Hiking Brandywine Falls near Whistler
Contents
Brandywine Falls Hike Information
Difficulty: Very Easy
Distance: 5.80Km
Elevation Gain: 164m
Highest Elevation: 507m
Average Gradient: 5.65%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very Low / Low
Time Needed:
– Slow: 2 – 3 Hours
– Moderate: 1.50 – 2 Hours
– Fast: 1 – 1.50 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Brandywine Falls Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 50°02’16.4″N 123°07’18.3″W
Brandywine Falls Overview
Brandywine Falls is a waterfall near Whistler, easily accessible off the Sea to Sky Highway. This is an extremely popular attraction, thanks in large part to the ease of access, with the waterfalls viewpoint a mere 500m away from the parking lot along a smooth, flat, graveled trail.
If you simply want to see the waterfall, this would be considered more of a tourist attraction than a hike, with a perfectly manicured trail leading to a lookout, with a round trip of under 30 minutes. That being said, there is a considerable network of trails in the area, meaning you are able to hike for as long as you please. Ultimately you could hike all the way to Whistler from here, the network is that expansive.
The trail linked below includes a popular extension to the falls themselves, the Sea to Sky trail, passing through a scenic valley with some picturesque views of the Black Tusk and Daisy Lake, culminating at the also popular Whistler Bungee above the Cheakamus River. If you go on a weekend there’s a high chance you will see people bungee jumping off the bridge over the river.
This trail is popular with anybody looking for an easy stroll in a scenic setting, so it tends to draw in families and dog walkers looking for a pleasant and simple outing without a lot of effort.
While the park is open year-round, Brandywine Falls is typically a summer hike, as the parking lot just off of Highway 99 is only open once the snow has receded. The parking lot is not plowed in the winter and there is no roadside parking. Do not block the gate as vehicles will be towed for doing so. If you intend to go before the parking lot is open for the season you will have to be dropped off & picked up at the trailhead.
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Is Brandywine Falls worthwhile?
Brandywine Falls is certainly a very nice waterfall that is a worthy stop for a tourist visiting Whistler, but it’s certainly not something you should go out of your way to visit, and it’s definitely not a hike if you just go to the falls and back to your car. Following this route to Whistler Bungee extends the outing, adds a few different sights and makes for a more worthwhile outing overall. It makes for a lovely stroll in a scenic area, perfect for anybody wanting to get out and enjoy some views without a lot of effort.
How difficult is the hike to Brandywine Falls?
Brandywine Falls is a very easy hike, even if you continue on to Whistler Bungee as linked. A 5.65% average gradient is very mellow, and at no point on the hike will you be physically challenged. There is nothing technically challenging about this trail either, with the majority of the trail a gravel path, and the odd rocky section here and there. It’s a stretch to even call this a hike in all honesty, it’s more of a simple saunter through a valley.
Brandywine Falls Route Information
From the parking lot, walk past the washrooms and information boards towards a bridge over Brandywine Creek. The trail begins as a wide, gravel road that runs parallel to the creek. After a couple of hundred meters you’ll pass a junction to Swim Lake, which is a short detour should you wish to check it out.
The trail now passes over a train track, where many people like to stop and take photos, before continuing on the other side. You’ll immediately pass another junction with a signpost for Whistler Bungee, which you will be returning to shortly. For now continue ahead, where in no time you will reach the viewpoint of Brandywine Falls and the deep gorge it flows into. The viewpoint is somewhat spacious, but there are only a few clear views of the falls thanks to foliage around the cliffs. If it’s particularly busy you may have to wait a little while to get the best photo opportunity.
Back on the trail it now continues for a couple hundred more meters before reaching another viewpoint overlooking a valley and the northern tip of Daisy Lake. Again the views here are pleasant but most people don’t stop for long.
Returning back to the junction to Whistler Bungee, you’ll now take this trail. Most people who visit the area just come to view the falls before leaving, so things should quieten from here on out. The trail continues to be well manicured for the most part, descending gradually over the next 500m or so. You’ll then begin a short climb up where the terrain opens and you’ll start to have some nice views of the valley you’re within.
The trail now meanders through this scenic open area for a little while before entering the treeline again, following a few short, moderately steep switchbacks. Beyond the switchbacks the trail again levels off. Soon you will reach a lake which makes for a nice stop for some photos. You will be able to see the Black Tusk behind on a clear day.
Continuing on the trail you’ll soon reach another junction, where you’ll want to turn right to Whistler Bungee. You’ll pass by a duo of lakes which again make for a nice stop. In a few hundred meters you’ll reach the Whistler Bungee Bridge over Cheakamus River, which is where this trail ends. If you’re lucky you can often catch people bungee jumping off the bridge, particularly on a sunny weekend. Most people stop for a while to watch a few people jump, before heading back to the trailhead via the same route.
Accessing the Brandywine Falls Canyon
Many people want to hike into the canyon that Brandywine Falls flows into, having seen photos from within the canyon rather than above. Note that there is no official trail leading into the canyon, and you won’t find a trail on any official maps.
The route into the canyon begins at the lookout over Daisy Lake, just beyond the viewpoint platform. There is an unofficial trail leading into the trees, before climbing steeply down into the canyon. The terrain here is very rugged, steep and slippery, with a roped section to navigate. This should only be attempted by experienced parties, and since it is not an authorized trail that I have not been on myself, I will not be providing any further information.
When should I hike Brandywine Falls?
As noted, while Brandywine Falls Provincial Park is open year-round, the parking lot itself is not. If the parking is closed you will need to be dropped off / picked up in order to access the trailhead as there is also no roadside parking. Some people park in front of the locked gate, but there is a possibility you will be towed for doing so.
This typically means most visitors go in the summer once the snowline has receded enough for the parking lot to be snow free.
Top Tip
The parking lot for Brandywine Falls is small and this area is extremely popular with tourists thanks to the ease of the trail. It’s strongly recommended to get there early as you will otherwise be left waiting for parking. Thankfully people tend to come and go quickly, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long.
