Chasing Waterfalls: A Springtime Hike to Bridal Veil Falls, British Columbia
The first hint of summer was just beginning to tease the air—a little more warmth in the sun, a little more green in the forests. Spring in British Columbia was stretching into full bloom, and I needed a trail that would celebrate this season of renewal. Not something grueling. Not something crowded. Just a place to breathe, move, and reconnect.
That's when Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, tucked just outside of Chilliwack, called my name.
By late April, the waterfall here is at its absolute best. Fed by snowmelt cascading down from Mount Cheam, Bridal Veil Falls transforms into a roaring, misty marvel—a 60-meter-high sheet of water tumbling delicately, like a flowing bridal veil, over the rugged cliffs.
This wasn’t just a hike; it was a celebration of spring itself.
A Quick Escape into Nature
The best part? Bridal Veil Falls is incredibly accessible.
Only about 90 minutes east of Vancouver, the trailhead is a quick turn off Highway 1. I pulled into the parking lot just after breakfast, coffee in hand, adventure in heart.
The trail to the falls is an easy 15-minute walk, winding gently through towering trees, mossy logs, and a forest so lush it felt almost enchanted. The late April light filtered through the leaves in that golden, dappled way that only happens this time of year.
It’s the kind of trail where you start to slow down without even meaning to—where every step brings you closer not just to the waterfall, but to yourself.
The Grandeur of the Falls
The first sound of the waterfall hits you long before you see it. A low, thunderous whisper through the trees. Then, suddenly, you break into a clearing—and there it is.
Bridal Veil Falls is a vision in white. Water fans out over the wide cliff face like a living curtain, sparkling in the spring sun. The spray dances on the breeze, creating tiny rainbows when the light catches just right.
I stood there, slightly damp from the mist, absolutely exhilarated. Around me, other visitors stood in awe, cameras raised, laughter echoing. A few kids played at the water’s edge, and couples snapped selfies framed by nature’s grand backdrop.
But even with the hum of happy voices, there was a deep, grounding peace to the place. Like the falls had been waiting for centuries just for this moment—to remind us all how beautiful it is to simply exist.
Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning your own springtime escape to Bridal Veil Falls, here’s what you need to know:
Timing: Late April and early May are perfect for peak water flow.
Footwear: Wear waterproof hiking shoes—the trail can be muddy in spring.
Camera: Bring a waterproof case or cloth for your lens. The mist is refreshing but sneaky.
Facilities: The park has picnic tables and washrooms at the trailhead, making it a great spot for a half-day trip.
For travelers needing accommodations, Expedia offers great deals on cozy stays nearby in Chilliwack, or even adventure lodges closer to Cultus Lake, just a short drive away.
If you’re a content creator, travel blogger, or just a memory collector, this spot offers incredible photo ops—and a chance to recharge your spirit in the midst of nature’s grandeur.
Why Bridal Veil Falls Is the Perfect Spring Reset
In a season where everything is waking up—the rivers, the forests, even our own restless dreams—Bridal Veil Falls offers a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be loud or complicated. It can be as simple as water falling over rocks, carving new paths with grace and persistence.
April and May in British Columbia are gifts we sometimes overlook, rushing toward the “big summer adventures.” But the truth is, the best journeys are often the ones we take when everything is still just beginning.
So if you’re looking for an adventure that will fill your lungs with fresh air, your eyes with beauty, and your heart with gratitude—start here. Lace up your boots. Follow the sound of rushing water. And let Bridal Veil Falls remind you that life, like spring, is always more breathtaking when you pause long enough to see it.