16 stunning waterfalls around Vancouver you can hike to
As the days get longer, more of us are spending our time outdoors. Lucky for us, the Vancouver area is a great place to get into nature and explore. And what’s one of the best things to do? Chase waterfalls!
See also
- 5 harder hikes for less lazy people near Vancouver
- The 10 best places to take spring photos in Vancouver
- The world's best airport is now home to the world's highest indoor waterfall (PHOTOS)
Something we take for granted is the hundreds of waterfalls that are easily accessible to us through hiking.
Here at Daily Hive, we’ve created a list of some of the best looking waterfalls from North Vancouver to Chilliwack to Port Moody to Whistler.
Which one will you check out first?
For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.
Kennedy Falls
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What: If you’re looking for something not too difficult but with a view worth seeing, then check out Kennedy Falls. Along the rugged terrain, you’ll see some amazing views before you hit the waterfall including a breathtaking cedar tree.
How Long: Five hours
Where: Begins and ends at the top of Mountain Avenue — North Vancouver
Directions: 30 minutes drive from downtown or take the 210 bus
Recommended: Year Round
Twin Falls
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What: This waterfall is located very close to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Once you arrive, there is a viewing platform that’s perfect to take pictures from. One of the busier waterfalls on this list.
How Long: 20 minutes
Where: On the Baden Powell Trail in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park — North Vancouver
Directions: 40-minute drive from downtown Vancouver or the Seabus and the 228 bus
Recommended: May to October
Norvan Falls
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What: In order to get to Norvan falls you must first go through a few streams, trees, and rubble. You didn’t think a powerful waterfall like this would be that easy to get to did you?
How Long: Five hours
Where: Begins at the parking lot of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park — North Vancouver
Directions: 4o minute drive from downtown Vancouver or take the Seabus and 228 bus
Recommended: Year round
Sawblade Falls
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What: Just look at how beautiful Sawblade Falls looks. Located in the mountains above Coquitlam, this trail will lead you to Woodland Falls first and after a few more trees and rubble you’ll be witness to these powerful falls.
How Long: Three hours
Where: Begins to the left of the metal gate on Harper Road just before PoCo & District Hunting & Fishing Club — Coquitlam
Directions: 45-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver — No public transit
Recommended: Year Round
Widgeon Falls
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What: This waterfall located in Pitt Meadows is worth all the work you must do to see it. Either rent a canoe or bring your own and begin your trek to the falls. Once you see it, you’ll realize, all that work was worth it.
How Long: Five hours
Where: Begins and ends at Pitt Lake at the end of Neaves Road — Pitt Meadows
Directions: One hour and 15-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver — No public transit
Recommended: Year-round
Gold Creek Falls
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What: Maple Ridge offers you one of the best waterfalls in the area. Gold Creek Falls is located after you finish a short walk near Alloute Lake. You’ll see beautiful trees and mountains before the grand finale.
How Long: Two hours
Where: Begins at the last parking lot of Golden Ears Parkway — Maple Ridge
Directions: One hour and 50-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver — No public transit
Recommended: Year Round
Brothers Creek Loop
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What: Brothers Creek loop is a trail in West Vancouver that offers you glimpses along the way of waterfalls. One of West Vancouver’s best places to spend the afternoon.
How Long: Four hours
Where: Starts on Millstream Road near Henlow Road — West Vancouver
Directions: 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver or take the 250 and 254 busses
Recommended: April to November
Cascade Falls
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What: Not many people know of Cascade Falls. Once you walk to the suspension bridge, you’ll have a picture-perfect view to make all your Instagram followers envious.
How Long: Half an hour
Where: Starts at Cascade Falls Regional Park parking lot off Ridgeview Road – Mission
Directions: One hour and 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver — No public transit
Recommended: April to November
Bridal Veil Falls
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What: One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Lower Mainland is located in Chilliwack. It’s said that a smooth rock behind the falls gives the water a veil like effect.
How Long: 15 minutes
Where: Bridal Falls Road, off Harrison Hot Springs Road — Chilliwack
Directions: One hour and 30 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver — No public transit
Recommended: May to October
Crooked Falls
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What: After you’ve endured the wilderness, trees and rocks your reward will be a magnificent view of Crooked Falls. A waterfall that’s like no other.
How Long: Four hours
Where: Begin on Sigurd Creek trailhead on the left side of Ashlu Road — Squamish
Directions: One hour and 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver
Recommended: April to November
High Falls
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What: In order to reach High Falls you will have to endure many things from heights to rough terrains. The ropes are there for you to use on your way up. Once you arrive, your view will be something spectacular.
How Long: Five hours
Where: Begins 23.5 kilometres down Squamish Valley Road — Squamish
Directions: Two-hour drive from Downtown Vancouver
Recommended: May to October
Shannon Falls
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What: The third highest waterfall in BC is located very close to the popular Stawamus Chief. After a long day of hiking, make your way over to this popular waterfall to cool off.
How Long: Five minutes
Where: Starts at the Shannon Park Provincial Park parking lot — Squamish
Directions: 45-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver
Recommended: Year Round
Brandywine Falls
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What: If you want to see something new while on your drive to Whistler, then Brandywine Falls is the place for you. It’s a very short walk until you see these mighty falls from above. Truly breathtaking.
How Long: 30 minutes
Where: Starts at the Brandywine Falls parking lot — Whistler
Directions: One hour and 40-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver
Recommended: Year Round
Alexander Falls
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What: To put it into simple terms; A beautiful view of one of BC’s best waterfalls.
How Long: No hike needed
Where: Callaghan Valley Road just before Callaghan Country Ski Resort — Whistler
Directions: One hour and 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver
Recommended: Year round
Rainbow Falls
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What: Although it happens to be on the intermediate Rainbow Road trail, these waterfalls are very easily accessible. Stop along the Sea to Sky Highway for a different kind of view.
How Long: 40 minutes
Where: Starts 7 km under Alta Lake Road, off the Sea-to-Sky Highway — Whistler
Directions: Two-hour drive from Vancouver
Recommended: July to September
Nairn Falls
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What: Located just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway you’ll be able to catch Nairn Falls. After a short hike, you’ll see the falls from a nice viewpoint. Perfect for pictures!
How Long: One and a half hours
Where: In between Whistler and Pemberton on the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Directions: 2.5 drive from Downtown Vancouver
Recommended: Year round
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