Late spring is one of the best times of year for hiking, and BC is home to some refreshing waterfall hikes that you have to experience for yourself. From accessible falls and beginner-friendly hikes to more challenging adventures through rugged wilderness, here are some beautiful hikes that take you to waterfalls 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.
Helmcken Falls
Let’s start with the fourth-tallest waterfall in Canada! Situated near Kamloops, Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Park is truly incredible to witness. The falls are. 141-metre drop, cascading out of the lush green forest that surrounds it. In the wintertime, the falls transform with ice and snow into a 50-metre ice cone!
Where: Wells Gray Provincial Park, Thompson-Nicola District
Little Qualicum Falls
These charming falls are situated on Vancouver Island at a provincial park by the same name, and are super convenient to access. A well-groomed path leads hikers out to the spectacular falls, with a loop trail allowing them to observe many different cascades and pools.
Where: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
Della Falls
Situated in the oldest provincial park in BC, Della Falls has a drop of 440 metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Descending over three beautiful cascades, the falls are located in the southern remote section of the park ,with the trailhead only accessible by boat at the northwest end of Great Central Lake.
Where: Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
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Brandywine Falls
Situated between Whistler and Squamish, Brandywine offers visitors the ultimate Twin Peaks vibes, with a 70-metre-high waterfall that’s situated in the midst of gorgeous forest. A quick trail brings you to the viewing platform that allows you to see the whole falls in their majesty.
Note that there is no access to the lower falls due to safety concerns.
Where: Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler
Elk Falls
This one’s more of a journey to reach, but it’s absolutely worth it. Located near Campbell River, Elk Falls is a ‘thundering’ waterfall accessible via an extensive network of forest trails. Plus, there’s a suspension bridge that allows visitors to take in the falls in all their glory!
Where: Elk Falls Provincial Park, Vancouver Island
Dawson Falls
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
Shannon Falls
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
Cascade Falls
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
Nairn Falls
This one’s just a quick walk away, but Whistler’s Nairn Falls consists of two water flows that appear separated due to the water travelling underneath a natural rock wall. Around 60 metres tall, the falls are definitely a cool natural feature to check out the next time you’re in the area!
Where: Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Whistler
And that’s a wrap on some incredible waterfall hikes to check out in BC.
Stay safe out there, and happy adventuring!
