A Guide to Sea to Sky Waterfalls

Editor’s note: This post was originally written in 2012, but seeing as waterfalls don’t change too quickly the below info is still all relevant, we just added a few things to bring it up-to-date. 

I don’t want to sound too hippy or anything, but there is something absolutely fantastic about taking a moment to relax beside a waterfall – that cool light mist that envelops and calms while the thunderous roaring drone of the pounding waters seems to wash away everything except the present moment.

Waterfalls are raging torrents of natural energy that can carve through solid rock and smash huge logs to splinters, yet they’re also somehow incredibly soothing to be around, peaceful even. That’s the duality of nature I suppose, and here in Whistler we’re lucky to have easy access to some ferociously beautiful waterfalls, most of which are right off the highway. From South to North, check out these key Sea to Sky waterfalls.

Shannon Falls

Located just south of the Squamish Chief and rising 335 metres above Highway 99, you literally can’t miss Shannon Falls. The third highest waterfall in British Columbia, Shannon Falls also has one of the more interesting mythologies.

Squamish First Nations tell of a massive two-headed serpent, Say-noth-ka, who lived in Howe Sound. According to legend, Say-noth-ka used to slither out of the ocean and up into the mountains, always taking the same route again and again. His massive, twisting body wore away the mountainside and eventually formed a grooved spillway for the waters above.

These days, Shannon Falls Provincial Park offers fine picnic spots and trails interwoven amongst lush forest and “notched” old-growth stumps, remnants of historical logging.

Brandywine Falls

No one is entirely sure how these falls got their name but one popular story is that a couple of railway surveyors / drinking buddies made a wager over who could more accurately estimate the height of this awesome 70-metre freefall. The stakes were a bottle of brandy (which back in the day used to also be known by its full name – Brandywine) and once the falls were measured with a chain, the two friends polished the entire bottle off right there and then named the falls.

Other than that ode to drunken creativity Brandywine Falls is noteworthy because from the observation deck you can really appreciate the time warp effect – the longer and further the water falls from the upper edge, the slower it seems to be moving. It spreads out and almost stalls before smashing into the canyon below. Check it out, it’s wild.

Brandywine Falls is located just 11 km (7 miles) south of Whistler on Highway 99 – look for the blue signs to the large parking lot at the trailhead. The actual walk into the falls takes approximately 10 minutes. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Sea to Sky Trail from Function Junction in Whistler out to the falls – a 20 kilometre hike one way.

Note that Brandywine Falls parking is closed during the winter months, opening early to mid-May depending on the weather.

Alexander Falls

The least-visited of all Whistler’s main waterfalls (even though it’s just off the beaten path) Alexandra Falls is a stunning 43-metre tiered cascade located on Madeley Creek up the Callaghan valley. Turn west about 10 kilometres south of Whistler and head towards Whistler Olympic Park (closed summer 2022).

Look for the sign and trail about one kilometre before you get to the lodge – this will give you a view from the top of the falls. Note that the parking lot is small, and the walk and viewing area are not winter maintained. For a different angle, you can also snowshoe to Alexander Falls from Callaghan Country and Whistler Olympic Park when snow conditions permit.

One tip – make sure you go to the washroom before visiting as the options are limited at the falls.

Rainbow Falls

This one is barely even a waterfall at all, more like a river in a narrow boulder field, but it is beautiful nonetheless and the Rainbow Lake trail continues up into some of Whistler’s best alpine hiking terrain.

Located just a half kilometer in the forest off Whistler’s Westside road, these falls make an easy half-day trip for anyone looking to get out of the Village and into the forest. Follow the Rainbow Lake trail to the Water Treatment Centre, there’s a fork in the trail and direction sign, follow the trail that goes straight (not the one to the lake) and after a minute or so you should hear the falls.

Higher up, Rainbow Lake is one of Whistler’s more popular hikes but you’ll need to budget a whole day for that one. (Totally worth it.)

Wedgemount Falls

The least-accessible waterfall on the list, this one requires a trip up the Wedgemount Falls Lake Trail, one of Whistler’s most grueling hikes. The falls themselves tumble over 296 metres of ledged granite and are kinda-maybe visible from the main trail, about five kilometres along the lake trail (you’ll hear them before you see them.)

For a proper look at these dramatic, rocky falls you’ll need to bushwhack a bit but that’s what real adventures are made of though, so have fun and wear long pants.

Nairn Falls

The northern-most waterfall on the Sea to Sky journey is also the one you’d least likely want to go over inside a barrel. Nairn Falls tumbles and twists and roars through a narrow canyon just off the highway en route to Pemberton. It’s the tonal opposite of Brandywine’s straight shot and definitely worth the drive north. Note the Nairn Falls parking lot is closed during winter months.

The trail in follows the Green River for just over a kilometre before depositing you right alongside Nairn’s mighty torrent. Officially pegged at 60 metres, Nairn is churning, rushing maze of water pouring into and out of pools and eddies. There’s always been talk of underwater caverns that will trap and hold flotsam for months, years, maybe forever. Nairn Falls exemplifies the true majestic chaos of nature, water and gravity. Do not fall in.

Those looking for a fresh perspective on Nairn and the Green River can catch a ride almost right to the base of the falls with Whistler Jet Boating. It’s a fantastic half-day on the river.

The best thing about waterfalls is they are most spectacular when conditions are wet, making short walks to view them excellent rainy day activities in spring, summer or fall – just throw on your waterproof gear and go! If you liked this information, you might also enjoy our post, Scenic Spots: Whistler Waterfalls, Rivers and Rocks.

Please visit AdventureSmart BC for useful advice on how to prepare for and stay safe on your adventures. Be bear aware, and make sure to pack out what you pack in to help protect Whistler’s beautiful, natural space. All of the above waterfalls have limited parking, so it’s best to visit early and midweek if you can.