Whistler, B.C. is a well-known destination for skiing, mountain biking and all things outdoors. With its mountainous topography and rain forest climate, it should come as no surprise that rivers and lakes are in abundance. There are five waterfalls in the vicinity of Whistler, B.C. that are definitely worth chasing!
The most direct way to reach Whistler is to take Hwy 99 (The Sea to Sky Highway) from Vancouver which is about a 90 minute drive. The waterfalls are listed in the order they would appear on the way. While there are one or two waterfalls you could see in the winter in the snow (which would be beautiful by the way!), most trails that lead to them can only be accessed in the spring- fall when the trails are clear.
All of the hikes are relatively easy, but come prepared with appropriate footwear (hiking boots), water, and camera to take epic shots! Also, be aware that the Whistler area is a bear habitat - black bear sightings are not uncommon so practice bear smarts!
1) Make some noise as you are hiking - talk or carry a bell
2) If you see a bear stop and slowly back away.
3) Do not run!
4) Do not get between a mother and her cubs.
5) Do not feed the bears
1. Shannon Falls
Technically located in the city of Squamish, this is the most touristy of the falls and most impressive, being the third highest waterfall in B.C. It can be accessed right off the highway by following the signs for Shannon Falls Provincial Park. After you park, there is a very short walk (on a sidewalk) to the viewing platform which will give you the perspective of the bottom of the falls. Depending on the season, there will definitely be many tourists taking photos. It would be a great place for wedding pictures! If you want a different perspective of the falls you could take the more challenging hike up to Stawamus Chief or take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top for shorter hikes and upper views of the falls.
2. Brandywine Falls
This waterfall can also be accessed off of Hwy 99 between Garibaldi and Whistler. From the parking lot, there is an easy 15 minute trail that takes you over train tracks and to the viewpoint where you get to see this 70 meter beauty flowing into Daisy Lake from this perspective. The park contains several other hiking trails. If you continue along the Brandywine trail, 6 km round trip, you will reach the Cheakamus Bungee Bridge. This trail is also snowshoeable in the winter.
3. Alexander Falls
To reach Alexander Falls you need to turn off the Hwy, 10 km south of Whistler, into Callaghan Valley, the site that the Nordic events in the 2010 Olympics took place. During the winter, this area is the destination for snowshoeing, tobogganing and cross country skiing. Look for the signs for Alexander Falls, park, and proceed to the viewing platform. You cannot hike to the waterfall. This waterfall is 43 meters tall, flowing from Madelay Creek. There are picnic tables so this would be a great spot to stop for a packed lunch before you hit Whistler.
4. Rainbow Falls
The first time I tried to see these falls there was a gate blocking the trail saying it was closed because of recent grizzly bear sightings! So when I tried the following summer I was understandably a little leery of bears on the trail although I didn't see any! It is kind of hard to find this trail. I couldn't really find good directions online. The easiest way I found was to follow directions to Alta Lake (use Google Maps), which is slightly south of Whistler Village, and continue on Alta Lake road to the north end of the lake. Soon, you will see a sign off the road for Rainbow Lake Trail with a small parking lot. If you feel like walking from Whistler Village you can take the Valley Trail to Rainbow Park and then continue up Alta Lake Road. Note that dogs are not allowed on the trail since this is a water source for Whistler.
This hike was a little more challenging and rougher than the others (dirt trail with some up and down elevation and tree roots) and follows the Twenty-One Mile Creek. There are large rocks to climb around when you reach the falls. You will hear them before you reach them. The hike is 1.4 km round trip.
These falls are the smallest, but its a fun hike and after you're finished you could head down to Alta Lake and enjoy the beach, trails and water down there.
5. Nairn Falls
Nairn Falls is located outside Whistler on the way to Pemberton (20 minutes north). It was one of my favourite hikes. The well groomed trail meanders through the trees looking down on Green River below. Roundtrip, the family friendly hike is 3 km. The falls can been seen at a fenced off viewing points at the end of the trail. Nairn Falls is a double waterfall, each one is 30 meters tall.
