Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is a great little day trip option for Vancouverites who want to do some light hiking or picnicking.  Located 1.5 hr drive from Vancouver, the main attraction of the park is Bridal Veil Falls, which tumbles 60 metres over a smooth rock face, creating a “veil-like” effect.

From the parking lot, it’s a short 15 min hike uphill to the fall.  There are two trails from the parking lot to the waterfall.  We took the one that goes along Bridal creek and over a wooden bridge.  As you continue uphill, you can hear the sound of the waterfall as you get closer and closer.  The other trail is via the Woodland Trail which also goes to and from the parking lot.

Approaching the top of the hill, you will see Bridal Veil Falls through the trees.

There is a viewing platform at the bottom of the waterfall.  However, to get really up close to the waterfall, you need to make a steep uphill climb.  There’s a sign which says it’s “unauthorized territory” but people go there anyways to get closer to the waterfall.  If you follow the trail that most people take, you should be OK.

Other things to know before you go

• The park is open from 8:00 am to dusk.
• The park is located on the south side of the Fraser River, 16 km east of Chilliwack.  Take Exit 135 off Highway 1 and follow the signs.  The nearest communities, towns and cities are Bridal Falls and Chilliwack.
• The park is dog-friendly but dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings.
• Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the provincial park.
• This park has a day-use/picnic area.

For more information, visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bridalveil_falls/

I remember as a child visiting Bedrock City which was a Flintstones-themed park in Bridal Falls.  As a Flintstones fan, it was a child’s dream come true to visit such a realistic interpretation of the cartoon.  Here’s a nostalgic 1986 TV commercial of what it was like back then:

Since then, the park has moved, down-sized and rebranded as simply a dinosaur-themed park without the Flintstones licensing.  I recently took my son to Dinotown for the first time which is now located by Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, BC.  This apparently will be their final season.

We went on a Wednesday where you receive one free adult admission with a paid child admission.  Regular child admission (height 35” – 54”) is $11.95, adults is $9.95 and seniors is $7.95.

At the park, we found numerous inflatable fun which are definitely a step-up from some of the bouncy castles I have seen.

They also have daily live shows where a dinosaur character dances across the stage and kids are welcome to join in.

My son quite liked the clown-a-round mini golf.

There were also many make-believe huts for kids to visit like a bakery, police station, animal hospital and more.

The grounds were quite well kept and I liked the fact that there were many trees to offer shade.  It wasn’t particularly busy on the day that we went despite the Wednesday deal.  There were many activities available and it was never overcrowded at any of the areas.

Dinotown is open until September 4th.  For more information, visit www.dinotown.com