I don't know about you, but it's been an adult-long dream to be able to swim and frolic at the foot of a waterfall. Since many of the waterfall based hikes in the Niagara escarpment area are closed because of COVID, or overcrowded, Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island seemed like the perfect option for us.
As a part of the Billings Connections Trail, this easy 2.2 km hike (1.1km out and back) takes you to and from the falls along a path peppered with inspiring art work, nature, and fairy houses. It has something for everyone.
There are viewing platforms you can see the falls from above in a parking lot above, but with COVID the stairs direct to the falls are closed. This didn't matter to us, so we headed down the main drag towards another parking lot on lower ground which led us direct to the trail with the falls.
Adorable fairy houses lined this easy going trail.
Molly loved finding the fairy houses, but we stuck to the path because much like other hikes on Manitoulin Island there was plenty of poison Ivy.
The art work along the trail was so beautiful.
Nature was still abundant on this highly trafficked trail and the kids were pleased to spot this cute frog.
Others (me not so much) were excited to see these two sizable snakes sunning themselves at the side of the trail.
We made it to the base of the falls quite quicky.
The kids and dad made a point of walking behind the falls. Water shoes or sandals are a good way to explore the falls without injuring your feet on the rocks. We packed ours in backpacks and put them on when we arrived at the falls. This hike is good for people of all ages, just make sure you keep an eye on little ones to make sure they don't step in poison ivy or eat any of the wild berries along the trail.
Being able to walk behind the waterfall and look out to the other side.
It was a little bit chilly out, and the water was certainly cold, but I knew I had to dive in and take a swim below and behind the falls. It was totally worth it. I'd do this hike any time I visit Manitoulin Island, and we'll definitely be back. The entire journey took just over an hour but most of that time was us stopping and enjoying the waterfall.
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