Waterfall Record

This is a portion of a waterfall with a rainbow.

The Waterfall Record

Cascade Falls, British Columbia

Cascade Falls is a 100 foot / 30 meter tall waterfall in British Columbia, Canada.
Cascade Falls in August 2010

Quick Facts

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 100′ / 30 m
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km round-trip

The Record

While many visitors to Vancouver head north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (BC-99) for their waterfall fix, a journey east on the Trans-Canada Highway reveals its own set of natural treasures. A prime example is Cascade Falls, a powerful and easily accessible waterfall located in a regional park near Mission, British Columbia. What makes this spot particularly interesting is how the visitor experience has been completely transformed over the years.

On my original visit, the experience was a mix of awe and slight disappointment. The hike itself is very easy, a short and pleasant walk through the forest leading to the main attraction. Upon arrival, however, the view was obstructed by a tall fence. While I completely understood its purpose: the canyon below the falls is steep and the terrain is clearly dangerous…it was frustrating. Trees blocked a clear shot, and getting a decent photo meant carefully maneuvering my camera lens through an opening in the fence. The magnificent waterfall was right there, but you couldn’t get an unobstructed view.

I visited in 2010, and since that visit, a suspension bridge has been installed, spanning the canyon in front of the falls. This addition has changed the experience. Now, instead of peering through a fence, visitors can stand above the rushing creek and take in the full, stunning panorama of the cascade. Comically enough, with my fear of heights, I’m not sure I would have been prepared to walk on the suspension bridge!

Directions

  1. If you’re coming from Trans-Canadian Highway 1, you’ll want to exit toward Mission onto BC-7.
  2. Drive east of Mission on BC-7 for about 6.5 km to Sylvester Rd.
  3. Turn left on Sylvester Rd. Head 13 km down Sylvester Rd.
  4. You’ll find the road leading to Cascade Falls on your right. Pay attention. There will be a sign, but I can’t remember if it was that obvious.
  5. Head to the end of the road to the parking lot, and then start the short hike to the falls.

Where in the World is Cascade Falls?

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