Niagara Falls Goldstream

Markus resting after an unstable hike to the Niagara Falls Goldstream

Note: We realized after doing the hike that we didn’t take many photos of the trail. We apologize for the inconvenience and not being able to show the trails.

About Niagara Falls Goldstream

Length: 1.9km. or 0.46km
Traffic: Low to Moderate
Route Type: Out & Back

If you're in search of a waterfall adventure, Niagara Falls Goldstream in British Columbia is a must-visit destination. This natural wonder can be accessed through two different routes, offering unique experiences along the way. Whether you choose the farther parking lot or the alternative entrance, prepare for an exhilarating journey to witness the beauty of the falls.

For those heading north towards Niagara Falls Goldstream, the farther parking lot will be your first stop. This parking lot boasts ample spaces, picnic areas, and public washrooms, making it a convenient starting point for your excursion. From here, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to reach the falls. The path leading to the falls is paved with crushed gravel and can get busy at times due to its popularity. However, the sights awaiting you make the occasional crowd well worth it.

While taking this trail, we did come across some dogs and not all of them were leashed. However, these dogs mostly stuck to the trail and didn't veer off the path towards the waterfall (that we recalls anyways).

Continuing along the path, you'll eventually come across a tunnel that goes under the highway. If you come across the Visitor Centre, you've gone too far. You have to step off the path and climb towards the opening of the tunnel. Walking through the tunnel is necessary to reach the other side, where the second parking lot is located. From here, it's a 5-minute walk to the falls, and you'll likely catch a glimpse of its splendour from a distance. However, be prepared for a more challenging section of the trail as you approach the falls.

At this point, the trail presents two options. On the left, a more traditional-looking path awaits, while towards the bottom, you'll find yourself walking along a dried-up ravine. The main challenge with the trail arises because it ascends, which means that it eventually leads to a steep descent towards the falls. The dried-up ravine path, on the other hand, can be rocky and less stable, so caution is advised here too. However, while this path may be slower and less stable, it eliminates the need for climbing. We recommend proceeding slowly on this lower path to ensure safety and to avoid the steep descent towards the falls that the other path presents.

As an example, a number of us took the trail path on the left thinking it was easier. However, when we got to the end and realized that we needed to descend, some took the decent, most circled back to a safer point to descend and others just enjoyed the views from the top because it was too risky to go down the steep path, but they also didn't want to double back. On the way out, most just took the dried-up ravine path anyways, so we recommend just taking it from the beginning.

Markus posing in front of the Niagara Falls Goldstream

The path should be fine for dogs too, depending on the mobility of your furry friend. We went down the steep path with Markus, but he's more sure-footed than we are. Walking along the dried-up ravine was slower to be sure, but also considerably less dangerous. Just go at a pace that everyone is comfortable with.

The culmination of your journey is the stunning Niagara Falls itself. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty and power of the cascading water as it plunges into the pool below. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surroundings and appreciate the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls Goldstream.

Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs

While exploring the trail, which had a number of off-leashed dogs along the way, keep in mind that the main attraction is the breathtaking waterfall, which draws a considerable number of hikers looking to capture its beauty in photographs. However, as you venture off the main path towards the waterfall, the trail becomes the primary concern rather than the presence of other hikers or dogs. It's essential to be mindful of the terrain, especially if your dog is accompanying you.

What we liked about the trail

A waterfall at the end is always a worth reward
There are two parking lots and one is 15 minutes closer than the other

What we didn't like about the trail

As you get closer to the falls, it can be unstable or dangerously steep. Even though it's rocky, unstable and likely to be slower, we recommend following the path of the dried-up ravine since the other path requires you to climb down a steep path.