Shannon Falls: The Family Guide to This Sea To Sky Staple

Shannon Falls is an easy stopover while going up the Sea to Sky Highway. The massive falls are just minutes from the parking lot, and will give you a glimpse of the massive scale of the Coast Mountains up close.

Why Stop at Shannon Falls

The park sits right on the Sea to Sky Highway between Murrin Park and the Sea to Sky Gondola . It’s an easy pit-stop on your way north, as long as it’s not busy. The sound hits you right when you open the car door, and will only get louder as you creep up to it. The best part is that they’re different every time you view them. At 335 metres, it’s the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, and from the base it’s hard to even see the top.

In the spring snowmelt or the fall and winter rains, it’s a beautiful sight of nature’s power. In the summer it’s a bit more palpable, and the mist can be cooling on a hot day. The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoints is short and mostly flat. It offers a big reward for very little effort, which is exactly the kind of stop this highway is made for.

Especially with little kids, this makes for an easy “hike” on a paved, stroller-friendly path. It’s just enough to offer a bit of challenge, but not too much that the whining starts before they get to see what all the fuss is about.

Getting There & Parking

Shannon Falls Provincial Park is roughly 2 km south of Squamish on Highway 99, on the east side of the road. The parking lot hasn’t been expanded in line with the popularity, so it fills up extremely quickly in the summer months. The lineups to wait for a spot can get a bit rediculous.

There’s overflow parking across the street at Darrell Bay if things are too crazy. Totem Hall is also nearby, where local Squamish Nation cultural events often occur. If anything is going on that is open to the public, it’s well worth a visit.

The Falls Through the Seasons

The falls are never quite the same twice. In spring, snowmelt turns Shannon Creek into a roar and the whole cliff seems to move. In the fall and winter rains it’s nature’s power on full display. Come summer the flow eases off, the falls get more palpable, and on a hot day the mist drifting off the base is the best free air-conditioning on the corridor.

Hiking to the Top: Read This First

You can also hike up toward the top of the falls, but be forewarned. No matter how cool it looks on social media, do not swim in the pool up top — even if you think it’s safe. People have died there, and they will continue to die as long as people keep posting about it. It’s no joke.

This isn’t hypothetical. In 2018, three young travellers slipped at a pool above the falls and drowned. One fell, and the two who tried to help fell after. The granite is slick, the current is stronger than it looks, and there’s no getting back out once the water has you. A photo is not worth it.

The trail itself is tough for little legs, but a good challenge for kids around 8 and up. It’s easily accessible from the parking lot, just look for signs.

Good to Know

• Cost: Free. Day-use only. No camping.
• Washrooms: Flush toilets on site.
• Facilities: Picnic areas and a small seasonal concession/info kiosk.
• Dogs: On-leash at all times; not permitted in park buildings.
• Stroller call: The base path to the lower viewpoint is mostly flat and manageable; the upper viewpoint has stairs. A carrier is the safer bet if you’re going past the first viewpoint.
• Cell service: Reliable
• Best time to visit: Early morning or a weekday. On a summer weekend the lot fills and you’ll be waiting a while to snag a spot.

Make a Day of It

Shannon Falls is best strung together with its neighbours. Combine it with a stop at Murrin Park just to the south, or ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola right next door for the big-picture view of Howe Sound.

Come Back with the Seasons

This is the type of stop you want to make more than once, especially with little ones. We love being able to show our kids how one spot can change drastically with the seasons. No matter what time of year there is something unique. It’s also one of the few places where it pays to go in the offseason, since the water is usually raging more and the crowds have gone away.

Shannon Falls FAQ

How tall is Shannon Falls?

Shannon Falls drops 335 metres (1,099 feet), making it the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia.

Is Shannon Falls free to visit?

Yes. Shannon Falls Provincial Park is free to enter, with free parking and flush toilets. It’s a day-use park. There is no overnight camping, but a campground sits a few hundred meters down the road at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.

How long is the walk to Shannon Falls?

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoints is short. You can budget about 30 minutes round-trip, which includes some time for pics and some peaceful moments taking it in.

Can you swim at Shannon Falls?

No. Swimming in the pools above the falls is extremely dangerous and has killed several people. The rock is slippery and the current is far stronger than it appears. Enjoy the falls from the viewpoints and stay out of the water.

Is Shannon Falls good for kids?

The base trail is easy and suitable for all ages, including little ones. The steeper hike toward the top of the falls is a good challenge for kids around 8 and up, but keep everyone well back from the water.

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