Whistler Waterfall Guide: Must-See Falls in Whistler, BC

Whistler in British Columbia represents nature’s beauty in its grandest form. The town’s scenery includes snow-covered mountains, pristine lakes, ski resorts, and old-growth forests.

If you’re hoping to get an up-close look at some of the best waterfalls near Whistler, you have several options. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best cascades around the area and help you set your sights on a new destination!

Best Waterfalls Near Whistler, BC

Embark on a cascade adventure by exploring these waterfalls near Whistler on your next trip.

Alexander Falls

Located on Madeley Creek, Alexander Falls obtains its water source from several creeks in the Callaghan Valley region. The waterfall drops approximately 141 feet over three sections. Given its high elevation and frigid temperatures, it’d be best to visit sometime between May and June. Best of all, you don’t need to hike for an up-close view of Alexander Falls.

To get to the waterfall, drive on Callaghan Valley Road for six miles and locate the signs on your left. Pull into the gravel parking lot. Once there, you’ll see a wooden platform where you can view the waterfall.

Nairn Falls

Considered the principal waterfall of Green River, Nairn Falls formed from glacially-fed waters that intersected with an outcrop of metamorphosed bedrock, resulting in a narrow canyon. At the bottom of the canyon, you can spot potholes created by the strength of the falling water. Consider visiting in the spring if you want to see the waterfall in full capacity.

There is a 1.8-mile out-and-back trail you can take from the Nairn Falls Provincial parking lot. It’s an easy trail with a few uphills suitable for anyone. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll spot two lookouts with up-close views of the falls.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls in Whistler represents two converging waterfalls that are part of the Twentyone Mile Creek. If you’re not a fan of crowds, you’ll be pleased to know that the falls are located in an uncrowded area heading towards Rainbow Lake.

Take the 1.7-mile loop trail from the Alta Lake Road parking area. Make sure to stay on the trail on the right of the forest service road and follow the orange markers that will lead towards a junction. Afterward, you should reach the falls after following the main path for about 656 feet.

Train Wreck Falls

Train Wreck Falls is an unknown phenomenon in Whistler. What attracts visitors to this area include the painted wrecked train cars along the stretch of the Cheakamus River. The falls are simply an additional attraction that visitors can find on their journey.

For the best view of the waterfalls, hike the Trash Trail –– a 1.2-mile (round-trip) path that runs alongside the Cheakamus River. There is a suspension bridge that you’ll have to cross. The train wreck side of the river provides solid viewpoints of Train Wreck Falls.

Wedgemount Falls

At almost 984 feet high, Wedgemount Falls can be spotted about three-quarters from the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead. Keep in mind that the hike to these falls is one of the most difficult ones in Garibaldi Provincial Park. It’s 7.4 miles (round-trip) with an elevation gain of 3,600 feet that involves several switchbacks and uphill climbing.

After the halfway point, it should take 40 minutes of uphill climbing to reach your destination. While the falls are easy to miss, you can hear the tumbling water miles away.

Cirque Falls

Considered a smaller version of Wedgemount Falls, Cirque Falls is a hidden gem that tumbles 1.2 miles from Cirque Lake to Callaghan Lake. Unlike other waterfalls near Whistler, Cirque Falls can only be reached via water by crossing Callaghan Lake from the Callaghan parking area.

You can bring a canoe, a paddleboard, or an inflatable kayak. After boating for approximately 1.2 miles to the end of Callaghan Lake, you will see the waterfall in the distance. If you’re interested in extending your adventure, the trailhead to Cirque Lake starts at the shore to the right side of Cirque Falls.

Holloway Falls

What makes Holloway Falls a unique waterfall is that it has huge boulders and logs around its edges. The flows are gradual, and the white water tumbling down the forest should be enough to keep visitors intrigued.

To reach the falls, hike the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park trail towards Middle Joffre Lake for roughly 1.8 miles. By this point, you should see Holloway Falls. You can also extend your hike towards the upper part of Joffre Lake. Just note that the final portion of the hike involves crossing over rocky terrain.