Canada Nigel Creek

As you make your way along hairpin turns up the Icefields Parkway, you’ll come across the “The Big Hill and Big Bend”. This scenic viewpoint (also called Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint) overlooks the sprawling valley below and is about halfway between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. There is a large gravel pullout where you can safely pull over to take photos. Most people will stop for a minute or two to take photos of the valley and move on without realizing there are two waterfalls that can be accessed via a second pullout just .25 miles(.40 km) north. A very short (30 second) hike will reveal the raging Panther Falls. A longer hike will lead you to Bridal Veil Falls. This photo was taken just downstream of both waterfalls about 100 meters meters south of the first pullout. I was there in July, 2015 and the creek water was milk white. In June 2019, the water was crystal clear. I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation for it but have no idea what it is.

I took this photo just off the side of the highway south of the pullout. There is no shoulder and there’s a sharp drop-off. It would probably be a better idea to drive to the second pullout and take the trail leading to Bridal Veil Falls. However, if the water isn’t the somewhat unique white color the creek is pretty but much less interesting, making the additional effort not worth it.

The Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint pullout is on Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) 116 km from Lake Louise, Alberta, and 118 km from Jasper, Alberta.
You can also park here directly.