The great and scenic Shannon Falls

One of BC’s most graceful waterfalls

By EG Manilag, Staff Writer

Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our family will always find a way to spend time together and witness BC’s jaw-dropping and amazing nature. I can say that it seems almost endless. Two Sundays ago, we went to Squamish to explore the great Shannon Falls Provincial Park. To my surprise, the falls are far beyond what you see in pictures—they are completely surreal.

This natural phenomenon is unique—just like the rest of the waterfalls in BC. The falls, according to the BC Parks website, “is composed of a series of cliffs, rising 335 metres above Highways 99, making it the third-highest falls in the province, ranking behind 481-metre Della Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island and 396-metre Hunlen Falls in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park near Bella Coola.” The park is great not only for sightseeing but also for hiking and picnicking. It is also connected to Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. The parking lot has a decent amount of space, but it is always convenient to arrive early so you and your family can have the falls for yourselves. If you are going early, make sure to bring a jacket because it is going to be a bit chilly.

The falls are simply amazing to look at. They are very tall and look quite dangerous, especially if you imagine yourself on top of the falls. Some hikers say that on top, the water pools are indeed crystal clear and extremely beautiful. For experienced hikers, Shannon Falls should be on your bucket list. I say experienced hikers because the terrain along the way is quite challenging—it is steep and there are lots of rocks to climb over. This terrain led to the loss of three YouTube vloggers two years ago, according to CBC News. This is not to instigate fear, but everyone should know that hiking through the top of the falls requires extra precaution—never come unprepared. What also makes the falls stunning is the towering trees that are surrounding it. They really add grace to the overall feeling of the place. The soothing sound of the tumbling water plays a role as well. Going there was an escape from society and was very refreshing. Shannon Falls is a genuinely nice place to hang out with friends and family. If you ever want to travel to Squamish or Whistler, make sure to stop at this scenic destination—you won’t regret it.