On Friday I got out of class a few hours earlier than expected, which left me with most of the day free before my planned arrival at the Mount MacPherson trailhead around five that evening. Since I had already planned to visit one waterfall on this trip, I decided to look up others along Highway 1 and make a little tour of it on my drive toward Revy. By the time I reached Revelstoke, I had stopped at six waterfalls: Margaret Falls in Sunnybrae, Syphon Falls in Salmon Arm, Sicamous Creek Falls in…yes…Sicamous, Kay Falls just past Taft, Frog Falls near Three Valley Gap, and Moses Creek Falls in Revelstoke.

There was one more I could have checked out, Crazy Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge but since the resort there charges $15 admission, I decided to skip it. The photos online do look great though. All of the falls I did visit are easy to find on Google Maps and don’t require long detours off the highway. If you’re looking for a simple day trip, each of these waterfalls is quick to access and not physically demanding. It turned into a really fun day, and I’d recommend checking them out for yourself.

Margaret Falls – Sunnybrae, BC

From Highway 1, take the exit for Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Road and follow it for about 15 minutes until you reach Harold Provincial Park. The drive hugs the shore of Shuswap Lake, with great views of the lake and Bastion Mountain. At the trailhead there’s a paved parking lot and a new pit toilet. The trail itself is well-marked, taking 10–15 minutes to reach the falls. Walking through the canyon carved by the creek, surrounded by old-growth cedars, with the waterfall waiting at the end, felt magical. It’s a busy spot, but for good reason, this one is a must-see.

Syphon Falls – Salmon Arm

Take the 50th Ave. NW exit and drive about 10 minutes. From there it’s a 10-minute walk up the trail, gaining about 80 meters of elevation. It was hot when I went, and I definitely worked up a sweat. The trail has a few rocky sections with exposed roots, so watch your footing. At the falls, there’s a bench where you can sit and soak your feet in the stream, and even a rope to help you climb partway up for a better view of the upper falls. I had the whole place to myself, which made it feel calm and peaceful.

Sicamous Creek Falls – Sicamous, BC

Just 5 minutes off Highway 1, this spot has a parking lot with a pit toilet, garbage bins, and picnic tables. From there, it’s only a 2-minute walk to the falls along a well-maintained trail with stairs. Other trails in the area make it easy to spend more time exploring if you want. I imagine early summer, when the water flow is higher, would be the best time to see this one, but it’s still worth a stop anytime.

Kay Falls – Taft, BC

This one is a hidden gem. Just a 3-minute hike from a highway pullout brings you to a 187-foot, veil-like waterfall. I had it all to myself and cooled off in the mist on a hot day. It’s incredible that something so stunning is right off the highway, and I definitely recommend stopping for a quick break here. Pro tip: be careful where you step, as it looks like some people use an offshoot of the trail for their dumps, please don’t add to that problem.

Frog Falls – Three Valley Gap, BC

Out of all six waterfalls, this was easily the most impressive. From Highway 1, turn onto Three Valley–Mable FSR and drive about 4.5 km. A BC Rec Site sign marks the turnoff. The road to the right leads to a small five-site campground, while the one to the left takes you closer to the falls. The road is rough, fine for a truck or SUV, but not for a low car. Walking in is a good option, and it’s a pleasant 15-minute stroll through the forest. There are three different viewpoints, each just a short walk apart: a landing with a great photo angle, a boulder-top view of the left side of the falls, and finally a quick climb up to the very top. It is epic, and chances are you’ll have it to yourself.

Moses Creek Falls – Revelstoke, BC

Located on Westside Road, about 10 minutes off Highway 1, Moses Creek Falls offers multiple levels of cascades and a unique view of Revelstoke Dam below. The parking lot is large, but the trail down is steep and muddy, careful footing helps avoid the worst of it. The upper falls are just 2 minutes away, and the lower falls about 5 minutes further. Again, early summer would bring the best water flow, but I still enjoyed it. This one was busier, with plenty of people scrambling around, so it’s not the place for solitude. Still, it’s worth a stop if you’re nearby.