Bridal Veil Falls a hidden gem

Bridal Veil Falls is a picturesque gem in the foothills just south of Canada’s Highway 1 outside Chilliwack, B.C. east of Vancouver.
It was billed as being right off the highway. True. And the hike to the falls was little more than one-half mile. Also true. Alas, it was pretty much straight up.
The hike was well worth it.
The falls cascade some 200 feet over smooth rock, creating the effect of a veil.
The area was designated as a Provincial Park in 1965. Before that, the falls were used to generate electricity in the early 1900s for the Bridal Falls Chalet. According to the park’s Web site, the area is where Popkum, an ancient village, was located with records going back to the 1700s. Popkum is a First Nations word meaning “puff ball,” a plant that grows in the area.
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.