10 spectacular frozen waterfalls to visit in B.C. this winter

Winter is never complete without a visit to a gorgeous frozen waterfall, and B.C. is lucky to have a handful known to freeze over every year. So grab your gloves and snowshoes – it’s time to enjoy all the season has to offer!

Here are 10 spectacular frozen waterfalls to visit in B.C. this winter.

Helmcken Falls

Let’s start with the fourth tallest waterfall in Canada, situated in the breathtaking Wells Gray Park! Every winter, the glacier-cold waters of Helmcken Falls crash down at its base, creating a residual splash that forms a massive cone of ice. A pretty wild sight to see!

Where: Clearwater, B.C.

Alexander Falls

Accessible by snowshoe, Alexander Falls in Whistler stands 55 metres tall, and is known to freeze into tiers of icicles every winter, according to Destination Vancouver. While you can only view the falls from a designated viewing platform, in the winter, you can snowshoe right to its base via marked trails at Whistler Olympic Park.

Note that there are some very steep sections included in this trail, so be sure to use a map and consider booking your trail tickets in advance. Alternatively, snowshoes can be rented from the Evo Callaghan store. 

Where: Whistler, B.C.

Fairy Creek Falls 

This popular Fernie hike takes you two kilometres from the Fernie Visitor Centre just off Highway 3 through a beautiful wooded area to a waterfall along Fairy Creek. After a heavy snowfall, snowshoes are your best bet until the trail is paved again, but the views are well worth it.

Where: Fernie, B.C.

Findlay Falls  

This small waterfall near Canal Flats is a popular day trip destination in the Columbia Valley, according to Tourism Cranbrook – but a hidden gem come wintertime. The generally well-maintained forestry service road leads to a beautiful creekside waterfall that is known to freeze over.

Where: Canal Flats, B.C.

Moyie (Lumberton) Falls 

This popular Cranbrook hike is short and sweet any time of year, but its reputation come wintertime proceeds it. According to Tourism Cranbrook, the Moyie River splits a pair of tall cliffs and pours into a frozen pool below.

Where: Near Cranbrook, B.C.

Bridal Veil Falls

And now, for a handful of what Destination Vancouver describes as “sometimes” frozen falls. Bridal Veil Falls cascades over a smooth rock surface, and if you catch it freezing over before the snow and ice melt away in late March, consider yourself lucky!

Where: Chilliwack, B.C.

Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls Provincial Park is home to the third tallest waterfall in the province, and it’s is open year-round according to Tourism Squamish. This means you’ll be able to catch them freezing over just in time before spring weather hits.

The park’s well-maintained boardwalk and trail network offer visitors the chance to explore towering old-growth trees and even try their hand at rock or ice climbing south of the falls.

Where: Squamish, B.C.

Cypress Falls

With dog-friendly trails and a handful of scenic viewpoints, Cypress is great spot to visit if you’re looking for an accessible frozen waterfall near the city. Its low elevation means that the trails are less likely to be blanketed in snow, so no need to bust out any fancy winter gear here.

Where: West Vancouver, B.C.

Cascade Falls