It’s only a gentle 10-minute walk through the forest to the mighty Brandywine Falls, which thunder down a staggering 220-foot (70-meter) steep-sided gorge.
The falls are a short 15- to 20-minute drive south of Whistler Village, just off Highway 99.
Brandywine Falls, near Whistler
You may know Whistler as a top ski and snowboard resort.
But Whistler is also a popular destination when visiting British Columbia (Canada) in summer.
It boasts many lovely hiking and nature trails. One of our favorites is the Joffre Lakes Trail.
If you spend two days in Whistler, you’ll get a chance to enjoy Whistler’s lakes, bicycle paths and hiking trails.
And when driving up from Vancouver to Whistler (or back), a detour to Brandywine Falls is definitely worth making.
We usually stop in at the falls at least once each year (after all, they are almost in our back yard).
The falls are most magnificent when viewed from the first viewing platform.
The platform juts out over the gorge.
Spray rises, enveloping the carved volcanic bowl girdling the falls with mist, often throwing off delicate rainbows.
In winter, it’s another spectacle again.
Snow weighs heavy on the branches of fir and pine trees, and icicles cling to the gorge walls.
Brandywine Falls hike
Brandywine Falls is not really a hike – it’s more a walk in the park.
And there’s no chance of getting lost walking to Brandywine Falls.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is well-visited and well-signed.
From the parking lot, cross a covered footbridge over Brandywine Creek.
Then follow the trail to the right, crossing the BC Rail train tracks before coming to the first viewpoint of the falls, a large platform built in 2006.
Continue on a short distance to reach another viewpoint of the falls.
Beyond that is a third viewpoint overlooking turquoise Daisy Lake far below and the dark, jagged Black Tusk Mountain.
To return to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps.
Brandywine Falls trail stats
Length – 1/3 mile (½ km) one-way
Difficulty – easy, wide, flat gravel trail
Use – walking and snowshoeing
More information on Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
See the park’s website.
Experience more of British Columbia!
Parksville area: From swimming at warm shallow beaches to caving to spying the goats on the roof, you’ll love these crazy fun things to do in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Victoria: Lace up your sneakers and check out these easy scenic walks in Victoria.
Tofino: When the weather is wild and bad, head to Tofino for storm watching!
Telegraph Cove: Whale watching? Grizzly bear viewing? Hiking? You bet! Check out the best things to do in Telegraph Cove for adventure lovers.
Vancouver: There’s nothing nicer on a sunny Vancouver day than to go bicycling around Stanley Park. Conveniently-located bike rentals make it easy to get in the saddle and go for a ride.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
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Photo credits: 3, 6, 8 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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