British Columbia has some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Canada. If you’re planning to drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, why not spend a night or two in Nairn Falls Provincial Park? Pitch your tent or park your RV and stay about 30 minutes from Whistler. Stretch your legs on the easy Nairn Falls hike with an impressive cascading waterfall at the end!
Last Updated: February 27, 2024
In August 2018, Bella the Berner and I spent a few days driving from Calgary to Victoria on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. In case you haven’t heard, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in Canada, beginning near Cache Creek and following the Pacific Coast down to Vancouver. On this particular trip, we spent two nights tenting at Nairn Falls Campground about half an hour from Whistler. If you have the time, I suggest taking some time to explore the Nairn Falls hike — a beautiful part of British Columbia!
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About Nairn Falls Hike
Location: Nairn Falls Provincial Park, near Whistler, British Columbia
Distance: 3 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 100 metre gain
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Nairn Falls hike is a short and beautiful walk through an evergreen forest above the Green River. At the end of the trail, enjoy the impressive geological formations and the 60-metre waterfall from lookoff platforms with safety barriers. That being said, you won’t find a crashing 60-metre-high waterfall but rather a series of shorter falls along the Green River. From the Nairn Falls Provincial Park parking area, find the beginning of this easy hike near Whistler conveniently located next to the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Nairn Falls Trail Map
Directions to Nairn Falls Provincial Park
You shouldn’t have much trouble finding the trailhead. About five minutes south of Pemberton, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is conveniently found next to the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99). Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Whistler, head north for about 24 km until finding the provincial park on your right-hand side. Start your Nairn Falls hike from the parking area not far from the outhouses.
Read next: Ancient Cedars Trail Hike Near Whistler, BC
Nairn Falls Hike — Easy Hike Near Whistler
From the parking area, follow the Green River on a well-groomed trail with peek-a-boo views through the trees. The Nairn Falls hike is fairly easy with some ups and downs along the route. As an out and back trail, you’ll hike back through the forest after reaching the waterfall with straightforward navigation. Depending on your pace, plan at least one hour to hike out and back to the waterfall. If you want to take your time or are hiking with young children, you could easily spend longer enjoying this beautiful part of British Columbia.
The Nairn Falls hike is an excellent option for families with young children or travellers looking for an easy waterfall hike nearby. Once you reach the waterfall, there is a chain-link fence to keep children safe on the rocks near the falls. With two viewing platforms for the lower and upper falls, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to admire different vantage points of this cascading two-tiered waterfall on the Green River. Bella the Berner and I were completely alone on our early-morning hike to Nairn Falls, relaxing on the rocks above the waterfall.
Nairn Falls is an easy trail with minimal elevation change, but it’s still important to bring hiking essentials along. I recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing a small day pack with a water bottle and snacks. If you’re hiking with kids, a few treats can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Always a good idea to carry a rain jacket and sun protection like sunscreen. Of course, pack a camera or smartphone to capture some photos of the stunning scenery and the two-tiered falls. And a small first aid kit to handle minor scrapes and injuries is advisable. If you’re visiting in the winter, you may want to bring micro-spikes or trail crampons in case of icy conditions.
Read next: 10 Waterfalls in Alberta That You Should See
Camping in Nairn Falls Provincial Park
I enjoyed spending a couple of nights in Nairn Falls Campground on our way to Victoria. Nairn Falls Park had several other tents and RVs with fellow campers, yet the evening was quiet and peaceful. Our campsite was shaded in the forest but wasn’t particularly private. We slept in the MSR Elixer 3-Person Tent. It’s worth noting that you won’t find shower facilities in Nairn Falls Park. While the campground made a decent home base, the highlight for me was the fairly easy access to Nairn Falls. If you’re staying in the park or just passing through, why not stop to see the impressive Nairn Falls? It’s one of those places you won’t want to miss.
Note: Nairn Falls Provincial Park gates are typically open from May 15 to September 30 each year. In the off-season, the gate will be closed but you can walk in from the road. No fees and no services in the winter months.
Know Before You Go
Parking: Visitors can find parking near the Nairn Falls Provincial Park gate. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds during the peak season.
Park Gate: In the summer months, the park gates are open 24 hours and park operators are on site between 7:00am and 11:00pm.
Toilets: Pit toilets are available in Nairn Falls Campground. No flush toilets or showers here.
Trails: Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect plant life.
Family-Friendly: The Nairn Falls hike is easy and suitable for families with young children. Always keep a close eye on children near the waterfall.
Picnic Tables: Nairn Falls Provincial Park has a day-use area with four picnic tables and two outhouses for public use.
Drinking Water: In the park, you can find two hand pumps during the summer months. However, these pumps are shut off for the winter.
Swimming: The Green River is a fast-flowing, powerful river and is not suitable for swimming.
Campfires: Campfires are permitted in the campfire rings at each campsite, but BC Parks encourages visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire for cooking. Bring a campstove instead. Always check for any campfire bans or restrictions before starting a fire.
Camping: Nairn Falls Campground has 94 vehicle-accessed campsites. Book your campsite online and read more about Nairn Falls Campground before you arrive.
Safety: Nairn Falls Provincial Park is located next to the fast-flowing Green River, and visitors should exercise caution near steep riverbanks. Stay on the trails and within fenced areas.
Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed animals.
Winter Access: The Nairn Falls Campground parking area is plowed during the winter. You might encounter deep snow and ice on the trails, so microspikes or trail crampons are suggested. Do not walk on (or allow pets to walk on) groomed cross-country ski tracks.
Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave anything behind, including dog poop on the trail. Carry a smell-proof bag if you’re bringing your doggo. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles before heading out.
Have you hiked the short Nairn Falls Trail in Nairn Falls Provincial Park? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
