Exploring the Best Waterfalls In Vancouver
Waterfalls are truly a sight to behold, and we’re lucky to have several stunning ones just a short drive from Vancouver.
Not sure where to find these natural wonders?
Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of must-see waterfalls in and around Vancouver.
1. Cypress Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 17 minutes
- Address: Woodgreen Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7S 2V6, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Hours: Daily, 8am to 11pm
Cypress Falls is a popular destination offering year-round beauty. The trails run alongside the falls, with a hike needed to reach the top. The upper falls offer a more picturesque view, but be cautious near the edge.
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2. Kennedy Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 39 minutes
- Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: May through November
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Kennedy Falls in North Van features a trail with moderate challenge. Along the way, look out for a grand cedar tree. The falls are breathtaking, and the hike includes some steep and slippery sections.
3. Twin Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 26 minutes
- Address: 3663 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Hours: Daily, 10am to 4pm
The highlight of Twin Falls is the suspension bridge surrounded by lush greenery. The easy hike leads to a view of the two closely situated falls. There’s also a cozy picnic area nearby.
4. Nairn Falls Park
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
- Address: Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: March through November
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 10pm
Located north of Whistler, Nairn Falls offers activities like rock climbing and mountain biking. The 1.5-kilometer trek to the waterfall is rewarding, especially if you catch it at sunset.
5. Kanaka Creek Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1 hour
- Address: 11484 256 St, Maple Ridge, BC V2W 1H1, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: April through June
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 8pm
In Kanaka Creek Regional Park, the 1.5-hour hike to Kanaka Creek Falls features unique sandstone formations. Watch out for black bears, and keep dogs leashed.
6. Crooked Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Address: Upper Squamish, BC V0N 2L2, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: April through November
- Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm
Crooked Falls offers a surreal experience with its impressive size and volume. The hike involves steep elevations and moss-covered boulders. Be mindful of ground wasp nests.
7. Gold Creek Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1 hour
- Address: Lower Falls Trail, Fraser Valley F, BC V0M 1H0, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: May through October
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 3:30pm
A 2.5-kilometer hike leads you through an enchanted forest to Gold Creek Falls. The strong water flow and scenic surroundings make it a great spot for sunbathing or picnicking.
8. Bridal Veil Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
- Address: Bridal Falls, BC V0X 1X0, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: March through October
- Hours: Daily, 8am to 8pm
Bridal Veil Falls is easily accessible with a mostly flat trail, though the final stretch is steep. The falls are especially beautiful in the afternoon sunlight.
9. Sawblade Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 50 minutes
- Address: Village Lake Trail, Coquitlam, BC V3E 3H1, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: April through November
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The Sawblade Falls trail is steep but marked well. The 40-foot drop is worth the effort. Visit in the morning for a peaceful lunch with a beautiful view.
10. Shannon Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 45 minutes
- Address: BC-97, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC V0N 1T0, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 10pm
Shannon Falls offers an easy hike and powerful water flow. The top provides a chance to feel the mist from the falls. Spring visits offer extra beauty from melting snow.
11. Norvan Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 37 minutes
- Address: 4900 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: June through October
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 4pm
The 7-kilometer trail to Norvan Falls features varied natural scenery. The small lookout can be risky, so it’s safer to enjoy the falls from the rocks below.
12. Rainbow Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
- Address: Whistler, BC V0N 1B5, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Rainbow Falls is an easy hike ideal for kids, with a beautiful waterfall and mountain scenery. For adventure seekers, continue to Rainbow Lake.
13. Brandywine Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Address: Whistler, BC V0N 0A0, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: April through October
- Hours: Daily, 8am to 9pm
Brandywine Falls features a scenic lookout and easy trail. Along the way, enjoy a variety of sights, including a river, rapids, and snow-capped peaks.
14. Cascade Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1 hour and 22 minutes
- Address: 36421 Ridgeview Rd, Deroche, BC V0M 1G0, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: April through October
- Hours: Daily, 7am to 7pm
A quick 5-minute walk leads to Cascade Falls, visible from a suspension bridge. For a dip, follow the stream to the picnic area, but the water is quite chilly.
15. Alexander Falls
- Travel Time from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
- Address: Squamish-Lillooet, BC V0N 2L2, Canada
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Hours: Daily, 10am to 4:30pm
Alexander Falls in Callaghan Valley is less crowded, with a viewing platform off the Sea to Sky highway. Watch for the parking lot turnoff, which comes earlier than GPS suggests.
Enjoy exploring these incredible waterfalls and the natural beauty they offer!
