7 Stunning Waterfalls in Whistler You Need to Visit

A magical village in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler offers some of Canada’s most spectacular waterfall experiences. From thundering cascades that plunge hundreds of feet to gentle streams perfect for families, these natural wonders are surprisingly accessible from Whistler Village.

Headed to Banff? Read This

Top Waterfalls in Whistler

Shannon Falls: The Giant Among Giants

Distance from Whistler Village: 45 minutes south on Highway 99 Difficulty: Easy (5-minute walk from parking) Height: 335 meters (1,099 feet)

Shannon Falls is British Columbia’s third-highest waterfall and absolutely unmissable. The short, paved trail from the parking area makes this perfect for visitors of all ages. The falls are most impressive during spring snowmelt (May-June) when the water volume is at its peak.

Getting There: Drive south on Highway 99 toward Vancouver. The well-marked Shannon Falls Provincial Park is on your right, just past Britannia Beach. Free parking available.

Pro Tips:

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting
• Bring a light jacket – the mist creates a cool microclimate
• The falls are illuminated at night, creating a completely different experience

Nairn Falls: A Hidden Gem in Pemberton Valley

Distance from Whistler Village: 35 minutes north Difficulty: Easy to moderate (1.5 km loop trail) Height: 60 meters (197 feet)

Located in Nairn Falls Provincial Park, this waterfall offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in the area. The Green River carves through a narrow canyon before plunging into a emerald pool below. The well-maintained trail includes interpretive signs about local ecology and First Nations history.

Getting There: Take Highway 99 north through Whistler Village, continue to Pemberton, then follow signs to Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Small parking fee required.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall. Winter access can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Brandywine Falls: The Photographer’s Paradise

Distance from Whistler Village: 15 minutes south Difficulty: Easy (10-minute walk) Height: 70 meters (230 feet)

Perhaps the most photographed waterfall in the Whistler area, Brandywine Falls drops dramatically over a volcanic cliff into Brandywine Creek. The viewing platform offers spectacular views, and the short trail is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Getting There: Head south on Highway 99, turn right at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park (Cal-Cheak Forest Service Road). Follow signs to the parking area.

Photography Tips:

• Morning light illuminates the falls beautifully
• Bring a polarizing filter to cut through mist and enhance colors
• The viewing platform can get crowded – arrive early for the best shots

Alexander Falls: The Instagram Favorite

Distance from Whistler Village: 20 minutes north toward Pemberton Difficulty: Easy (15-minute walk) Height: 30 meters (98 feet)

This stunning cascade over granite cliffs has become increasingly popular on social media, and for good reason. The falls drop into a beautiful turquoise pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and old-growth forest.

Getting There: Drive north on Highway 99 toward Pemberton. Turn right on Callaghan Valley Road, then left on Alexander Falls Forest Service Road. Limited parking available.

Important Note: This area can get very busy during peak season. Consider visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.

Cheakamus River Waterfalls: Multiple Cascades Along an Epic Trail

Distance from Whistler Village: 10 minutes + 1-3 hour hike (depending on how far you go) Difficulty: Easy to moderate Height: Various cascades, 5-15 meters each

The Cheakamus River Trail system offers access to numerous waterfalls and cascades along one of Whistler’s most scenic waterways. This trail follows the river through old-growth forest, revealing multiple photogenic falls and swimming holes. The trail is part of the Valley Trail network, making it easily accessible.

Getting There: Multiple access points including Function Junction, Cheakamus Lake Road, and various Valley Trail connections. The most popular waterfall viewpoints are accessed from the Cheakamus River parking area off Highway 99.

Trail Highlights:

• Multiple small waterfalls and cascades within the first hour of hiking
• Crystal-clear pools perfect for brave souls willing to brave the cold water
• Ancient Douglas fir and cedar forest
• Excellent for mountain biking as well as hiking

Rainbow Falls: Whistler’s Best-Kept Secret

Distance from Whistler Village: 30 minutes + 45-minute hike Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections) Height: 40 meters (131 feet)

Hidden in the Rainbow Creek drainage, this spectacular waterfall truly lives up to its name. On sunny days, the mist creates stunning rainbows that dance across the falling water. The hike follows an old logging road before branching onto a narrower trail through beautiful temperate rainforest.

