Canada is well known for its stunning mountains, lakes, forests, and adding to this is its INCREDIBLE waterfalls! There are over 1,700 named waterfalls in Canada!

Fun Fact: Which province has the most waterfalls in Canada? British Columbia! Here are the top 5 waterfalls around Vancouver you shouldn’t miss!

Top 5 Waterfalls Around Vancouver

1. Crooked Falls

Crooked Falls Hike Distance and Time

The intermediate hike to Crooked Falls is 6km and takes around 3 hours roundtrip without any stops along the way.

The trail to Crooked Falls does not have clear-cut paths and side rails but it’s an adventurous trail where you’ll be climbing over and under rocks and trees.

For more information on the difficulty of this hike check out the All Trails website.

How to get to Crooked Falls

Crooked Falls is located in the Upper Squamish Valley. Once you get to Squamish Valley Road you will reach a gravel road. 24.5 km from the start of the gravel road, drive across a large bridge onto Ashlu Road. Drive for another 1.5 km until you reach a little bridge.

Just over this bridge along the gravel is where you can park your car. A bit further up past the little bridge, you will see an electrical pole on the left side of the road and this is where you will start the hike to Crooked Falls.

Crooked Falls Hike Directions

No signs indicate the starting point for this hike so you will need to be on the lookout for it.

The trail starts on a rocky uphill climb which veers off to the left. As the road levels out you will see an information board on the left and a sign for the Sigurd trail. Follow this trail to the left.

Not far after veering off onto Sigurd Trail, there will be a rocky bluff on the left. Climb over the top of the rocky bluff and on the other side is where you will find a panoramic viewpoint of Squamish Valley and Ashlu Creek. Try not to miss this viewpoint because it’s the second-best view on this hike!

Continue on this trail where it will get tough because you will have to climb over rocks and upwards. There are red markers on the trees that will direct you to the waterfall.

You will sigh with relief when you can hear the sound of the falls as you know you’re near! The trail comes to a junction with a yellow sign pointing left to Crooked Falls. Follow this trail for another 300 meters and you have finally made it! 

Crooked Falls Viewpoints

There are a few different viewpoints of the waterfall but my favourite spot is down the dirt hill and viewing the falls from the side. Here you can get really close to the waterfall! Be careful when you are climbing down as it’s slippery especially after it’s rained.

Another great view of the falls is on the way to the main viewpoint. You will see a small cliff just in front of the side of the waterfall.

The main viewpoint of Crooked Falls is amazing!! You get the whole front view of this SPECTACULAR waterfall!

Crooked Falls is one of my favourite waterfalls around Vancouver because you can get incredibly close to it and feel the mist and power of it!

Brandywine Falls

Location of Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is located between Squamish and Whistler, it’s just under an hour and a half drive from Vancouver. It’s an easy 1km walk to the viewpoint of the waterfall, so allow about half an hour roundtrip. 

Directions to Brandywine Falls

The trailhead starts at the parking lot and crosses over a river and train tracks. It’s super easy to get to!

The falls drop for 70 meters and if you are lucky you might see a rainbow crossing through the waterfall! Continue along the trail to a lookout of Daisy Lake.

Cascade Falls

Location of Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is located in Mission and is about an hour and a half drive from Vancouver. The walk to the waterfall is another short easy walk of 0.75km roundtrip and will take you around half an hour to complete.

Trail to Cascade Falls

The Cascade Falls trail begins at the parking lot. Walk towards the metal gate and the trail that begins to the right. The trail will get a little steep up the hill as it veers to the right.

Climb the wooden stairs which will take you underneath the suspension bridge. Walk up the remaining stairs and you will see the magnificent waterfall from the suspension bridge that crosses the river. 

The colour of the creek is a beautiful emerald colour and it’s so CLEAR! If you are up for a little adventure climb up the rocks and gravel on the side of the waterfall. Here you will be on top of the falls! You can keep exploring by walking up along the river connected to the waterfall.

Shannon Falls

Location of Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls is located in Squamish along the Sea to Sky Highway, a one-hour drive from Vancouver.

It’s one of the most popular waterfalls around Vancouver! It’s generally a busy waterfall but don’t let this discourage you from visiting.

Shannon Falls is the third highest falls in the province, rising at 335 meters. You can even see Shannon Falls from the Sea to Sky Highway!

Shannon Falls Walk Distance and Time

Shannon Falls is a 1km half an hour roundtrip and an easy walk! I loved how tall and slim this waterfall is! It’s another STUNNING waterfall around Vancouver!

Cypress Falls

Location of Cypress Falls

Cypress Falls is located in North Vancouver and is about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Vancouver. It’s the closest waterfall from Vancouver mentioned in this blog post.

Hike Distance and Time

It’s a fairly easy hike of 3km and takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Trail to Cypress Falls

The trail to Cypress Falls begins at the parking lot. Head into the forest past the outhouse and walk left. Not too far along the trail, you will come across your first viewpoint at the bottom of a short hill or to the right of the junction near the start. You will be able to view the powerful Lower Cypress Falls from this rocky area. 

Continue along the trail until you reach a wooden bridge. Walk to the left of the bridge, up the steep hill, and follow the red markers.

Go through the fence with the warning sign on it (don’t worry you’re not in danger! It’s just to let people know that it’s the border of the park and beyond this point, it belongs to a development company. They do allow hikers to walk on their land). Shortly you will arrive at the viewpoint for the Upper Cypress Falls. 

If you’re interested in seeing Cedar and Fir trees (some of which are 200 to 300 years old) then when you reach the bridge on the way back, cross the bridge and follow the trail upwards. 

There are so many beautiful waterfalls to see in British Columbia and each waterfall has its own unique beauty! 

Another one of my favourite waterfalls around Vancouver is Bridal Veil Falls!