Shannon Falls Park
About this Park
Shannon Falls Park is directly next to Highway 99. It is a popular day-use park offering picnicking, hiking, and access to the well-known trail in Stawamus Chief Park.
The tumbling waters of Shannon Falls originate from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot. They rise 335 m above Highway 99, making this the third highest falls in British Columbia (ranking behind 481 m Della Falls in Strathcona Park and 396 m Hunlen Falls in Tweedsmuir Park).
There is a small concession and information centre offering snacks, information, and souvenirs. This is next to the flush toilet building on the trail to the waterfalls, and it is managed by the park operator.
Safety information
- Trail and stair treads may be slippery in the winter. Please use extra caution and watch for falling ice.
- Stay on trails and within the viewing area. Rocks and river edges can be extremely slippery.
Location notes
Shannon Falls Park is directly next to Highway 99, 58 km north of Vancouver and 2 km south of Squamish. Shannon Falls is immediately adjacent to Stawamus Chief Park. Squamish and Britannia Beach are the closest communities.
Activities
- 331:Interpretive programs Find fun summer outdoor learning experiences with Discover Parks Ambassadors here all summer long. For specific dates, along with many more seasonal and year-round activities, visit discoverparks.ca.
- 331:Hiking An easy 350 m walking trail along Shannon Creek passes through a forest of Western hemlock, Douglas fir, and Western red cedar. This leads to a spectacular view of Shannon Falls. Be cautious of slippery wooden walkways and rushing water during heavy rains. Heavy rains can cause suddenly increased water flow, which may carry debris. Wading in the creek or climbing onto rocks and debris is extremely dangerous. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Taking shortcuts destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 331:Wildlife viewing There are viewing platforms in this park that offer spectacular views of Shannon Falls.
- 331:Pets on leash Pets must be leashed at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
- 331:Cycling Cycling is permitted on roadways and trails in Shannon Falls Park.Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy is for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 331:Climbing There are climbing opportunities in Shannon Falls Park, including some multi-pitch and bolted routes. However, there are no designated trails to the climbing routes.Read the best practices guide for rock-climbing route development in the Squamish area parks [PDF] to see new guidelines and considerations for rock-climbing route cleaning, including route development. This guide aims to balance climbers’ needs with environmental considerations and public safety.
- 331:Winter recreation This park is open during winter months, with reduced services. Access may be limited due to snowfall.
Facilities
- 331:Picnic areas Shannon Falls Park includes a day-use area with picnic tables, most of which are equipped with barbeque holders. Barbeque briquettes are not available at the park. The day-use area has garbage cans as well as pit and flush toilets.A park-use permit is required for special events. Fires are not permitted in the day-use area. The parking lots are extremely vulnerable to vehicle break-ins. This park is very busy during summer months and is frequented by several bus-tour companies. The gate is closed between 10 pm and 7 am.
- 331:Pit or flush toilets Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park. The flush toilet building is closed after Thanksgiving (mid-October) and re-opens around March 15.
- 331:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
Location
49.66557, -123.16223 · Squamish
Photos
Photo credit: Gregory Simpson