Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful day-use provincial park in the Fraser Valley with an attractive picnic area and an impressive 60-metre-high waterfall.
This article contains the following information about Bridal Veil Falls:
Location | What to Expect | Advice and Suggestions | Other Information
Bridal Veil Falls in the Fraser Valley
The park at Bridal Veil Falls is just 32 hectares in size, so it’s not very big. It’s very nice though with trails through the forest. The walk from the parking lot to the falls is only about 15 minutes there and back.
The trail to the waterfall is uphill, but not too steep. It follows the river through the forest, making for a pleasant walk. If you’re traveling to and from Vancouver in the direction of Hope and other parts of the interior, Bridal Veil Falls is a nice place for a break.
Where is Bridal Veil Falls?
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is 16 kilometres east of Chilliwack. From the Trans-Canada Highway, take Exit 135. You need a car to get there.
Not far from Bridal Veil Falls are other top Lower Mainland destinations including Cultus Lake and Harrison Hot Springs. Both are within about a 30-minute drive. Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a little further, at about 64 kilometres or an hour away.
The turnoff to Bridal Veil Falls from the highway is actually the same one you would take to go to Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs. Just a couple of minutes from the park is Bridal Falls Waterpark which is a small, but popular water slide attraction. Also in the area is an RV park, a Shell gas station and a cottage resort.
What to Expect at Bridal Veil Falls?
The 15-minute walk between the parking lot and the waterfall is uphill for a fair bit. It’s not that steep, but not exactly something ideal to push a stroller or wheelchair up. There are no stairs on the route.
The walk up to the falls is very nice. There is a creek along the side and large trees all around.
You can’t get right up close to the waterfalls (or at least you’re not supposed to). The viewing area is a fair ways from the waterfalls, but it’s easy to see and beautiful.
In addition to two paths that lead from the parking lot to the main viewing area, there is another walking trail that goes up the side of the hill where you can get a closer look at the falls.
Advice and Suggestions
Below are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the park.
TIP #1: Bridal Veil Falls is especially impressive in the spring and after periods of heavy rain. That’s when the falls are at their fullest!
TIP #2: The park is an excellent place for a stretch and a break when driving between Vancouver and the interior of BC. It’s also a great place to combine with a visit to the Chilliwack area and Harrison Hot Springs.
TIP #3: If you like Bridal Veil Falls, another park you’ll probably like is Shannon Falls near Squamish.
TIP #4: The trail up to the waterfalls is not wheelchair accessible. Comparing the Lower Mainland’s two largest and most famous waterfalls, the trail up to Shannon Falls is less steep and more accessible.
TIP #5: Just a few blocks from the provincial park is Bridal Falls Waterpark. It’s an attraction with water slides that’s open in the summer and popular with young families and little kids.
TIP #6: Dogs are permitted at the park when on a leash.
TIP #7: It’s tempting to get up close to the waterfalls, but doing so isn’t allowed. Despite there being a sign telling people not to enter the area of unstable terrain in front of the falls, lots of people still do. It’s not safe, and people do get hurt going past the official observation area (and fined if caught). It’s best not to get closer than permitted. If you do though, be super careful!
TIP #8: Do not leave any valuables in plain view in your car. Always lock your valuables in the trunk of your car (or take them with you, if you can) and lock your car. Thieves love an opportunity!
Other Information
To learn more about the park, click Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park.
To learn about another park that is very similar to Bridal Veil Falls but at the other end of the Lower Mainland, see our article about Shannon Falls. West Vancouver’s Cypress Falls Park also has waterfalls, and more than just one, but they are smaller and a bit less accessible, although also well worth checking out.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
To learn about other places of interest in the area see our articles about Cultus Lake, Harrison Hot Springs and the Fraser Valley.
