Nairn Falls Provincial Park
A stunning waterfall and scenic riverside trail, just a short drive from Whistler. Perfect for a day trip or camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Nairn Falls Provincial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning waterfall and scenic riverside trail, just a short drive from Whistler. Perfect for a day trip or camping.
"The falls are very beautiful, along with the stream that flows along the trail. Turquoise blue waters nestled by trees on both sides, really a gorgeous sight to behold."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail is mostly flat but the last stretch has rocks and can be slippery, especially after rain or snow .
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Bear sightings are possible. Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nairn Falls Waterfall
End of the main trail
A stunning, powerful waterfall cascading into a turquoise river, surrounded by lush forest.
Riverside Trail
From parking lot to falls
A scenic 1.5km hike with mostly flat terrain, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding nature.
Nairn Falls Campground
Adjacent to the park
Popular riverside campsites offering a serene natural escape, with sites 13 and 14 boasting prime river views .
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Nairn Falls
Campsite Reservations & Wildlife Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail is mostly flat but the last stretch has rocks and can be slippery, especially after rain or snow.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Bear sightings are possible. Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
How would you rate these 7 Provincial Park Campsites?
🏕️ Book Campsites Early
Popular August campsites, especially riverside spots, book up fast.
📸 Explore Beyond the Platform
Go down further along the rocks from the main viewing platform for awesome stream and second waterfall views.
Looking for camping spots accessible by car!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail is mostly flat but the last stretch has rocks and can be slippery, especially after rain or snow.
🐻 Be Bear Aware
Bear sightings are possible. Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
🏕️ Book Campsites Early
Popular August campsites, especially riverside spots, book up fast.
📸 Explore Beyond the Platform
Go down further along the rocks from the main viewing platform for awesome stream and second waterfall views.
❄️ Use Spikes in Winter
If visiting in snowy conditions, spikes for your shoes are highly recommended due to slippery paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is widely praised for its stunning waterfall and accessible, scenic riverside trail. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity for a relatively easy hike. The campground is also a highlight, though booking well in advance is crucial. Some caution is advised regarding slippery trails and wildlife, but overall, it's considered a must-visit spot.
"We visited the falls on a weekday, during our trip to Vancouver. This falls was not in our itinerary, but made the stop when we saw it from the highway. So glad we did.
We were there at the start of October, and it was not crowded. The hike to the falls is about 1.5km long and mostly flat. The last stretch is rocks though, so if raining, it will get slippery.
The falls are very beautiful, along with the stream that flows along the trail. Turquoise blue waters nestled by trees on both sides, really a gorgeous sight to behold. It's bear country, so be safe and aware.
Tip: From the main viewing platform, go down further along the rocks, to get awesome views of the stream and a second waterfall."
Sanam
"1.5km hike from the parking lot, took me one hour. It's mostly level but I'd recommend hiking boots because there's some small rocks to walk over on the trail. Don't let your children run or ride their bike on the trail as they could end up in the river below and that would be bad! Campsite is pretty sweet next door too but I imagine it's hard to get a spot during summer"
Randy Edwards
"This place is a must visit destination in this area. Pleasant hike, fenominal views of the river and falls.
We had a wonderful time, thanks to the fair weather at the time.
Highly recommend, easy path to walk."
Slava
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is conveniently located about 20 minutes north of Whistler, just outside the Village of Pemberton. It's a short drive from Pemberton town center.
Public transport options to Nairn Falls Provincial Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park, especially from Whistler or Vancouver.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is approximately a 2-hour drive north of Vancouver, making it a popular day trip destination.
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the trailhead for Nairn Falls Provincial Park, which is where the hike to the waterfall begins.
The roads leading to Nairn Falls Provincial Park and its campground are generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nairn Falls Provincial Park does not typically charge an entrance fee for day use. However, camping fees apply for overnight stays at the campground.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is generally open year-round for day use. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall.
Campsites at Nairn Falls Campground can be booked through the BC Parks reservation system. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for summer months.
Yes, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is accessible in winter for day use. However, trails can be icy and slippery, so appropriate gear like shoe spikes is recommended.
No, a specific permit is not required for hiking the trails at Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Standard day-use access is permitted.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Nairn Falls is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile) round trip from the parking lot. It's considered a moderate hike.
The trail is mostly flat with some rocky sections, making it manageable for most visitors, including children and the elderly. However, the steep banks and fast-flowing water require caution.
Basic facilities such as parking and pit toilets are available at Nairn Falls Provincial Park. The adjacent campground offers more amenities.
Nairn Falls Provincial Park is known for its natural beauty and is located in bear country. Visitors have reported bear sightings, so it's important to be aware and prepared.
Swimming in the river at Nairn Falls is generally not recommended due to the fast-flowing water and steep banks. The water can also be very cold.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platform offers a great view of the falls. For more unique shots, carefully venture down along the rocks to capture the stream and a secondary waterfall.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the waterfall and surrounding forest. Weekdays offer fewer people in your shots.
No special permit is required for personal photography at Nairn Falls Provincial Park. Commercial photography may require authorization.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions.
Drone usage in BC Provincial Parks is generally restricted or prohibited to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check BC Parks regulations for the most current information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers
August is a peak month, and securing a spot requires booking far in advance through the BC Parks reservation system.📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Nairn Falls
The park is also home to the Nairn Falls Campground, a highly sought-after spot for those wishing to extend their stay. Campers rave about the riverside views, with specific sites like 13 and 14 being particularly desirable for their proximity to the water.
However, due to its popularity, especially in August, securing a campsite requires booking well in advance.Beyond the falls and campground, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is a testament to the wilder side of the Sea-to-Sky corridor. It's important for visitors to remember that this is bear country,
Navigating the Nairn Falls Trail
For those seeking a more adventurous perspective, the reviews suggest venturing slightly off the main path (with caution and for experienced individuals) to get closer to the river's edge.
During winter visits, the trail can be significantly impacted by snow and ice. Visitors have shared experiences of slipping and strongly advise using shoe spikes or microspikes to maintain traction and ensure a safe return journey.
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