Looking to add a splash of adventure to your summer plans? British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking waterfalls - ranging from iconic cascades to hidden forest gems - and many of them are just a short walk or hike. From Vancouver Island to the Fraser Valley, these scenic stops combine easy trails with unforgettable natural beauty. Let’s dive into six must-see waterfalls that are perfect for a summer day trip.
1. Cascade Falls Regional Park
Nestled in the Fraser Valley near Deroche, BC, Cascade Falls Regional Park is a scenic escape that packs a lot of beauty into a short, accessible hike. This 22-acre park is named after its stunning main attraction - a scenic waterfall that tumbles into crystal clear, naturally-occurring pools. The trail to the falls is short and sweet, just 250 metres long and under 20 minutes round trip. After climbing 50 stairs, visitors are treated to the first of two Insta-Worthy viewing platforms, including a suspension bridge that hovers 20 metres above Cascade Creek.
Experience On: Chasing Waterfalls
2. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Brandywine Falls is a must-see stop along BC's scenic Sea to Sky Highway. This 70-metre waterfall dramatically plunges over ancient lava cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight that’s well worth the short, ten-minute walk. The first wooden viewing platform offers the most iconic view of the falls, while a second platform just a few minutes farther reveals a sweeping look down the valley toward the striking turquoise waters of Daisy Lake. Its vibrant hue comes from fine glacial silt carried downstream from the glaciers of nearby Garibaldi Provincial Park, adding an extra layer of wonder to this already stunning natural stop.
Experience On: Secrets on the Scenic Route
3. Sitting Lady Falls
Sitting Lady Falls is a hidden gem tucked within the lush greenery of Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park on Vancouver Island. Just a short 500-metre walk from the parking lot, this easy trail rewards visitors with a beautiful birds-eye view of the falls as they cascade into the tidal lagoon below. Note: the waterfall's flow varies with the seasons and becomes a gentle trickle in the summer months - nonetheless, it's still worth a visit. Afterwards, visitors can extend their visit with a stroll to Witty's Beach.
Experience On: West Coast Wonders
4. Englishman River Falls
Tucked into the forest near Parksville on Vancouver Island, you'll find Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. According to local legend, its name comes from a story in which Indigenous people discovered the skeleton of a white man near the falls. Just a ten-minute walk from the parking lot brings you to two spectacular waterfalls plunging through a moss-covered canyon, surrounded by towering Douglas firs and bigleaf maples. The 1.3 km loop trail crosses scenic bridges with misty views of the cascades and continues into the forest, where you'll find a quiet swimming hole at the base of the lower falls - perfect for a refreshing summer dip.
Experience On: Valleys, Vistas, & Falls
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is home to one of British Columbia’s most iconic waterfalls - a stunning 60-metre cascade that glides down a smooth rock face, creating a veil-like effect that gives the falls their name. Located near the site of the ancient village of Popkum (which means “puff ball”) the area holds deep cultural and historical significance, with First Nations settlement records dating back to the 1700s. Before becoming a provincial park in 1965, the falls even powered the nearby Bridal Falls Chalets, remnants of which can still be spotted today.
Experience On: Chasing Waterfalls
6. Stokes Creek Falls
Stokes Creek Falls is a hidden gem nestled deep in the forest near Port Alberni, offering a peaceful escape for those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path. Despite its remote feel, the 1.4 km trail to the falls is manageable for most hikers. While the route includes a few steeper sections - with ropes in place for extra support - and some root-covered terrain, the journey is well worth it. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view from a wooden footbridge that brings you right up close to the cascading falls.
Experience On: Valleys, Vistas, & Falls
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