12 WATERFALLS TO VISIT NEAR METRO VANCOUVER

Metro Vancouver is surrounded by amazing natural beauty! Visiting local waterfalls is an incredible way to teach our children the importance of protecting and maintaining the environment. Not to mention an appreciation for hiking, trail snacks & picnics! We also have more family-friendly suggestions for easy hikes in Metro Vancouver.

1. Shannon Falls  | Squamish

Rising 335 meters above Highway 99, Shannon Falls is the third highest falls in the province! This park is right off Highway 99, making it a very popular day-use park. There's room for picnics and an easy loop trail hiking to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. From here you can also access the Stawamus Chief trail and the trail to the base of the Sea to Sky Gondola. Grab an ice cream treat at the concession and information centre on the trail to the waterfalls.

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

2. Brandywine Falls  | Whistler

 The spectacular 70 meter Brandywine Falls is best seen from the viewpoint which also offers amazing views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains.

The park offers hiking, picnicking, mountain biking and viewing of the waterfall. 

Two hiking trails are :

Brandywine Falls Trail: 
Enjoy a 10 - 20 minute (one way) walk across the covered footbridge and through the forest to a new viewing platform overlooking Brandywine Falls. Continue along a new, short walking path to a second viewpoint of the falls and another of the surrounding area of Daisy Lake and the Black Tusk.

Swim Lake Trail:
This is a short branch off the main Brandywine Falls Trail that starts just before the railway crossing. It’s a bit rough, with one short steep climb, leading to a small lake. Keep your eye out for the rare, red-tailed frog that inhabits the marshes and ponds of the park.

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

3. Alexander Falls | Whistler

Alexandra Falls is a stunning is 141 feet tall and 40 feet wide tiered cascade located on Madelely Creek up the Callaghan Valley. It is the least-visited of all Whistler’s main waterfalls. Turn west about 10 km south of Whistler and head towards Whistler Olympic Park. Look for the sign and trail about 1 km before you get to the lodge. The parking lot is small.

Check out  Callaghan Country for more ideas of exploring this area. BEARS CROSS THE CALLAHAN ROAD OFTEN. DO NOT APPROACH< FEED OR IN ANY WAY BOTHER THESE BEAUTIFUL WILD ANIMALS! DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE TO TAKE PICTURES! This is also a popular road for cyclists training for Ironman in July. Please use caution. 

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

4. Nairn Falls  |  Pemberton 

Just 20 minutes north of Whistler, and located within the boundaries of the Village of Pemberton, the trail is just over 1 km and follows the Green River to a spot right by Nairn’s impressive waterfall. This spectacularly powerful waterfall is measured at 60 meters high. Nairn Falls is a true example of the power of water and gravity. The park offers hiking, camping.

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

5. Cypress Falls |  West Vancouver

Easy hike 3km round trip approximately 1.5 hrs.  Just a short walk takes you through a dense forest full of old Cedar and Douglas Fir trees while following Cypress Creek up past two beautiful waterfalls.

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

6. Twin Falls  |  North Vancouver

Easy 1.5 km round trip hike taking about 1 hour. 
Twin Falls is a short, popular hike in North Vancouver that crosses the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and follows Lynn Creek down the river before crossing a wooden bridge and looping back on the opposite side of the canyon. While the route is rated as easy compared to many hikes, there is still a significant change in elevation and it is recommended to bring water and be in decent physical shape.

Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

7. Norvan Falls | North Vancouver

More challenging 14km  trip taking approximately 5 hrs. Good for fit parents with carriers and experienced older children.
A waterfall located in the lush green forests of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Norvan Falls is the perfect hike that can be completed just about anytime throughout the year.
Pet-friendly on leash.
See more info HERE.

8. Widgeon Falls | Coquitlam

Adventurous hike for older children. (requires a canoe approach)
Widgeon Falls is an understandably popular day-hike, with a fun twist. You need to take a canoe or kayak to reach the trailhead. In Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, on the north side of Pitt Lake, Widgeon Falls is a terrific way to spend a summer day. The trail is open year-round and is also a good option in spring and fall when it is less busy. Kayaks and canoes can be rented in the summer from Pitt Lake Canoe Adventures. The paddle across Grant Narrows and up the Widgeon Slough takes about an hour to an hour 15 minutes. The hike portion is mostly flat, taking about 2.5 hours, return. In total, the trip, including return and paddle, takes about 5 – 6 hours. Bring a picnic to have by the falls. 

See more info HERE.

9. Steelhead Falls  | Mission

Steelhead Falls Trail [CLOSED until June 30th] is a 1.8 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Mission, British Columbia, Canada that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October.

Pet-friendly on leash. 
See more info HERE.

10. Cascade Falls | Mission

Cascade Falls, located in Cascade Falls Regional Park in Mission, B.C, drops 30 meters into a gorgeous pool. You will find that it is really more of a short walk than a ‘hike’ to the viewing platform making it good for little legs. Cascade Falls Regional Falls park is a 22-hectare park with lush forest and a beautiful creek that winds through a ravine. A 300-meter walk and some stairs are all it takes to reach the gorgeous falls so 30 minutes is all it will take. There is a suspension bridge that takes visitors to a close-up viewing platform of the falls.

Pet-friendly on leash. 
See more info HERE.

11. Bridal Veil Falls  |  BVF Provincial Park

Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, located east of Chilliwack, is a scenic day-use area surrounded by valleys and rounded mountains. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and viewing the spectacular 60 meters tall Bridal Veil Falls, tumbling over a smooth rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect.

Pet-friendly on leash. 
See more info HERE.

12. Bosumarne Falls  | Chilliwack

The trail to Bosuemarne Falls is a 2.7 kilometer fairly busy out and back trail. The year-round trail is family-friendly and good for all levels for hiking, trail running, and nature trips.  Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Pet-friendly on leash. 
See more info HERE