Looking for the perfect waterfall stops on your next summer road trip? The Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) is one of the most scenic drives in Canada, and it’s dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, many of which are easy to reach with little or no hiking.
When we first moved to Canada, we didn’t know where to begin exploring. One weekend, we spontaneously decided to drive toward Whistler. That day, we stumbled upon Shannon Falls, we were in complete awe. It felt like a portal to another world, and it sparked a love affair with BC’s waterfalls that hasn’t stopped since. Over time, we’ve revisited these spots with friends, as a couple, and even with our parents, each visit adding new memories and stories to our journey.
- Shannon Falls
- Mamquam Falls (optional if adventurous)
- Brandywine Falls
- Train Wreck Falls
- Alexander Falls
- Nairn Falls
1. Shannon Falls
This was the first BC waterfall we ever saw, and it blew our minds. We remember pouring chai from our flask and watching the mist rise in the sun – it felt like a real “we live here now!” moment.
📍 Location: Just south of Squamish, directly off Highway 99.
💧 Height: 335 meters — BC’s third tallest waterfall.
🚶♀️ Access: Super easy. A 5-minute walk from the parking lot on a paved trail.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~60 km (1 hour).
🛣️ Distance from Whistler: ~60 km (45 minutes).
Facilities: Large parking area, picnic tables, washrooms, and seasonal visitor center.
2. Mamquam Falls
We discovered Mamquam Falls after chatting with a local barista in Squamish. The trail felt like a secret path, and arriving at the falls felt like we were discovering BC’s hidden side. It’s not an “Instagram-ready” trail, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
📍 Location: Near Squamish, accessed via Mamquam River Forest Service Road.
💧 Height: ~20 meters.
🚶♀️ Access: Short, moderate trail (~1.5 km round trip), rougher terrain.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~65 km (1 hour).
🛣️ Distance from Squamish: ~8 km (15 minutes).
Facilities: No formal parking or washrooms.
3. Brandywine Falls
We visited Brandywine Falls on the way back from a spontaneous overnight stay in Whistler. We were tired, but this quick, easy trail gave us an unexpected second wind. We ended up sitting at the lookout longer than we planned, soaking in the powerful energy of the drop.
📍 Location: About 10 minutes south of Whistler.
💧 Height: 70 meters.
🚶♀️ Access: Easy 1 km forest trail (15–20 minutes) to the viewing platform.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~100 km (1.5 hours).
🛣️ Distance from Whistler: ~17 km (15 minutes).
Facilities: Parking lot (seasonal), picnic areas, washrooms.
4. Train Wreck Falls
We did this trail on a rainy fall day, and the combination of mossy forest, dripping rain, and colorful train cars felt like an outdoor art installation. The small waterfall was a surprise bonus that completed the whimsical vibe.
📍 Location: Near Whistler’s Function Junction area.
💧 Height: Small cascade, but part of the unique scene.
🚶♀️ Access: Easy 2 km trail through the forest, including a suspension bridge.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~115 km (1 hr 40 min).
🛣️ Distance from Whistler: ~7 km (10 min).
Facilities: Free parking, no washrooms.
5. Alexander Falls
This became an instant family favorite. We brought our parents here, and they were overjoyed to see such a grand waterfall without needing to walk even a few steps. We stood there, all four of us, just listening to the roar — it was one of those rare travel moments that felt peaceful and electric at the same time.
📍 Location: Callaghan Valley, ~23 minutes from Whistler Village (detour off Highway 99).
💧 Height: 43 meters high and 12 meters wide.
🚶♀️ Access: No hiking required — the viewing platform is right next to the parking area.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~126 km (1 hr 45 min).
🛣️ Distance from Whistler: ~30 km (23 min).
Facilities: Small parking lot, basic viewing platform.
6. Nairn Falls
On a summer trip with friends, we hiked to Nairn Falls and had a small picnic near the river. The rhythmic sound of the water combined with the forest energy made us feel like we had stumbled into a BC fairytale.
📍 Location: Near Pemberton, north of Whistler.
💧 Height: 60 meters in a two-tiered drop.
🚶♀️ Access: Easy 1.5 km trail (about 30–40 minutes each way) along the Green River.
🛣️ Distance from Vancouver: ~148 km (2 hours).
🛣️ Distance from Whistler: ~29 km (20 minutes).
Facilities: Parking lot, washrooms, campsites.
🗺️ Suggested Sea to Sky Highway Waterfall Itinerary
✅ Start in Vancouver.
✅ Stop at Shannon Falls for a quick stretch.
✅ If you’re up for an adventurous detour, visit Mamquam Falls.
✅ Continue to Brandywine Falls for an epic canyon view.
✅ Check out Train Wreck Falls for a creative forest experience.
✅ Take a detour to Alexander Falls for quiet waterfall magic.
✅ Finish at Nairn Falls before heading to Pemberton for a bite.
Plan Your BC Summer Road Trip
These waterfalls are the perfect stops to break up your drive, breathe in fresh forest air, and connect with BC’s raw natural beauty. Most require minimal effort but deliver maximum reward — and if you’re like us, each one will create core memories you’ll keep forever.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to enjoy these falls without crowds.
🗓️ When to Visit Sea to Sky Highway Waterfalls
🌸 Spring (March–May): Best for dramatic water flow and blooming trails.
☀️ Summer (June–August)Most accessible and family-friendly; some falls busier.
🍂 Fall (September–November): Amazing colors, quieter trails, and comfortable temperatures.
❄️ Winter (December–February): Magical icy scenes, but check for trail closures and icy conditions.
💬 Have you explored these waterfalls yet?
Which one is your favorite, or which one is on your must-see list? Share your story in the comments below — we’d love to hear your waterfall adventures!
