Norvan Falls

One of our favorite hikes on the North Shore is this 14km trail to Norvan Falls. The route takes you through the lush forest of Lynn Headwaters Regional Park to a beautiful waterfall. You walk through towering evergreens, moss-covered logs, and the calming sounds of the nearby river before ending at your destination deep in the woods.

There is limited parking at the main trailhead, but several additional lots are available as you drive along the narrow road leading into the park. Parking in one of these additional areas will add some distance to the overall 14km hike. We would also like to mention that between April 1st and September 30th most of the lots require you to pay for parking. Because of this, and the increase in visitors during warmer months, we prefer to do this hike in the off-season when the trail is quieter and parking is easier to find. Early mornings starts are also a great option if you’re visiting during peak season.

This trail is very well marked and takes an average of about four hours to complete at a moderate pace. There are two different route options to reach the falls. The lower route, to the left, is mainly flat and gradual, following the river and offering occasional glimpses of the water through the trees. The higher trail, to the right, is slightly more challenging and leads further into the forest, providing more views of the dense tree cover. Both routes are enjoyable, however we prefer to take the lower trail on this hike.

Each season offers something different and special that you can admire as you walk. In the spring you’ll find an abundance of fresh greenery, including fiddleheads and early wildflowers. During the summer months the trail is fully alive, with birds actively collecting food and the forest buzzing with life. Fall is a favorite for mushroom lovers, you’ll find a wide variety of fungi appear along the trail edges and on fallen logs. Winter is quieter and incredibly peaceful. A fresh snowfall can transform the forest into something magical, and if you’re lucky, you may just see this waterfall partially of completely frozen.

Considerations:
- This trail has very minimal service, if any at all. Download the trail map beforehand if you’re unsure of navigation, and let someone know where you’re hiking before heading out.
- The temperature drops quickly as you get closer to the falls. Even in summer it’s a good idea to pack a long-sleeve layer if you’re planning to stop and have lunch here.
- This waterfall doesn’t have a strong, steady water source year-round and can slow to a trickle in the summer when there hasn’t been a rainfall. The best times we’ve found to visit are shortly after it has rained, or anytime from fall through spring when water levels are higher.