Kanaka Creek is a local gem in Maple Ridge, situated just under an hour away from Vancouver. If you’re hoping to do a bit of exploring in the area over the holidays, read on.
Providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including salmon, the park has a hatchery that supports salmonid enhancement activities for chum and coho salmon, as well as trout populations in the creek.
It’s not only a great spot to look for spawning salmon every fall, but a serene setting for a smaller hike any time of year. Its trail network is explorable by foot, bicycle, or even horseback, according to the Metro Vancouver regional parks page.
Sanstone canyon and waterfall
One trail in particular runs from the fish hatchery to Cliff Falls, a remarkable sandstone canyon with a beautiful waterfall on the north and south arms of the creek. The 2.4 km journey includes some challenging hills, so prepare to work up a sweat before enjoying your sweet reward.
On the other hand, the Riverfront Trails (6 km roundtrip) are flat with some solid wildlife viewing opportunities at Kanaka Creek’s oxbow and the Fraser River.
And while it might not be prime kayaking weather currently, the lower section of Kanaka Creek (at the Fraser Riverfront) is considered suitable for canoeing and kayaking adventures. However, the park website notes that the upper reaches above the falls are not safe to paddle through.
At Cliff Falls, the steep, slippery slopes and hidden underwater hazards make it unsafe to swim. So make sure you enjoy the rushing water and its surroundings from a safe distance.
Finally, ensure you brush up on your wildlife safety skills, as the regional park is home to a mix of bears, cougars, and coyotes.
That being said, this remarkable park is a beautiful place to wander, complete with a charming wooden bridge across the creek at the mouth of the Fraser River.
How to get there: Drive 58 minutes from Vancouver to Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge via Trans – Canada Hwy/BC-1 E.
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