortable, don’t expect them to hike with you,” Tersmette writes. “Bring snacks and take breaks. Yes, I agree that being asked to take a break five minutes from the car is annoying…but if a child is hungry, don’t expect them to hike with you. Bring candy.”
Solid advice, whether you are hiking with kids or just a particularly stubborn adult companion.
The book covers over 70 waterfalls, ranging from roadside stops to backcountry treks requiring an overnight stay. Tersmette makes it easy to plan, categorizing hikes by distance, difficulty, and accessibility.
For those looking for quick detours, there are plenty of short, family-friendly walks—places where you can hop out of the car, stretch your legs, and soak amid a roaring cascade within minutes. On the other end of the spectrum, some waterfalls require commitment—trails that weave through rugged terrain, demanding effort but rewarding hikers with solitude and unforgettable views. “You’ll find a variety of trails described here, from five-minute walks away from your car to destinations that may require a night out in a tent,” writes Tersmette. This range makes the book valuable for all kinds of explorers—whether you are on a road trip, hiking with small children, or setting off into the backcountry.
A book about waterfalls needs stunning photography, and this one delivers. Tersmette captures each location’s raw power and beauty, transporting readers to places where water tumbles over cliffs, catches the light just right, and sends up a mist that makes everything feel primal and alive.
He also does not shy away from the dangers of waterfall hiking, offering warnings about slippery rocks, changing water levels, and unpredictable conditions. “Waterfalls tend to get things pretty wet. Spray can travel dozens of metres, making the areas around waterfalls slippery and dangerous, even with good footwear,” Tersmette cautions.
Having slipped on more than one mossy rock, I appreciated this attention to detail.
One thing I wished for? Better maps. While the directions are clear, some of the more remote hikes would have benefited from detailed visual guides. A good map can make all the difference in areas with no cell service.
While the big-name waterfalls are here—Sunwapta, Tangle, Emperor—the book truly shines when it takes readers off the beaten path. Tersmette has a knack for finding hidden gems, places that have somehow escaped the attention of guidebooks and Instagram influencers.
Take Rainbow Canyon for instance. “Rainbow Canyon along the Moose River is a spectacular feature that has garnered absolutely zero fanfare, for reasons unexplained,” Tersmette wonders. “No longer will this outstanding waterfall be relegated to the archives of Canadian Rockies history!”
Or Tersmette describes the remote waterfalls near Nordegg, where solitude is almost guaranteed. “Some areas, especially around the Forestry Trunk Road and near Nordegg, are accessible only by resource or forestry service roads… The added bonus here is that you will, in all likelihood, ‘enjoy’ the hiking in complete and utter solitude.”
As someone who seeks out the quiet, lesser-travelled trails, these passages had me mentally plotting my next trip.
“The Leave No Trace principles are critical to preserving the outdoor experience, and it is never too early to familiarize yourself with backcountry etiquette.” Tersmette is not just encouraging exploration—he is teaching hikers how to do it responsibly. He urges people to stay on trails, respect fragile ecosystems, and avoid shortcuts. This message is especially timely in an era when social media has turned once-hidden gems into overcrowded photo ops.
As much as I loved this book, a few areas could be improved. Including elevation details alongside difficulty ratings would give hikers a clearer understanding of the effort required for each trail. While the book acknowledges traditional lands initially, I would have liked to see more Indigenous storytelling, offering more profound insight into the cultural significance of these waterfalls. Many of these locations hold rich histories that deserve to be shared alongside their natural beauty. Additionally, a digital companion with GPX files or real-time trail updates would enhance accessibility, especially for remote hikes where conditions can change rapidly.
As I turned the last page, I felt the same urge after reading Volume 1—to grab my pack and set out for falling water. That makes this book unique: it does not just tell you where to go—it makes you want to go.
Tersmette isn’t just leading us to waterfalls—he is sharing a lifetime of adventure, discovery, and reverence for the wild places that define the Rockies. “Writing this book not only kept our family hiking and exploring together but also filled a clear void in the guidebook genre: kid-friendly exploration. Oh, and did I mention it’s about waterfalls?!”
I could not have said it better myself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some waterfalls to find.
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Amy Tucker is an educator and researcher with more than two decades of experience in post-secondary education. Since 2001, she has worked as a University Instructor and Open Learning Faculty Member at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). Her primary areas of focus include education, training, recruitment, career development, and management. Her research emphasizes decolonizing education, promoting reconciliation, and advancing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in both academic and community settings. In addition to her academic work, Amy enjoys outdoor activities such as running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Her adventurous spirit shines through in her participation in various athletic events and her passion for exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia. Amy shares her experiences as an athlete in her newspaper column, “The Accidental Athlete,” which appears in the Kamloops Chronicle. Kukwstsétsemc. [Editor’s Note: Amy Tucker has reviewed books by Steve Tersmette, Janice Strong, Carol Anne Hilton, Melissa Hafting, Theo Dombrowski, and Margaret V. Ostrowski for The British Columbia Review.]
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The British Columbia Review
Interim Editors, 2023-26: Trevor Marc Hughes (non-fiction), Brett Josef Grubisic (fiction)
Publisher: Richard Mackie
Formerly The Ormsby Review, The British Columbia Review is an on-line book review and journal service for BC writers and readers. The Advisory Board now consists of Jean Barman, Wade Davis, Robin Fisher, Barry Gough, Hugh Johnston, Kathy Mezei, Patricia Roy, and Graeme Wynn. Provincial Government Patron (since September 2018): Creative BC. Honorary Patron: Yosef Wosk. Scholarly Patron: SFU Graduate Liberal Studies. The British Columbia Review was founded in 2016 by Richard Mackie and Alan Twigg.
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