Marble Canyon is a deep canyon carved by Tokumm Creek in the Kootenay National Park, part of the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Canada. The canyon features steep, marble-like walls composed of dolomite and limestone that have been sculpted by the erosive power of water over thousands of years.
The canyon is a popular tourist destination due to its accessibility and dramatic scenery. A short, easy hiking trail with several bridges crosses Tokumm Creek at various points, offering stunning views into the gorge and allowing visitors to observe the powerful waterfalls and cascades.
Geologically, the canyon's formation is a result of the dissolving action of slightly acidic water on the soluble dolomite and limestone rock. This process, combined with the abrasive force of sediment carried by Tokumm Creek, has steadily deepened and widened the canyon over geological time. The smooth, polished appearance of the rock walls is a characteristic feature of the canyon, giving it its name.
Marble Canyon experienced significant damage during the 2003 wildfires that swept through Kootenay National Park. While the landscape has recovered, evidence of the fire remains visible. Despite the fire damage, the canyon continues to be a significant natural and scenic attraction in the Canadian Rockies.