Last Updated on March 29, 2022
Fraser Valley Waterfalls
British Columbia is full of SO many incredible waterfalls. This list guides you through what we consider to be the best Fraser Valley waterfall hikes .
Waterfalls are great any time of year. However, Spring is usually when they are flowing in their full glory, with the winter snowmelt and spring rains. Since it rains a lot here, you know there must be some impressive waterfalls!
Where is the Fraser Valley?
The Fraser Valley is the region outside Metro Vancouver from Mission and Abbotsford to Hope. The area also includes Kent, Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, and Harrison Hot Springs.
Waterfall Safety
As with all waterfalls, keep a safe distance and be aware that rocks and logs can come down from above you at any time.
Here are 5 great waterfalls to explore on a Fraser Valley waterfall road trip. Take these short hikes to a scenic lookout with a big payoff of gorgeous waterfalls. Plus, the scenic drives to these waterfalls are half of the adventure.
Flood Falls
Hope – 1km roundtrip
To get to Flood Falls in Hope, you will hike through lush green forests of moss-covered trees. The stream flows right past the beginning of the trail, making it a peaceful hike with nature’s music. The path weaves through the forest as it gently gains elevation, which steepens just slightly for the final few hundred meters.
Flood Falls spectacularly cascade down from high above onto the rocks.
It is about a 1km, or 15-20 minute walk to the waterfall.
Pair this adventure with exploring the historic Alexandra bridge and the Othello Tunnels, both nearby attractions in Hope.
Flood Falls is also known as Flood-Hope Falls.
Flood Falls is located just 20 minutes north of Bridal Veil Falls (mentioned below) in Chilliwack. It is a less busy trail but is no less impressive.
Fun fact: The falls drain from a small basin on top of the ridge as well as avalanche deposits which accumulate in the upper half of the gully, plunging about 1200 feet to the valley floor in 9 distinct drops, almost all of which are vertical or nearly vertical in nature. From the base of the falls, however, only the bottom 250 feet of the falls can be seen. [source]
Bridal Veil Falls
Chilliwack – 1km roundtrip
Only a fifteen-minute walk from the parking lot, the trail to Bridal Veil Falls is a great easy wander with a big reward. The trail to the waterfall is uphill, but it is not too steep. The trail follows the river through the forest for a calming walk. The water tumbles 60 meters over a smooth rock face, and the wide, smooth ledge creates a beautiful stream of thin, white water, creating a “veil-like” effect. The waterfall drops a total of 120 meters, but only 60 meters can be seen from the bottom. The water flow comes from Mount Archibald and the water streams down Bridal Creek, into Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park, and then spills into the Fraser River.
The trail ends at a fenced viewing area, but the base of the falls is a little further ahead. It is a fantastic view from the fence, but many choose to ignore the signage and get a little closer. Keep in mind that the signage warns you of danger and possible fines if you cross. Keep in mind that during winter the falls drop chunks of rock, trees, and ice, so it can be life-threatening. Pass at your own risk.
Also, Bridal Veil Provincial Park closes for winter due to the risk of rockfall hazards and landslides, usually opening again at the beginning of April. If you cross the closed gates, you enter at your own risk.
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most popular Fraser Valley waterfalls.
Fun Fact: Prior to the park attaining Provincial Park status in 1965, Bridal Veil Falls was used to generate electricity in the early 1900s for the Bridal Falls Chalet. Today, only traces of the concrete foundation for the power generator can be found. [source]
Cascade Falls
Mission – 1 km roundtrip
Cascade Falls in Mission is a short, 1km round-trip hike to a waterfall that can be viewed from a suspension bridge. The water cascades 30 meters into an emerald pool.
Cascade Falls Regional Falls park is a 22-hectare park, and your short walk to the falls will take you through a lush forest. A 300-meter walk and some stairs make it a nice leisurely walk to these gorgeous falls. As you climb the stairs, to your right you will notice Cascade Creek and a ravine. At the top of the stairs, you will reach the suspension bridge that is 35m long and is suspended 20 meters above Cascade Creek. The suspension bridge offers an incredible view of the falls.
The short walk is uphill but is certainly worth the reward of this spectacular waterfall. It is a wonderful waterfall year-round, though a bit slippery in winter when covered in snow. It is magical to see Cascade Falls at its peak power during Spring, as well as partially frozen and covered in snow during Winter.
Fun fact: Cascade Falls was featured in the final scene of the film Big Bully, as the location of a fight between characters played by Tom Arnold and Rick Moranis. [source]
Steelhead Falls
Mission – 2km roundtrip
Steelhead Falls in Mission is an impressive waterfall near Hayward Lake. It is a short and easy, low elevation 2km hike. The hike can also be done as a detour along the 10 km Reservoir trail. The Reservoir trail also connects to the 6km Railway trail, providing a scenic hike around Hayward Lake.
There is not many details online when it comes to doing just the Steelhead Falls portion. For the most direct path, drive just over 1km beyond the Blind Slough Dam and you’ll see a sign for BC Hydro’s Hayward Lake Recreation Area. Turn at that sign and you will find a small parking lot.
In the parking lot, there is a large map near the trailhead. Walk past the wooden gate and follow the gravel trail. At the first junction, take the Reservoir Trail to the right. At the next junction, go left in the direction of Steelhead Falls.
The route is not heavily trafficked with people on a cloudy day and is very peaceful. The trail is well maintained and well marked. The parking area is small, however, so arriving early is always a good idea.
The waterfall has upper and lower viewing platforms.
Rolley Falls
Mission – 2km loop
Rolley Falls is a moderate 2 km loop trail. It takes you to the lower falls that you can view from a bridge. The trail continues over the bridge for a short distance until you reach the upper falls. The lower falls have a better view. The upper falls are underwhelming, and the viewpoint is so overgrown that there is not much to see there. If you do not want to see the upper falls, you can also return the way you came.
Pair the falls with a walk around the lake, making it a pretty 4.67 km hike.
Looking for more hikes in the Vancouver area? Check out our Ultimate Guide To Family Friendly Hikes Near Vancouver – there are a lot of great suggestions for all ages to get you exploring more of the outdoors.
If you are looking for an extensive guide to the best waterfalls in British Columbia, we recommend checking out the books Waterfall Hikes in Southwestern BC and Waterfalls of British Columbia: A Guide to BC’s 100 Best Falls.
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