I have driven thru 100 Mile House, BC millions of times. Alright, I’m exaggerating; but at least 8 times a year for the past coupe years… Twice I went for work-related reasons in my previous life. Yet, not once did I ever know about the WATERFALLS within the downtown. Bridgecreek Falls, in Centennial Park, 100 Mile House, is a great stop when traveling with kids thru the Cariboo/Chilcotin Region.
On our most recent road trip in the area, I stopped into the Visitors Information Centre to get the low down on a trail to hike. I had left Cache Creek earlier that morning with the intent to find a trail to hike. I hoped to find something along the roadside, but after over an hour of driving, I had not spotted any hiking signs (I was catching all the BC/Canada Parks signs that point towards different recreation sites and none of them featured the hiker. Thus, I kept driving).
I walked in with two babies wearing my flip-flops and I’m most certain she didn’t take me seriously. She suggested the walk around the marsh, but I wanted earth under my feet (it had been a rough night, Little Man woke at 3am and was tossing and turning until I begrudgingly got us out of bed at 7am to drink coloured water at the local cafe). Then, she suggested a playground in the area thinking my wild child and screaming baby meant I wanted to stretch our legs not HIKE. Her third suggestion was Centennial Park, 100 Mile House. I admit I stuck up my nose a little as she described how it was just across town (and by across town, she means like four blocks over). I really wanted to get out into the forest because my morning had been filled with anger and hatred towards my children and myself. But she said there were waterfalls, and who doesn’t love waterfalls?
I took my map, loaded up two children, and drove across town (It took me 4 minutes because I drove past the entrance and had to turn around) to Centennial Park, 100 Mile House to check out Bridgecreek waterfalls. We unloaded, changed diapers (and clothes), and headed out onto the trailhead.
Centennial Park, 100 Mile House
I’ve never seen a sign from the highway eluding the beauty of Centennial Park. I’ve never heard of the whisperings of the beautiful short and stout waterfalls within the heart of 100 Mile House, but it’s there. This beautiful park is for sure 100 Mile House, BC’s best kept secret. The park is the perfect place for kids, dogs and adults to explore.
Address: 105 Evergreen Cres, 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E1
Besides Bridgecreek Falls, here’s 3 other reasons to check out Centennial Park, 100 Mile House with Kids.
Playground: There’s a fair sized playground at the park.- Large Open Fields: Perfect for all sorts of fun and play, including a lovely picnic.
- Trail Network: There are a series of trails and paths in Centennial Park to meet your exploring needs.
Bridgecreek Falls, 100 Mile House
The trail along Bridgecreek Falls follows a fast flowing river. This is very likely to be a dangerous space for small curious children. Walking along the trail, I felt I needed to yell for Little Man to hear me due to the crashing of the waterway.
Despite my anxieties about the water, Little Man walked to the falls. At toddler pace it was about 25 minutes. We stopped to climb the hill, the stumps, and to eat a snack. When we arrived at Bridgecreek Falls, I placed him on my back for the walk back to the car and to ease up on my anxieties.
The trail is totally accessible for most wheels with benches along the way. The return adult-paced hike back is no more than 10 minute adventure.
Do bring bug spray when visiting during the summer months. Unlike our previous exploration at Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake, the mosquitos were out and biting!
Should our adventures ever require another stop in 100 Mile House, I won’t think twice about where to go: Centennial Park, 100 Mile House for sure! Bridgecreek Falls are absolutely stunning, and the park is the perfect spot in the Cariboo Region for families and kids to get out and stretch.
After finding some links to add to this post I also stumbled across the 99 Mile Demonstration Forest and Trails. We might make a stop there next time we drive from Prince George to Vancouver.
I love to find hidden gems. I am happy that you enjoyed.
thanks for writing this, i love the details you gave about the walk to the falls, having to yell at your little man so he could hear you and the possible dangerous space for little ones. it looks like you guys had a great time! I hope one day if we are ever in the area, I remember to stop here with our kiddies. 🙂
It is gorgeous! I too get a lot of anxiety with my kids around possibly dangerous places, it is hard not too sometimes. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
We take so many walks and hikes my children are almost able to recognize unsafe drop offs. One of my favorite places has a steep hill they have been begging to climb for about a year now.
There are so many hidden treasures out there, road trip america is one of my favorite sites for that!
This is beautiful! Sounds like a wonderful place to visit!
I have been up and down that stretch of Highway what seems like a million times also , after moving back to Williams Lake 2 years ago I have begun to rediscover The Cariboo and Photography and nature are right down my alley. I google earthed 100 mile never expecting to find a hidden Jem like this almost just off the Hwy. I am going to check it out this weekend. thank you for your insight. Keep on exploring this Beautiful part of Gods green earth that we have been blessed with.