Shannon Falls Provincial Park

BC Parks says the falls rise 335 metres above Highway 99, falling from the slopes of Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot. The water descends in a series of cascades rather than a single free fall, so heights quoted by different sources vary with how the drop is measured. BC Parks lists Della Falls (481 metres) and Hunlen Falls (396 metres) as taller. The creek flows down from the mountainside near the Stawamus Chief and joins Howe Sound.

BC Parks notes that the area holds spiritual significance for the Squamish people. A legend it recounts describes Say-noth-ka, a two-headed sea serpent that lived in and around Howe Sound; some versions credit the creature with carving the falls' spillway as it moved up the mountainside. BC Parks adds that its page may not fully reflect Indigenous history and connections to the land and says it is working with Indigenous partners to update the content.

The falls are named for William Shannon, who settled the surrounding property in 1889 and, according to Wikipedia, made bricks in the area; BC Parks dates the brickmaking, from the area's clay deposits, to 1890 to 1900. BC Parks records that Captain George Vancouver camped just west of the falls in 1792. Britannia Copper Mines bought the land in 1900, and in the 1930s the area served as a relief camp for workers building Highway 99. Carling O'Keefe Brewery bought it in 1976, using the mountain water for its beer and running it as a logging show park, and donated it to BC Parks in 1982. The provincial park was established in 1984, and the park lies about 58 kilometres from Vancouver. Old stumps in the forest still show springboard notches from logging roughly 90 years ago, according to BC Parks.

A walking trail of roughly 350 metres follows Shannon Creek from the parking area to the falls, with viewing platforms. BC Parks notes a small concession and information centre and flush toilets nearby. The Sea to Summit trail, which begins here and connects to the trails of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, climbs to views over Shannon Creek above the falls, and BC Parks gives the Stawamus link as about 1.5 kilometres. The forest includes western hemlock, Douglas fir and western red cedar. Rock climbers use the adjacent cliff walls, though BC Parks says there are no designated trails to the routes, and Wikipedia says the falls rarely freeze but draw intense interest from ice climbers when they do. The falls and surrounding woods are also commonly used for film and television production, according to Wikipedia.

The park is on the northeast shore of Howe Sound and is classified by Wikipedia as IUCN category III, a natural monument or feature, which reflects that it protects one landmark rather than a large wilderness. Wikipedia reports 629,206 visitors in 2017 to 2018 from BC Parks statistics. It is managed by BC Parks as a popular day-use park for picnicking and short hikes. The nearby ferry terminal area of Darrell Bay was formerly named Shannon Bay. Together with the neighbouring Stawamus Chief and the gondola, it forms a cluster of easy roadside stops that has made this stretch of the Sea to Sky corridor a regular first stop out of Vancouver.

• The park stays open in winter with reduced services, and snow can limit access.
• BC Parks warns that trails and stairs can be slippery, especially in winter, and asks visitors to stay on designated trails and viewing areas because shortcuts damage plants and soil.
• Heavy rain can raise creek flow suddenly, so avoid wading or climbing on rocks and debris.
• Pets must be leashed.
• Check BC Parks for current conditions, access and any alerts before you visit.

The Sea to Sky Gondola and the Stawamus Chief are within minutes, and Squamish, Garibaldi Provincial Park and Whistler lie to the north. It is an easy first stop on a Vancouver to Whistler day. With a Voyzo private tour, your private vehicle and driver collect you door to door, so you can pause here on the way north and carry on without parking logistics.