Canada boasts some beautiful sights, but when it comes to awe-inspiring and picturesque natural wonders, this one is proudly the largest, and it’s a nature photographer’s dream.
Nestled within British Columbia’s Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, Della Falls is the tallest waterfall in Canada and the 16th tallest in the world. It boasts an impressive vertical drop of 440 meters, twice the height of the Calgary Tower and only about 100 metres shorter than Toronto’s iconically tall CN Tower.
But reaching it is no small feat.
The journey requires a multi-day hike and canoe trip — the only way to access Della Falls is across Great Central Lake, which, at 294 m deep, is the second-deepest lake on Vancouver Island and is surrounded by mountainous terrain and rocks that date back to the Mesozoic area.
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When is the best time to travel to this BC spot?
The Della Falls Trail is best hiked between June and October, as it is usually snow-covered from late October or November until at least June and sometimes into July.
The trail passes through rainforest, valley, and subalpine terrain, making it suitable for intermediate backpackers. Wilderness camping is permitted at designated back-country sites, and the hike typically takes three days, depending on fitness levels and route planning.
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While Della Falls is the main attraction, the trail also features other beautiful waterfalls and, if time allows, a day trip to the stunning Love Lake is perfect for a refreshing swim and views of Mount Septimus and Mount Rosseau.
If you’re looking for a perfect place to camp, the nearby Margaret Creek offers a scenic camping or lunch spot with clear, green waters and views from the BC Parks bridge or nearby bluffs.
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The history of this natural Canadian wonder
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Della Falls was discovered in 1899 by Joe Drinkwater, a prospector and trapper who mined gold in the area. He named the falls after his wife, Della, and even constructed an aerial tramway to transport ore and supplies along the steep cliffs. Remnants of this tramway, along with other mining debris, can still be found today.
Drinkwater Creek, named after Drinkwater, is a constant presence on the Della Falls Trail, with hikers crossing it multiple times and hearing its flow at night.
The hiking trail begins at the western end of Great Central Lake and follows Drinkwater Creek to the base of the biggest waterfall in Canada.
Which spot placed second? Nestled near the Alberta border, the massive Takakkaw Falls is also within BC, and it comes highly recommended.
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“Nothing captures the awe and wonder of Yoho National Park like the tremendous thunder of Takakkaw Falls. Plunging from above at a height of 380m (1246 ft ) with a 254m ( 833 ft ) freefall, Canada’s second highest waterfall leaves every visitor humbled,” the national park’s website reads in part.
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Humbled is right!