If you need some inspiration to find the best waterfalls near Vancouver, look no further. This list guides you through what we consider to be the best waterfall hikes around Vancouver.
These waterfall hikes vary in difficulty. Some are quick walks from a parking lot to a scenic lookout (for example, Shannon Falls). Others are difficult hikes, requiring proper preparation and planning for the outing.
Waterfalls are great to view any time of year, but spring is usually when they are flowing in their full glory, as the winter snow melts away and the spring rains are in full effect.
This isn’t a complete list of all the waterfalls around Vancouver. It’s a collection of our 16 favorites (plus some honorable mentions). Hopefully you’ll find some new ideas for places to visit!
A word to the wise before we begin. Safety is always the most important consideration when hiking. If reaching any of the waterfalls on this list requires hiking, make sure you are prepared for your trip. Make sure to know the trail conditions before you head out, follow common sense and standard safety practices, and always carry The Essentials.
Furthermore, waterfalls deserve a lot of respect. People have died at several of the waterfalls listed below. Strong currents at the top of waterfalls can throw you over the falls. Swimming underneath falls has its own risks, including being held under by eddies and currents. Debris, like large branches, can be hurled over the top of falls onto the heads of unsuspecting swimmers at any time. Waterfalls are best viewed from a safe distance, out of the water, and back from cliff edges.
Now, let’s look at the the best waterfalls around Vancouver!
The 16 hikes
Vancouver Island Waterfalls
3 hikes
1. Elk Falls
01
Easy4 km0 m gain1.5 h
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Elk Falls Provincial Park, Campbell River
Time needed:
1 Hour
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes, on leash
Details: Found within Elk Falls Provincial Park, Elk Falls is well-worth the journey. In 2015, a suspension bridge was built over Elk Falls Canyon providing the perfect vantage spot of the falls and the Campbell River.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Strathcona Provincial Park
Time needed:
45 minutes
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes
Details: A short downhill walk from the parking lot takes you to the beautiful Lower Myra Falls, which has multiple cascades leading down into Buttle Lake. This is a great one for families visiting Strathcona Park.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Tsusiat Falls.
Where:
West Coast Trail
Time needed:
Multi-day
Dogs Allowed?:
No
Details: You’ll have to hike the granddaddy of all B.C. hikes to see the Tsusiat Falls – they’re an iconic feature of the West Coast Trail. Many choose to camp and swim here during their week-long trek along the 75 km West Coast Trail.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton
Time needed:
1.5 hours
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes, on leash
Details: An easy 30 minute hike on a groomed trail, Nairn Falls is a powerful torrent along the Green River. There are an upper and lower falls, viewable from two platforms at the end of the trail.
Nairn Falls is also a popular B.C. Parks camping location.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Whistler
Time needed:
30 minutes
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes, on leash
Details: File this one under ‘pictures don’t do it justice’. Brandywine Falls is a true gem. A quick, 15 minute walk from the parking lot in Brandywine Falls Provincial Falls Park takes you to a viewing platform of the falls.
It’s an easy walk, but note that the park gates are closed during the winter.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Squamish
Time needed:
10 minutes
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes
Details: This is news to no one. But, this is still an amazing waterfall. Viewable for a split second as you fly by on the Sea to Sky highway at 100 km/hour, the Shannon Falls waterfall is more than worthy of the effort to park your car and drag your lazy butt up the short trail. You can hike to the Upper Falls if you want, but the falls are viewable from the parking lot.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
North Vancouver
Time needed:
6 hours
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes
Details: This hike has seen a lot of people needing help from North Shore Rescue, so *please* be prepared if you tackle this, but, it is a low elevation hike with an awesome waterfall at the end. The Big Cedar (600 year old) tree along the way is worth it alone.
The trail is no joke – prepared and experienced hikers on this one.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver
Time needed:
5 hours
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes
Details: While not the most awe-inspiring waterfall on this list, the hike to Norvan Falls is enjoyable. The 14 km hike parallels Lynn Creek through the forest and has minimal elevation gain. Norvan Falls is a popular destination on the North Shore year-round.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
West Vancouver
Time needed:
2 hours
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes
Details: A walk through Cypress Falls Park takes you alongside Cypress Creek passing by two large waterfalls. The forest here is dense, full of massive trees, and resembles more of a jungle at times.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
Usual season only. Check current conditions before you go.
Where:
Golden Ears Provincial Park, Maple Ridge
Time needed:
2 hours
Dogs Allowed?:
Yes, on leash
Details: The Lower Falls Trail is a popular hike within Golden Ears Provincial Park, which takes you to Gold Creek Falls.
The emerald pool of water at the upper falls may look inviting for a swim, but stay out and away from the edges. This waterfall has been the cause several deaths.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
The OV Rating is our subjective rating of how much we liked each of the hiking trails based on four factors: The variety of the terrain, the views, how crowded the trail is, and an overall ‘fun’ factor.
What do you think of our list? Is your favourite waterfall missing? Let us know in the comments below!
Map of the waterfall hikes
Archived comments (3)
rowan —
I tried to find my melons but I could not
RAINFXREST —
Nairn Falls is my favorite to visit and I usually end up taking guests and friends visiting Vancouver up here.
Reza Nezami —
Great list. Thank you very much. One very important, for me, point is the distance. Since the list is for the falls around vancouver, the distance must be with respect to Vancouver. All the falls in Vancouver Island are easily 3 or 4 hours away because of ferry, so please consider that when specifying the distance and how long to get there.
Thanks again.
rowan —
I tried to find my melons but I could not
RAINFXREST —
Nairn Falls is my favorite to visit and I usually end up taking guests and friends visiting Vancouver up here.
Reza Nezami —
Great list. Thank you very much. One very important, for me, point is the distance. Since the list is for the falls around vancouver, the distance must be with respect to Vancouver. All the falls in Vancouver Island are easily 3 or 4 hours away because of ferry, so please consider that when specifying the distance and how long to get there.
Thanks again.