Getting There: Drive north toward Pemberton, turn left on Rainbow Creek Forest Service Road (just past Rainbow Park). Follow the road for about 6 km to the trailhead parking area. The road can be rough – high clearance vehicle recommended.

Special Features:

• Best rainbow displays occur between 11 AM and 2 PM on sunny days
• Multiple viewing angles from different trail positions
• Less crowded than other Whistler waterfalls
• Stunning fall colors in late September

High Falls Creek: For the Adventurous

Distance from Whistler Village: 25 minutes + 2-hour hike Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Height: Multiple cascades, tallest at 90 meters

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, High Falls Creek offers multiple waterfalls along a beautiful hiking trail. This is a full half-day commitment but rewards visitors with pristine wilderness and fewer crowds.

Getting There: Access via the Sea-to-Sky Trail system. Park at the Function Junction area and follow trail markers. Proper hiking gear recommended.

Planning Your Waterfall Adventure

Best Time to Visit

• Peak Flow: May through July (snowmelt season)
• Best Weather: July through September
• Fall Colors: Late September through October
• Winter: Many falls partially freeze, creating unique ice formations

What to Bring

• Waterproof jacket (mist is common)
• Non-slip footwear with good traction
• Camera with extra batteries (cold drains power quickly)
• Snacks and water for longer hikes
• First aid kit for backcountry adventures

Transportation from Whistler Village

By Car: Most convenient option. All waterfalls are accessible by vehicle, though some require short drives on forest service roads. Note that Rainbow Falls requires a high-clearance vehicle for the forest service road.

Public Transit: Limited options. The Pemberton Shuttle runs to Nairn Falls area during summer months. The Cheakamus River waterfalls are accessible via Valley Trail connections for those staying in Whistler Village.

Tour Companies: Several local operators offer waterfall tours, perfect if you prefer not to drive mountain roads.

Safety Considerations

• Never swim in waterfall pools – currents can be deceptively strong
• Stay on designated trails and viewing areas
• Check weather conditions before heading out
• Let someone know your plans for backcountry hikes
• River levels can change rapidly during heavy rain

Photography Ethics and Leave No Trace

These natural wonders are fragile ecosystems. Help preserve them by:

• Staying on marked trails
• Not disturbing vegetation for photos
• Packing out all trash
• Respecting wildlife and nesting areas
• Following posted guidelines and restrictions

Beyond the Falls: Extending Your Adventure

Many waterfall locations offer additional activities:

• Shannon Falls: Combine with a visit to the Sea-to-Sky Gondola
• Brandywine Falls: Explore nearby volcanic formations
• Nairn Falls: Continue to Joffre Lakes for alpine scenery
• Alexander Falls: Access point for Callaghan Valley Nordic trails
• Cheakamus River: Connect to extensive Valley Trail network for biking
• Rainbow Falls: Combine with Rainbow Park for family activities

Local Insider Tips

• Download offline maps – cell service can be spotty
• Check BC Parks website for current trail conditions
• Consider purchasing a BC Parks annual pass if visiting multiple locations
• Local visitor centers offer current water level and safety updates
• Many trails offer mushroom and berry picking opportunities in season (where permitted)

Making the Most of Your Visit

Whistler’s waterfalls offer year-round beauty, but each season brings its own magic. Spring showcases raw power as snowmelt creates thundering cascades. Summer provides perfect hiking weather and lush green surroundings. Fall brings stunning color contrasts, while winter creates ethereal ice sculptures.

Whether you’re a serious hiker seeking backcountry adventure or a family looking for accessible natural beauty, Whistler’s waterfalls deliver unforgettable experiences just minutes from world-class resort amenities. These natural wonders remind us why this region has captivated visitors for generations – and why protecting these pristine environments remains so important for future explorers.

Plan for at least a full day to properly experience several falls, and don’t forget to check local conditions before heading out. The mountains can change quickly, but with proper preparation, your waterfall adventure will become one of those travel memories you’ll treasure forever.