A few weeks ago, we published this list rounding up a few of our favourite waterfalls near Vancouver that no doubt deserve a spot on everyone's must-visit list.
Turns out our readers were pretty into it.
Thankfully for all of the eager waterfall-chasers out there, this corner of the world has way too many stunning falls to fit on one list. So, as summer comes to an end, leaves begin to change and fall weather slowly starts creeping into the forecast, here are 10 more nearby waterfalls that make for a great day trip from Metro Vancouver - rain or shine, heat wave or sweater weather, long weekend or mid-week.
1. Bridal Veil Falls
It's a popular spot for a reason! East of Chilliwack, in a small community called Rosedale, you'll find the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls tumbling 60 whole metres over a smooth rock face, creating a "veil-like” effect. The provincial park includes day-use facilities perfect for a picnic, as well as two different (but both short) hiking trails leading to the waterfall.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 minutes
Round-Trip: less than 1 km
Elevation Gain: 50 metres
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 30 minutes
More details and driving directions: Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park
2. Alexander Falls
You'll need to drive up the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler to see these spectacular 43-metre falls. They're located just south of the resort, in the Callaghan Valley on the way to Whistler Olympic Park. The best part? You can drive right up to a scenic viewing platform, so no need to exert yourself for this worthwhile sight. If you are interested in a little more adventure or a closer look at the falls, however, during the winter you can snowshoe to the base of the falls from the Whistler Olympic Park lodge.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time / Round-Trip / Elevation Gain: Zero! Drive directly to the best view of these falls
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 30 minutes
Directions: If you're driving from Whistler (you can't get this close to the resort and not drop by for a visit, after all) head south for about 10 km until you see a sign on the right to Callaghan Valley and Whistler Olympic Park. Turn right onto the Callaghan Valley Road and follow the paved road for another 10 km. Keep an eye out for signs on the left for Alexander Falls and a large gravel parking lot you can pull into.
For more information: Alexander Falls
3. Sawblade Falls
You'll find water flowing over these falls on Burke Mountain, in Coquitlam's Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. Getting to the base of the falls does require an approximately 4 km hike up the park's scenic Woodland Walk Trail, during which you'll pass by the smaller Woodland Falls. A bonus waterfall, if you will! The hike - which, fair warning, includes some short but steep sections - can be completed in a loop, following the Upper Loop and Lower Loop trails.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3 hours
Round-Trip: 8 km
Elevation Gain: 180 m
Drive from Vancouver: 45 minutes
Directions: Take Highway 1 heading east from Vancouver. Use exit 44 for United Blvd, continuing onto BC-7B, or the Mary Hill Bypass. Turn left onto Broadway Street until it turns into Coast Meridian, and keep heading north until you near the end of the road. Turn right onto Harper Road, following it until you spot a yellow gate on your right. You can park on the side of the road near the gate.
For more information: Sawblade Falls
4. Granite Falls
Getting to these stunning falls, which tumble down over a distance of 50 metres, might require a little extra effort, but not necessarily the kind that will get your heart and lungs pumping. Granite Falls are located in Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park (A.K.A. Indian Arm Park), in North Vancouver. The park is located on the eastern and western shorelines of the upper portion of Indian Arm, meaning it's primarily accessed by boat. Whether your vessel is powered by a paddle or a motor, Granite Falls is a spectacular sight worth the additional planning. There is a campsite, beach and dock near the base of the falls, if you're looking to turn it into an overnight trip. (Be sure to research tides and weather conditions prior to departing.)
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: See below.
Time: Dependant on your mode of transportation and fitness level. According to Deep Cove Kayak, the 18-km one-way trip from Deep Cove can be completed in 3 hours paddling at a fast pace, 4 hours paddling at an average pace, and 6 hours if you're paddling at a leisurely pace.
