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Cliff Falls at Kanaka Creek – Awesome All Seasons Family Hike

Visit Cliff Falls Canyon Trail at Kanaka Creek, Maple Ridge for an awesome kids-friendly hike, fairy-tale ancient trees, quietude, fresh air, and a stunning waterfall…

Kanaka Creek's Cliff Falls trail in Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada is one of our absolute favourite family all-season hikes, one of the rare snow-free winter finds and a great place to have a summer picnic. Of all things to do in Maple Ridge, we consider Kanaka Creek Park to be on our list of top-secret locations. Regardless when you visit, there are hardly ever any people around. You can enjoy stress-free parking, always available picnic tables, the shade of humongous trees along the creek, a refreshing swim in the clean creek waters, quietude and fresh air of the trail, and the reward of one stunning waterfall – Cliff Falls – at the end of your walk.

The way we found this Maple Ridge hike, was kinda funny. One summer morning last year we hit the closed gates at Golden Ears as the park was full… Well, Kanaka Creek Park was less than 15 min away – we came, we parked, we picnicked, we threw rocks into the creek, sunbathed and had fun watching the little fishes at the Kanaka Creek Fish Hatchery. Total weekend saviour!

***All recommendations and feedback are ours and based on personal experience. Please refer to our Disclosure Policy.

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Latest Visit to Kanaka Creek Park Video – May 2020

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Kanaka Creek Regional Park Directions

GPS / Google Maps anchor point: Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Center and Bell-Irving Hatchery, 11450 256 St, Maple Ridge, BC V2W 1H1

IMPORTANT: If you only put in “Kanaka Creek Park, Maple Ridge” into your GPS, it will show you a few locations. Even if you put in “Kanaka Creek Regional Park”, it will give you two locations very far from each other. Please use my exact link above for the parking at Kanaka Creek Fish Hatchery and trail-head to Cliff Falls trail.

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If you are heading to Kanaka Creek Park from Coquitlam Centre, it will take you about 30-40 min to get there, depending on traffic.

Parking lot next to the Bell-Irving Hatchery has a bio-washroom. No fresh running water other than the creek itself. No food options either.

There are a few picnic tables scattered along the river right next to the parking lot – can be enjoyed all seasons. If you come at the time when the Bell-Irving Hatchery is open, you could get access to fresh water and a fun learning adventure for the whole family.

Cliff Falls Canyon Trail starts just across the street from the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Center and Bell-Irving Hatchery aka “Kanaka Creek Fish Hatchery” parking lot.

As an alternative you could come from the other side – park at 21st and 116th and have a quick 10 min hike to the Cliff Falls. There are few picnic tables around that side of the park too + a bio-washroom. We prefer to park at and hike from the Fish Hatchery though.. as it is simply beautiful!

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Cliff Falls Canyon Trail, Kanaka Creek – Quick Facts

The Cliff Falls trail is moderately trafficked, with a well-maintained park-like walk-way equipped with wooden stairs. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible, however, if you carry your baby in a backpack or a baby carrier, or your little one can walk by her/himself – go for it!

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Kanaka Creek Park and its trails are easy beginner-level hikes when it comes to bringing kids along – great for inspiring adventure and appreciation for family outdoor activities. Cosmos has completed it in-full all by himself when he was a bit over 2.5yo.

The full Kanaka Creek Park loop to Cliff Falls and back is about 3km more or less. Took us about 3 hours walking at our baby's pace, stopping to take pictures and watch bugs and mushrooms.

Staying SAFE and Outdoor Ethics:
Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow
Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures
8 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

Does your child like playing in the water? Do you need 100% waterproof rain boots or good hiking shoes for kids? Check out our recent review of KidORCA Rain Boots for kids.

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Fun Family Outdoor Learning

Want to have even more family fun outdoors when hiking Cliff Falls trail at Kanaka Creek Regional Park in Maple Ridge? or anywhere else, even at an airport or on the street? Check out our PerfectDayToPlay FREE printable Treasure Hunt sheets!

We actually have a whole video on our YouTube channel on the topic of How To Make Hiking Fun For Kids – make sure to check it out! We have many fun nature kids activities on our parent resources page too!

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Just a few more photos from our hike in June 2019

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Bell-Irving Fish Hatchery's Annual Events for kids

Right at the parking lot leading to Cliff Falls hike trailhead you'll find Bell-Irving Hatchery with its Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre – a great place to get your kids into learning about the life cycle of Pacific Salmon and the ways you can teach your kids sustainability.

Each year the Kanaka Fish Hatchery holds educational events for kids. Spring events focus on releasing baby salmon fry into the Kanaka Creek, while Fall events are all about salmon coming back into the creek for spawning.

Check out our latest report from April 2022: “Goodbye Chums!” – fun annual event at the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre and its ​​Bell-Irving Hatchery in Maple Ridge, BC where Cosmos helped baby salmon fry to be released into the wild!

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Concluding Notes

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By the way, did you know that this Cliff Falls Canyon hike at Kanaka Creek Park in Maple Ridge has been included on our list of Top 22 Gorgeous & Easy Winter Hikes Near Vancouver To Absolutely Enjoy? Check it out!

Are you an outdoors and hiking enthusiast? Do you know other fun and easy hikes to do around Maple Ridge? Send us a note! Or post your location in comments.

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Check out next: latest outdoors and travel experiences in British Columbia

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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