A Guide To Whistler’s Waterfalls
Whistler is a paradise for any outdoor lover. We have incredible mountains that are begging to be explored. You have your choice of skiing, biking and hiking these world-famous mountains and getting in touch with nature. Whistler is also home to some absolutely stunning waterfalls. It’s quite amazing to see tonnes upon tonnes of water gushing through rocky landscapes.
Luckily for visitors, there are a number of waterfalls within easy reach of Whistler. They’re all accessed by a short hike through some iconic west-coast old-growth forest. Some of these waterfalls are also accessible in winter, so make sure you add them to your itinerary.
Waterfalls can be dangerous, so make sure you adhere to all safety signage and be careful of variable trail conditions.
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls can be found in Brandywine Provincial Park south of Whistler. After pulling in off Highway 99 you’ll enjoy an easy walk across flat ground to the lookout over Brandywine Falls. The falls formed because lava flowed over glacial till and gravel. Meltwater from the Fraser Glaciation then eroded the softer material and created the falls.
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Brandywine Falls are over 70m high and make for the perfect background for an Instagram post! Make sure to check out the interpretive signage at the entrance to learn more facts about the waterfall and the park!
How to get there:
Drive south on Highway 99 from Creekside in Whistler for roughly 12 minutes. Follow signage for the turnoff to Brandywine Falls on your left.
Shannon Falls
Drive south of Whistler and you’ll arrive in Squamish, home to Shannon Falls. Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in BC, with water falling from 335 meters high. The falls are located in Shannon Falls Provincial Park. This park has been featured in many Hollywood movies, including the Twilight saga.
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If you want to explore the mountains, you can jump on the Sea to Sky Gondola. This gondola will zip you up to the Summit Lodge. From here you can check out the viewing platform, suspension bridge and maybe even some live music!
How to get there:
Drive south on Highway 99 towards Squamish. After 45 minutes and having passed through Squamish, you’ll see the entrance to the car park on your left-hand side.
Nairn Falls
If you want to get close to the action, Nairn Falls is the waterfall for you! You’ll hike alongside the river until you reach the lookout. The lookout here is on a rocky outcrop that lets you get right up to the waterfall. The area is fenced in and has interpretative signage explaining how the falls were formed and the mechanics of the raging plunge pool below you.
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The hike to the falls is roughly 1.5km and runs alongside Green River. The ground is uneven so utmost care is needed when hiking. Nairn Falls make up part of Nairn Falls Provincial Park. There’s also a campground and large car park here that’s open from May until October.
How to get there:
Turn north onto Highway 99 from Creekside and drive for roughly 30 minutes. The entrance to the car park is on your right-hand side.
Alexander Falls
Alexander Falls is unique as you can drive to the lookout point. This is a great option for people looking for an easily accessible waterfall. You’ll find Alexander Falls in the Callaghan Valley, near the Whistler Olympic Park. The falls are 43 meters high and step their way down the mountainside. A viewing platform has been built that allows visitors to get even closer to the falls and get some great photographs.
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When driving to Alexander Falls make sure you keep an eye out for wildlife. Bears are a common sight around here! Please ensure that you keep your distance from them and do not feed the bears!
How to get there:
Turn left onto Highway 99 from Creekside and drive south for 10 minutes. Follow the signs and turn right onto Callaghan Road for Alexander Falls and Whistler Olympic Park. Continue for 10 more minutes and you’ll see the parking area on your left for Alexander Falls.
