Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is the best waterfall stop between Squamish and Whistler. The park is about 47 km north of Squamish, off Highway 99, and the falls are roughly 70 metres high. The Brandywine Falls Trail takes 10 to 20 minutes one way, crossing a covered footbridge to a viewing platform where you see the water drop into the canyon. Other trails include the 2.7 km Lava Lake Trail and a 1.5 km section of the Sea to Sky Trail inside the park, so a short stop can turn into a longer walk. BC Parks says the lower falls area is closed and that there is no access, the canyon has unstable slopes and falling rock, and visitors must stay behind fences and away from the river edge and use caution at the Canadian National Rail crossing. There is no potable water, campfires are not permitted and e-bikes are not allowed on park trails. In the off-season the park gate is closed and access is on foot only, and trails are not maintained in winter, so in November and through the snow months you may need to walk in from the road. That makes it a better stop for summer and autumn, but the falls can look dramatic with ice in winter if you are prepared and careful. The BC Parks page does not list any fee. Pets must be leashed and are not suited to the backcountry because of bears and other wildlife.

The walk and the view. The trail from the car park to the platform is short and mostly flat, and the covered footbridge is a nice pause in the middle. The falls drop in a single plume into a canyon, and the platform gives a clear view. Photographers like the early morning light and the cool mist. Keep children and dogs close, because the drop is steep and the fences are there for a reason.

Beyond the falls. If you have extra time, walk some of the Sea to Sky Trail section or the Lava Lake Trail, which lead into forest and past small lakes. Swim Lake has no beach, dock or lifeguards, so treat it as a scenic spot rather than a swimming hole. Mountain biking is permitted on some trails, but e-bikes are not allowed on park trails, so check the rules before bringing one.

Practical tips. Bring your own drinking water, wear shoes with grip and keep your valuables out of sight in the car. In the off-season, expect the gate to be closed and plan a longer walk in, and avoid the park when ice, snow or falling rock are an issue. Because the stop is quick, it pairs well with Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola on a drive between Vancouver and Whistler, or with Nairn Falls further north if you continue toward Pemberton.