Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Whistler

Along the way to Whistler-Blackcomb, stop and visit the Shannon Falls Provincial Park, located 36 miles north of Vancouver and just south of Squamish. Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in British Columbia and is simply spectacular. Each minute thousands of gallons of water rush over the edge of the 1,000-foot tall, 95 million year-old granite walls. The park, at the base, is filled with a deafening roar of water and a thick cold mist. Standing directly downstream from the falls will give you an icy shower-Shannon Creek originates in the BC Coast Range and is fed with melting snow and ice. During the late summer months, tourists hike nearly straight up the creek by skipping and climbing from small rocks to gigantic boulders. Legend has it that the falls were created when an enormous two-headed serpent slithered up the mountain side and made its way inland, only to be met and beheaded by the son of the Great Chief of the Squohomish Indians. It's said that the route the serpent took is now the path the waters follow. History says that Captain George Vancouver anchored and camped here in 1792 while charting Howe Sound. A century later, William Shannon laid claim to the area. He made bricks from the rich red clay soil near the mouth of Shannon Creek. These bricks were used to build some of the first homes in the nearby town of Squamish, many of which are still standing to this day. Another century passed and the Falls were acquired by the Carling O'keefe Breweries. The park was established in 1984 when the Carling O'keefe Breweries donated the land. Across the highway be sure to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or supper at the Roadhouse Diner at Klahanie. Owned by two families, the diner serves homestyle breakfast, crisp salads, seafood, pasta, and more. Reservations are requested: (604) 892-5312. For more information on Shannon Falls, contact the BC Parks Department at (604) 898-3678.

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