Shannon Falls is one of the most popular picnic/stretch areas between Vancouver & Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. It stands over 300 meters tall though not all is visible, nor does it appear to be that tall when viewing from up close.
Highway Directions
From Vancouver first drive across Lions Gate or Second Narrows Bridge to Highway 1 West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Next from Horseshoe Bay near ferry terminal, heading north west on Highway 1 Trans-Canada Highway, bear right onto Highway 99 Sea to Sky Hwy for 38.5km (23.9mi), turn right at Shannon Falls Road into the parking lot for Shannon Falls Provincial Park. From Squamish begin at Highway 99 Sea to Sky Highway at Cleveland Avenue(?) which is the ONLY light in Squamish on the highway, drive south on highway 99 for 4.2km (2.6mi), turn left at Shannon Falls Road into the parking lot for Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Pay the parking fee to avoid getting a ticket very quickly!
Local Directions
Park in the parking lot and don't forget to put your parking receipt in the window. Walk up the paved walkway which is wheelchair accessible with assistance to the log-fenced viewing area. There is a shorter way following the creek with some stairs. Some people venture beyond the wooden fence for a closer (wetter) look at the falls.
Photographing Shannon Falls
Close to the falls (beyond the fence) is wet and you are so close that most of falls is hidden from your view. Many smaller water "Falls" below the falls, enough to keep me busy for a full day! You are looking straight UP the falls so it may appear shorter tan it is measured. Try moving back to the parking lot or beyond for a more natural angle to photograph this waterfall. Lighting is difficult here and before 10AM or in the evening would be preferred. Of course cloudy days are great but the weather here is often mixed. At around 9-11AM depending on the season the sun will peek over the top of the falls from directly behind the falls in your view. Normally a bad lighting situation but this falls makes GREAT sunbeams (sunrays) for about an hour most mornings, especially at higher water.