The great thing about Whistler's waterfalls is that they are relatively close together so you could actually see them all in one day! Although, Whistler is such an awesome destination you might want to take several trips.
The most direct way to reach Whistler is to take Hwy 99 (The Sea to Sky Highway) from Vancouver which is about a 90 minute drive. The waterfalls are listed in the order they would appear on the way. While there are one or two waterfalls you could see in the winter in the snow (which would be beautiful by the way!), most trails that lead to them can only be accessed in the spring- fall when the trails are clear.
All of the hikes are relatively easy, but come prepared with appropriate footwear (hiking boots), water, and camera to take epic shots! Also, be aware that the Whistler area is a bear habitat - black bear sightings are not uncommon so practice bear smarts!
1) Make some noise as you are hiking - talk or carry a bell
2) If you see a bear stop and slowly back away.
3) Do not run!
4) Do not get between a mother and her cubs.
5) Do not feed the bears
1. Shannon Falls
Technically located in the city of Squamish, this is the most touristy of the falls and most impressive, being the third highest waterfall in B.C. It can be accessed right off the highway by following the signs for Shannon Falls Provincial Park. After you park, there is a very short walk (on a sidewalk) to the viewing platform which will give you the perspective of the bottom of the falls. Depending on the season, there will definitely be many tourists taking photos. It would be a great place for wedding pictures! If you want a different perspective of the falls you could take the more challenging hike up to Stawamus Chief or take the Sea to Sky Gondola to the top for shorter hikes and upper views of the falls.
2. Brandywine Falls
This waterfall can also be accessed off of Hwy 99 between Garibaldi and Whistler. From the parking lot, there is an easy 15 minute trail that takes you over train tracks and to the viewpoint where you get to see this 70 meter beauty flowing into Daisy Lake from this perspective. The park contains several other hiking trails. If you continue along the Brandywine trail, 6 km round trip, you will reach the Cheakamus Bungee Bridge. This trail is also snowshoeable in the winter.
3. Alexander Falls
To reach Alexander Falls you need to turn off the Hwy, 10 km south of Whistler, into Callaghan Valley, the site that the Nordic events in the 2010 Olympics took place. During the winter, this area is the destination for snowshoeing, tobogganing and cross country skiing. Look for the signs for Alexander Falls, park, and proceed to the viewing platform. You cannot hike to the waterfall. This waterfall is 43 meters tall, flowing from Madelay Creek. There are picnic tables so this would be a great spot to stop for a packed lunch before you hit Whistler.
4. Rainbow Falls
The first time I tried to see these falls there was a gate blocking the trail saying it was closed because of recent grizzly bear sightings! So when I tried the following summer I was understandably a little leery of bears on the trail although I didn't see any! It is kind of hard to find this trail. I couldn't really find good directions online. The easiest way I found was to follow directions to Alta Lake (use Google Maps), which is slightly south of Whistler Village, and continue on Alta Lake road to the north end of the lake. Soon, you will see a sign off the road for Rainbow Lake Trail with a small parking lot. If you feel like walking from Whistler Village you can take the Valley Trail to Rainbow Park and then continue up Alta Lake Road. Note that dogs are not allowed on the trail since this is a water source for Whistler.
This hike was a little more challenging and rougher than the others (dirt trail with some up and down elevation and tree roots) and follows the Twenty-One Mile Creek. There are large rocks to climb around when you reach the falls. You will hear them before you reach them. The hike is 1.4 km round trip.
These falls are the smallest, but its a fun hike and after you're finished you could head down to Alta Lake and enjoy the beach, trails and water down there.
5. Nairn Falls
Nairn Falls is located outside Whistler on the way to Pemberton (20 minutes north). It was one of my favourite hikes. The well groomed trail meanders through the trees looking down on Green River below. Roundtrip, the family friendly hike is 3 km. The falls can been seen at a fenced off viewing points at the end of the trail. Nairn Falls is a double waterfall, each one is 30 meters tall.
The great thing about Whistler's waterfalls is that they are relatively close together so you could actually see them all in one day! Although, Whistler is such an awesome destination you might want to take several trips.
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