It’s no secret that BC is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and summer is one of the best times of year to see them. From accessible falls and beginner-friendly hikes to more challenging adventures through rugged wilderness, here are 14 stunning waterfall hikes to check out in BC.
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.
Nairn Falls
Photo via John Marc Lyttle / Shutterstock
Take a quick walk out past Whistler to see one of the most interesting falls in the area. Nairn Falls are around 60 meters tall and feature two amazing falls. The cool part about these falls is there is no visible connection between the second and third falls. Why? Well, because later in the season the water travels underneath a natural rock wall!
Where: Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Whistler
Brandywine Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
If youâre in the mood for some Twin Peaks vibes, Brandywine Falls has what youâre after. In between Whistler and Squamish, you can check out this beautiful 70-metre-high waterfall. A quick trail brings you to the viewing platform that allows you to see the whole falls in their majesty.
Where: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler
Shannon Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
Located right by the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, these falls are truly awesome. It is the third-highest waterfall in the province, with hundreds of metres of rolling cliffs and rocks. The first viewing area is just a short walk away from the parking lot, but this is also a launch point for some of the region’s most challenging hikes.
Where: Squamish Falls Provincial Park, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Alexander Falls
Photo via Milan Rademakers / Shutterstock
Located in the Callaghan Valley, these gorgeous waterfalls are some of the easiest to see in BC. Just a short drive south of Whistler, the falls are actually visible from the parking lot! Of course, we recommend stepping onto the nearby viewing platform for the best photo ops.
Where: Callaghan Valley, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Cascade Falls
Photo via Aurelina Films / Shutterstock
Another nice and easy option, but this time in the Fraser Valley. Located north of Mission and near Stave Lake, this relatively small park still has hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and of course, some stunning waterfalls to see. Plus, the short trail to get there makes it fun for all ages.
When: Cascade Falls Regional Park, Fraser Valley
Helmcken Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
This is the fourth tallest waterfall in Canada and is truly awe-inspiring to see near Kamloops. The falls are a 141-metre drop and are worth checking out any time of year. In the spring, the falls jut out of the lush green forest. In the winter, see everything shining with ice and snow, including a 50-metre ice cone!
Where: Wells-Gray Provincial Park, Thompson-Nicola District
Dawson Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
Dawson Falls is not to be missed, if only because they’re pretty much right next to Helmcken Falls. Both of the falls are on the Murtle River, and both feature easy-to-access trails and viewing platforms. So, if you’re going to visit one make sure that you visit the other!
Where: Wells-Gray Provincial Park, Thompson-Nicola District
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Kennedy Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
We like Kennedy Falls because even though it’s close to home, the rugged terrain and the falls themselves suggest we’re much further away. That said, it’s no small task to get there, requiring around 5 hours for the round-trip hike to and from them.
Where: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver
Norvan Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
Rather than the sprawling style of Kennedy Falls, Norvan Falls offers a much more reserved yet rugged reward. Pretty much enclosed by the forest, this waterfall is the kind you’d expect to see in some fantasy movie, just before a magical creature appears and gifts you a shield or something.
Where: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver
Twin Falls
Photo via Shutterstock
A super easy-to-access spot on the North Shore, Twin Falls has both a suspension bridge above it and relatively safe swimming holes below. So, if you’re looking for sights to see, picnics to have, and pools to take a dip in, this is maybe your most convenient option.
Where: Lynn Canyon, North Vancouver
Myra Falls
Photo via DTB’s Photos / Shutterstock
If you’re heading out to Vancouver Island this summer, then this needs to be number 1 on your list of hikes. You can pick two trails for Myra Falls, and both are worth it. The lower trail gives you a great view of the falls themselves. On the other hand, the upper trail features a vista of the lake below. It’s a toss-up, but we say check out the lower one.
Where: Comox-Strathcona Regional District, Vancouver Island
Little Qualicum Falls
Photo via Carrie Cole / Shutterstock
These cute falls are also located on Vancouver Island and are super easy to get to! Near Qualicum Beach and Parksville, take the well-groomed path and check out the wonderful falls. The loop trail also allows you to check out the many different cascades and pools of these gorgeous falls.
Where: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
Elk Falls
Photo via Albert Pego / Shutterstock
Our third Vancouver Island pick is absolutely worth the journey. Located near Campbell River, the falls are the shining star of a beautiful park. What’s more, a suspension bridge was built just a few years back to let you check them out in all their glory.
Where: Elk Falls Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
Twin Falls
Photo via Jason Patrick Ross / Shutterstock
Finally, we’re capping this list off with a pick that may be a twin in name – but is definitely more like a distant cousin of the other Twin Falls. Located in Yoho National Park, these falls reach a whopping 180 metres, and the hike to them includes views of the nearby Takakkaw Falls, which are about double their height! Absolutely worth a road trip for the true waterfall buffs in BC.
Where: Yoho National Park, near Field
And that’s a wrap on some stunning waterfall hikes to try out in BC this spring. Stay safe out there!
