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What do you think of when you think of a bridal veil? Layers of tulle, organza or chiffon folding softly around a bride on her wedding day. Now imagine that as a waterfall and you have the Bridal Veil Falls.
Located in Chilliwack, an hour and a half drive outside Vancouver, the Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is a great day trip or a logical stopping point if you’re heading to the Okanagan. The turn into the park is easy to miss with just one tiny sign pointing the right direction. There is a small parking lot, but we had no trouble finding a spot. Adjacent to the parking lot are benches and picnic tables fully of families out for a day in the great outdoors.
It is a short walk up to the falls. The sign says 15 minutes, but I think we managed it in 5 – 10 minutes. The trail is well marked and very wide. It’s not steep, but it does have a steady upward gradient. The trail criss-crosses over some of the smaller run offs from the waterfall with a quiet and soothing murmur. The forest is very lush and very green, with moss running up and down tree trunks. It is completely silent except for the water. You hear it long before you see the falls. A quiet gurgling that builds in ferocity the closer you get to them.
There is a viewing platform at the bottom, but many people choose to ignore it, instead opting to climb over fallen logs and rocks to get a closer view of the falls. Not willing to risk a twisted ankle, I only went as far as the trail took me. Despite it being a beautiful day, the falls were not busy. Yes, there were other people there, but not so much that you felt crowded or overwhelmed.
The falls from a distance look small, but the closer you get, the larger they feel. At 122 metres (400 feet), these falls are not very tall (38th in BC), but it win points for being completely beautiful. Water tumbling over the smooth rock faces gives the illusion of a bridal veil. The shape of the falls, thin at the top, and spreading in width towards the bottom, adds to the effect. There are a couple other falls with the same name, but none of them look as much like a veil as these.
I’ve said it many times before that I’m a city person, but every so often I need some quite. The falls are close enough to the city that it makes for a good day trip, but far enough that you feel like you’re out of the city. Getting to Bridal Veil Falls pretty much requires a car. There are no transit options to get out there unfortunately. The trails are easy and manageable especially for those who aren’t too keen on hiking. A visit to the falls in combination with a night at the nearby Harrison Hot Springs would make for the perfect weekend getaway.
Know Before You Go
Driving Time: 1.5 hours from Vancouver
Take Highway 1 out of Vancouver until you pass Chilliwack (100+km). The falls are at exit 135. At the intersection, go left onto Bridal Falls Road and follow the signs to the parking lot.
There are picnic tables at the bottom of the trail so pack a lunch or snack to enjoy among the trees.
What do you do when you need to get out of the city for a couple of hours? Do you like chasing waterfalls?
Andrew says
May 29, 2014 at 9:09 AMNice post Adelina, they are really pretty falls!
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 6:12 PMThanks Andrew! So gorgeous and I just love the name they were given. So appropriate.
Lauren says
May 29, 2014 at 5:28 PMWhat a beautiful place! I love waterfalls and would love to go here. And visit BC in general!
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 6:11 PMCome to BC and visit! I’ll take you guys to all the great places 🙂
Sand In My Suitcase says
May 30, 2014 at 10:57 AMAren’t we so lucky to live in Vancouver? There are so many scenic forest hikes and walks about, such as this one to Bridal Falls.
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 6:02 PMSo lucky! Sometimes I forget how much especially when I’m longing to be someplace else 🙂 The natural beauty that surrounds Vancouver is definitely something to be grateful for.
Corinne says
May 30, 2014 at 12:09 PMSo pretty. I love a picnic by a waterfall, the rushing water, maybe a little wayward mist…I can’t wait for summer!
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 5:55 PMOh me too! BC changes completely once the summer hits and the little bit of mist is just so comfortable in the warmth.
Rhonda @ Travel? Yes Please! says
May 31, 2014 at 4:51 AMThis is where Mike and I got engaged! It was early in the morning so we had the entire place all to ourselves. Beautiful and romantic!
Adelina says
June 3, 2014 at 11:55 PMOh wow! What a beautiful place to get engaged!
Anna | slightly astray says
June 1, 2014 at 3:43 AMOoh so pretty! I’ve been really wanting to visit Vancouver for these exact reasons.. so much beauty and nature! I love the name of this waterfall. 🙂
Adelina says
June 3, 2014 at 11:37 PMIt seems rather romantic doesn’t it? Come to Vancouver when you’re done your RTW 🙂
Betty J. Ogburn says
June 2, 2014 at 10:34 PM…GORGEOUS–this scenery reminds of the video for the song “Islands” by Hey Ocean! for some reason (they’re from Vancouver, too)…
Adelina says
June 3, 2014 at 11:11 PMMaybe they use the same area for their music video. It’s a gorgeous area to be in!
Betty J. Ogburn says
June 3, 2014 at 11:52 PMWait, no–it was shot in a place called Tofino–have you been there???…Here’s the vid, in case you’re curious!!…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqzPdEll1Bo
Adelina says
June 3, 2014 at 11:57 PMOhh, makes sense with the ocean and all 🙂 I have been to Tofino but that was years ago. I would love to go back and try out the surf!
Betty J. Ogburn says
June 4, 2014 at 12:03 AM…My love of this song (and the band) has made me want to visit Tofino, Vancouver, and B.C. overall!!…
Adelina says
June 4, 2014 at 12:16 AMIt’s an awesome place. I hope you get a chance to come visit!