But the sheer force and volume of the Athabasca River plunging into a narrow gorge make Athabasca Falls one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies.
The Athabasca River, the largest river system in Jasper National Park. The river and falls are fed by water from the Columbia Icefield glaciers, mountain snowmelt and rainwater.

After the water masses have fallen over these steep steps, the Athabasca River flows more leisurely again.