If you’re craving a hike with some serious wow factor, B.C.’s waterfalls are calling your name!
Spring is the perfect time to get out and experience what nature has to offer. The weather is slowly warming up, the falls are at their most powerful, and it’s just before the busy summer season, which means you can beat the crowds. Whether you’re after an easy stroll or a heart-pumping trek, there’s a waterfall adventure for every level.
So lace up your hiking boots and grab a camera — this season, we’re chasing waterfalls!
Crooked Falls
Hidden in Upper Squamish Valley, Crooked Falls lies along Sigurd Trail, which winds through lush forest and offers awesome scenic views. There are some steep sections (your legs will feel this one!) but the reward is an absolutely stunning waterfall with a panoramic view of the Squamish Valley below.
The trailhead can be found off of Ashlu Road and takes roughly two-and-a-half hours to complete.
Where: Upper Squamish Valley
Cypress Falls
This quick and easy hike to Cypress Falls in West Vancouver proves you don’t need to venture far for a big payoff. This one’s fun for all ages and people of various fitness levels.
A 2.9 k.m. out-and-back trail takes you through dense forest full of old Douglas fir trees, cedar, and mossy boulders, and leads you to not one but two beautiful waterfalls along the Cypress Creek River – the lower falls and the more impressive upper falls.
Where: Cyprus Falls Park, West Vancouver
Norvan Falls
Tucked deep in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, this 14 k.m. out-and-back trail near North Vancouver takes you through forest paths, wooden bridges, and river crossings. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes just under four hours to complete and ends at a stunning picture-perfect 30 metre waterfall that looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Where: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver
Helmcken Falls
For number four on our list, we’re going with the fourth highest waterfall in Canada: Helmcken Falls. These 141-metre-high falls are very accessible and can be reached by a short walk from the nearby carpark.
However, if you really want to get up close and personal, you can set out on an 8 k.m. return hike that follows the Murtle River until it plunges over the falls. On this trail, you’ll hear the roar of the river and get a bird’s-eye view of the water plunging deep into the canyon below.
Where: Wells-Gray Provincial Park
Bridal Veil Falls
East of Chillwack in Bridal Veil Falls Park, you’ll find Bridal Veils Falls, a unique waterfall that cascades delicately down a smooth rock face, creating a misty veil-like effect — hence the name!
There are two short trails from the parking lot that take you through the forest and straight to this epic 60 metre waterfall, and it’s best to do both as a loop.
Where: Bridal Veil Falls Park
Shannon Falls
Cascading down a 335 metre rock face, Shannon Falls, just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Squamish, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the area and perhaps one of BC’s most popular waterfalls overall. It’s easily accessible, with a viewpoint located just a short uphill walk from the parking lot, making it the perfect pit stop on any Sea-to-Sky Highway road trip.
But if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can continue up to Upper Shannon Falls, which is steeper and offers a quieter and more dramatic and secluded view of the falls.
Where: Squamish Falls Provincial Park
Della Falls
If you’re heading to Vancouver Island this spring, be sure to check out Della Falls in Stratchcona Provincial Park. At 440 metres tall, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada and must be seen to be believed!
The hike up to the falls can be very challenging – it’s 29.6 k.m. long and takes approximately nine hours return – so it’s best for the more adventurous hikers. But the views are totally worth it.
The trailhead is accessible by a boat or canoe ride from the eastern end of Great Central Lake and follows an old railway up Drinkwater Valley to the base of the falls. Hikers will pass by historic sites from the area’s early days of logging and mining and tons of scenic views along the way.
Where: Strathcona Provincial Park
Note: When planning your trips, please be mindful of the dangers of waterfalls and the hikes to get to them. Always let someone know if you’re planning a day hike or overnight stay outdoors. Familiarize yourself with this safety list prior to departure.
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