Finding some of the best waterfalls in BC is definitely worth the adventure. There is nothing better than getting out into the wilderness to enjoy the breathtaking natural surroundings of spectacular BC. Experience the stillness of the forest and hear the soothing sounds of rushing water tumbling down the mountainside as it carves its pathway through volcanic lava rock or limestone.
Nairn Falls
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is 25 minutes north of Whistler on Highway 99. From the parking lot follow the 1.5 km trail to the view the 40-metre-high falls. Watch your footing as there are many steep banks above the fast flowing Green River. The trail has lots of raised tree roots. Hike through western red cedar, western hemlock, paper birch and coastal Douglas-fir. Watch forwestern flowering dogwood during bloom time in April and May, BC’s official flower emblem.
The area is rich in geological history as it transitioned from a seashore to a mountainous area. Water, glaciers and volcanic islands have formed the land through the ages. At the falls look for pothole erosion made by rushing waters moving in a circular motion.
Learn more about the top things to see along one of the most scenic roads in North America, the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.
Best waterfalls in BC, spectacular Nairn Falls, north of Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Alexander Falls
Alexander Falls is located just south of Whistler on Callaghan Valley Road not far from Whistler Olympic Park. The 43-metre-high waterfall can be easily seen from the viewing area.
Best waterfalls in BC, Alexander Falls near Whistler. Photo Credit Natalie Tsang, Flicr
Brandywine Falls
Take a short walk along the trail to the falls viewpoint to see the spectacular 70-metre-high Brandywine Falls. The park was formed after a volcano erupted more than 13,000 years ago. The falls are located 114 kms north of Vancouver and 17 kms south of Whistler.
Shannon Falls
Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. The impressive falls drop 335 meters. Located 59.3 kms north of Vancouver the drive to Shannon Falls Provincial Park takes about 50 mins on the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway BC-99 on the route to Whistler.
Take the short trail through the forest along the river to the falls from the parking lot. This is always a favourite picnic stop. The park is open year-round, but use extra caution on wet days as the trails and other surface can be extremely slippery.
Carling O’Keefe Brewery owned the area in 1976 and used the mountain water to make its beer. The land was later donated to BC Parks in 1982. Find out more about the park.
Read more about exploring the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America.
Englishman River Falls
Take a hike through lushly forested area of Douglas fir trees to discover two waterfalls at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. One of the waterfalls drops down into the narrowest BC canyon related to a waterfall. Mist from the waterfall provides a perfect spot for maidenhair ferns to thrive. Download a map of the park. The park is located about 20 minutes from Parksville on Vancouver Island.
Little Qualicum Falls
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park has many short easy hikes through the old growth Douglas fir forest to view the upper and lower falls, as well as the river. Download a park map.The park is located about 25 minutes from Parksville on Vancouver Island on the road to Pacific Rim National Park.
Read more planning a scenic adventure from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park.
Lower Myra Falls
Lower Myra Falls is located in Strathcona Provincial Park and is more than a 3 1/2 hour drive north of Nanaimo. The trail to reach the falls is just over a 1 km but has some very steep sections and caution is advised. The water cascades over limestone and basalt rocks.
While in the area check out two other waterfalls. Lupine Falls and Lady Falls are both close to the road and about a 20-minute walk each to the viewing platform.
Rushing Lower Myra Falls, Strathcona Provincial Park. Photo Credit: Harold, Flicr
Helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls is Canada’s fourth largest waterfall and one of the highest in BC. The rushing waters tumble 141 metres into the canyon below. These falls are close to the road and located in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Wells Gray Provincial Park has 41 named waterfalls.
Spahats Falls
Spahats Falls flows through layers of volcanic rock and plunges 80 metres into Clearwater River. Stunning views of the falls are accessed by a short walk to the viewing platform. The falls are located in Wells Gray Provincial Park. To get there take Highway 5, 10 kms north of Clearwater and then take Clearwater Valley Road. Stop at the Wells Gray Information Centre for more information.
Best waterfalls in BC, Spahats Creek Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Dawson Falls
This rushing waterfall is 90-metres-wide flowing over ancient lava beds. Dawson Falls are easily accessible after following a trail for about 10 minutes. The trail is just off Clearwater Valley Road in Well Gray Provincial Park.
Moul Falls
Moul Falls is further off the road and you need to hike in about one hour. It is 6 kms roundtrip. Check at the visitors centre to make sure about the changing conditions on the trail and regarding access behind the waterfall. Last year you were able to go behind the falls as you can see from the the photo below. Moul Falls is in Wells Gray Provincial Park. See map above.
Best waterfalls in BC, Moul Falls is located in Wells Gray Provincial Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Canim Falls
There are actually three beautiful waterfalls in this area, Canim, Mahood and Deception. The falls are located in Wells Gray Provincial Park and can be found on short 30 minute trails off of Mahood Lake Road, between Clearwater and 100 Mile House.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is on a short 45 minute loop trail in Lynn Canyon Park. The route takes you through the rainforest, over the suspension bridge and Twin Falls Bridge. Lynn Canyon Park is located in North Vancouver. Find out more about other trails in the park.
Best waterfalls in BC, Twin Falls, Lynn Canyon Park. Photo Credit: Viv Lynch, Flicr
Bridal Veil Falls
Delicate cascading Bridal Veil Falls tumbles down 60-metres. Walk through a forest of western red cedar, western hemlock and broadleaf maple. Many of the trees have thick moss dripping from their branches. The forest floor is covered with ferns. Listen for songbirds. The park is located just east of Chilliwack and about 117 kms from Vancouver. Find out more about Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park.
Cascades Falls, Mission
Cascades Falls is 30-metres-high and is accessed by a 1 km trail. The falls are found in Cascade Falls Regional Park is located 90.2 kms from Vancouver in Deroche.
Beautiful Cascade Falls Park. Photo Credit: Casey Yee Flicr©
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is one of the highest falls in Canada rushing 384 metres to the canyon floor below. The falls are located in Yoho National Park. Take the scenic Yoho Valley Road turnoff 3.5 kms east of Field. It is a 13-km drive to falls. Be sure to stop at Spiral Tunnels viewpoint. Download a map of Yoho National Park.
Best waterfalls in BC – Takakkaw Falls Yoho National Park. Photo Credit: Jack Borno, Creative Commons.