Drive from Vancouver: 25 minutes (to Deep Cove)
For more information: Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park
5. Cascade Falls
Northeast of Mission, you can hike a short distance to take in the sight of these thundering falls from a suspension bridge that crosses a river directly in front of them - two Instagram-worthy attractions in one!
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 mins
Round-Trip: 0.75 km
Elevation Gain: 40 m
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 30 minutes
For more information and driving directions: Cascade Falls Regional Park
6. Crystal Falls (Lions Bay)
Our last waterfall-hunting guid e also included a Crystal Falls, but that attraction was located in Coquitlam. These falls, situated in the small community of Lions Bay, are equally as dazzling. Found along the Lions Bay Loop trail network, the hike to this waterfall also offers up stunning views of the Howe Sound. The trailhead can be found near the Lions Bay General Store and Cafe, but be sure not to park in the General Store's lot, and double-check parking signage to avoid returning from your hike to find your car towed.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Round-Trip: 4.5 km
Elevation Gain: 175 m
Drive from Vancouver: 40 minutes (Or 2 hours from downtown, if you're using public transit)
For more information and driving directions: Lions Bay Loop
7. Twin Falls
A great view of these falls is accessible from a short, popular hike located in North Vancouver's Lynn Canyon Park. You'll need to cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and follow Lynn Creek downriver, before crossing a wooden bridge and looping back on the opposite side of the canyon in order to see the river rushing over this set of falls.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour
Round-Trip: 1.5 km
Elevation Gain: 65 m
Drive from Vancouver: 30 minutes
For more information and driving directions: Twin Falls
8. Gold Creek Falls
In case its name didn't give it away, this waterfall can be found in the breathtaking Golden Ears Provincial Park, near Maple Ridge. Views of the eye-catching falls, tumbling into an emerald-green creek, require a fairly short hike, which also features views of Alouette, Edge, and Blanchard Mountains. It also makes for a great excursion during a camping trip to the Provincial Park. After reaching the initial sight of the falls, don't forget to continue up the trail to enjoy the next viewpoint located at the top! Make sure to plan according and visit BC Parks' Discover Camping reservations website prior to your visit - only a certain number of cars will be allowed into the park each day, in an effort to support proper physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Round-Trip: 5.5 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 30 minutes
For more information and driving directions: Gold Creek Falls
9. Widgeon Falls
These falls, located near Pitt Lake, might not be quite as towering as others on this list, but that doesn't mean they're any less worthy of a visit - especially considering a trip to this particular set of waterfalls also means a fun day of paddling!
Start your journey by paddling across Pitt Lake towards the Widgeon Slough, making sure to keep an eye out for wildlife. It should take about 30 minutes to reach a fork in the creek, where you'll want to stick to your left. Continue paddling until you come across a campsite, where you'll find the trailhead to the right. Enjoy hiking through the forest until you reach the lower falls - a great spot for a swim on a sunny day - or continue on to reach the upper falls.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 hours
Round-Trip: 6.5 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 15 minutes
For more information and driving directions: Widgeon Falls
10. Flood Falls
This waterfall, located near Hope, might be a little further of a trek from the city, but thankfully the journey to these incredible falls is considerably short once you step out of the car. The family-friendly journey to Flood Falls, towering a spectacular distance above the small pool below, takes only 15-20 minutes one way.
THE DETAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45 minutes
Round-Trip: 1 km
Elevation Gain: 40 m
Drive from Vancouver: 1 hour 50 minutes
For more information and driving directions: Flood Falls
Before you leave:
Anytime you set out on a trail, it's extremely important to check current weather, terrain, and wildlife conditions beforehand. Always be sure to know your physical limitations and plan accordingly, tell someone where you are going prior to your trip, bring enough food and water, wear appropriate clothing, and never hike alone. Don’t attempt dangerous poses for photographs - especially in situations involving moving water.
For more tips about how to make your visit to any one of these stunning waterfalls a safe one, read this.
Visit Vancouver Trails online for a detailed list of safety tips and things to consider before your next hike.
