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A Guide to Visiting Shannon Falls, British Colombia

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If you’re looking for an easy hike close to Vancouver then make sure you check out the stunningly Shannon Falls; it really is so beautiful here!

Visiting Shannon Falls

Recently we teamed up with the guys over at TK Maxx, and they challenged us to get out and about in the great outdoors, to explore some of the cracking countryside where we live.

However, with an imminent trip to Vancouver to do a load of filming just around the corner, I knew it was going to be difficult to squeeze in the challenge of going hiking in the UK. Then it occurred to me – why does it have to be in the UK? Why don’t we just go hiking in Canada instead!?

Shannon Falls, Canada

So, with that in mind, I hunted around the store at TK Maxx looking for some new hiking gear for Brianna and I to wear. As the hiking season has just started in the UK (as in, when you can pitch a tent without fear that it’ll get washed away), and as TK Maxx has just had a fresh delivery of outdoor brands with tonnes of kit to choose from, it was easy finding some stuff for Canada.

I knew Brianna and I were kayaking while in Canada (more on this another time), so I have to admit I did do a double-take when I saw all the kayaking gear in store, but I thought travelling with a paddle might be stretching it a bit!

Hiking at Shannon Falls

Anyway, once armed to the teeth with some new hiking gear for Brianna and I, we looked at some hikes outside of Vancouver.

With a day of filming at the Sea to Sky Gondola, Brianna and I had the morning to ourselves to find a few of the hiking trails around Squamish, an hour north of Vancouver.

The river at Shannon Falls

Very close to the Sea to Sky Gondola is Shannon Falls, a huge waterfall cascading down the side of the mountains with the forest stretching all the way to the water by the coast.

With a few other trails around the area (for those who are really looking for a challenge you should check out the Chief, one of the toughest hikes in the area), Shannon Falls is a great place to spend a couple of hours walking around, especially if you’re hiking to the Upper Falls.

Walking over one of the log bridges at Shannon Falls

At the bottom of Shannon Falls is a cute little picnic area, and the only thing you can hear is the waterfall in the background.

As you start to walk through the forest to the falls, this noise just gets louder and louder, just increasing the sense of anticipation with every step.

Once you finally see Shannon Falls at the first viewing platform, you see the water cascading over the cliff, crashing down into the rocks below, a cacophony of sound.

At 335 metres, Shannon Falls is actually the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia, and it is really something to marvel at.

Shannon Falls, British Columbia

Once Brianna and I saw Shannon Falls, we walked through the forests around the area, taking in the true beauty of BC. Even though the viewing platforms are easy to get to, there are a few trails around the area that are worth taking a look at, and a few of them even hook up with the Sea to Sky Gondola and onto the Chief too.

As with everywhere here in BC, it is so easy to be drawn in by it all, and personally, I’m always astounded at how stunning this area of the world is, and Shannon Falls really is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.


Planning a trip to Vancouver? Then check out my the best things to do near Vancouver if you’re looking to get out the city.

About the Author

  • Macca Sherifi

    Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.