Norvan Falls, B.C.,Canada - Photos (Part 1)

Planning our hikes is an important part of our routine and something I actually very much enjoy doing for some strange reason. One of the most important details for me, is there a waterfall. Then the second most important detail to me is how long is the hike. Typically we have other hikes or other plans throughout the day, so we try and limit ourselves to shorter distances so that we can get done what we need to. This means we usually do hike anywhere from .1 miles (ha, not even hike but some are right off the road) to just over 4 miles max round trip. So when I saw the hike for Norvan Falls, just north of downtown Vancouver, was over 8 miles I thought there was no way we would do it. However, Hailey read that it was only a 5 hour total hike and with proper planning, could easily be done.

As we prepared for the hike, we realized our food choice and the only food we had left may not have been the best choice...tuna sandwiches and wraps because of bear of course. One of the biggest fears we have is a bear encounter and we thought that one a longer hike like this, the risk would be even greater of seeing one and being it's meal or playtime. It was our only food left besides or dried fruits and nuts, so we had to bring them for lunch, though we tried to carefully pack them, even knowing bears have such a great sense of smell and I am sure it made no difference at all.

So we made our way to the trail and I was surprised to find we would be starting in a huge park just north of downtown Vancouver and i have to give my props to the city, they have their park game on lock! Now I mentioned we plan our hikes, but sometimes I don't look up the trails ahead of time like I should and this was one of those times. No where on the maps that we near us at the park showed the trails or waterfall we were looking for and we were stumped. We brainstormed for a bit and went on to where we thought was the correct path, and with only one minor detour we made it to the next main part that had a better map and made us much more confident on our route. Then a ways further we finally found a map that showed the falls and the route that was being described on the hiking websites.

Once we got a bit further, the trail narrowed and the rocks began to build, and man they were making hiking very difficult and possible rolled ankles around every turn. It also got much more secluded and the threat for bears got heavier. Once we got to what they call the "third chute", I started to clap and make noise as they suggest to keep the creatures away and shortly after, a dog and woman came up behind us and she let me know her dog always warned her when bears were near, so we were in good hands! Even still I clapped a few times more and Hailey said the the woman even did as well.

We got near the very end of the hike near the creek, and found ourselves at a small suspension bridge (pictured below). When we got there we found two scared dogs on the bridge, one was crossing and the other too scared to even move. The one crossing the bridge was a cute, tiny little thing and was walking so slow and careful and I just missed it on photo, I might have gotten it on video though. The other was our bear tracking friend and it took several minutes and tries from the woman to get the dog across finally. But once we all crossed, we realized that we weren't supposed to cross the bridge to see the waterfall, so we all crossed back, including the scared pups who did a lot better this time.

Then we made our way to the waterfall, even though we went and took a much more difficult path but made it and wow what a reward. The falls were stunning and only one other couple was at the falls and no one was down at the base so we made out way there. To get there you have to cross a big dam of logs that gets you across the river safely and down right to where the falls are. The roar and beauty were amazing and we sat and had our lunch right there. It was the best locale for lunch you could ever ask for! Then I turned around and the crowds were arriving....

Stay tuned for part 2 and the video coming soon!

Shot with a Canon 6-D DSLR with a TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Lens.