Shannon Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Shannon Falls is a lofty, moderate volume waterfall along Shannon Creek where it slides and veils down the granite walls of glacially carved Howe Sound and merges with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The falls are usually recognized as one of the tallest in British Columbia, but exactly how tall the falls are is in question. Signs at the park state the falls drop 335.3 meters, which translates exactly to 1100 feet - a number that seems all to round for mere coincidence. Topographic maps and Google Earth's terrain rendering both support the idea that the falls are more like 250 meters (820 feet) tall, with only the bottom 135 meters or so being visible from the base of the falls. There is an upper set of falls a short distance upstream from the lip of the main falls and were this to be included in the total height, the overall drop may be close to the 1100 foot figure regularly cited, but until an extensive survey can be performed, this is speculatory at best.

Even though the immediate area regularly sees heavy snowfall in the winter, that the falls are situated immediately adjacent to Howe Sound ensures the falls rarely freeze and usually retain a consistent flow all year long. During the rainy winter and spring melt months, however, Shannon Creek can balloon to immense size and transform the falls into a juggernaut of almost immeasurable proportions.

Shannon Falls is also one of the most accessible "tall" waterfalls in North America, being visible from a major mountain highway less than an hours drive from Canada's third largest city. Yet despite its proximity to the Vancouver metropolitan area it doesn't receive the global recognition which other waterfalls of such size and proximity to major cities have received. If visitation were to suddenly increase, the falls are fortunately protected within a small Provincial Park which features a gentle series of trails leading to several viewpoints near the base of the cataract.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Shannon Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Shannon Creek and Falls were named after settler William Shannon who homesteaded in the vicinity in 1889.

Our thoughts

Shannon Falls is without question a very impressive waterfall. What remains in question is exactly how tall it is. The fact that the top of the falls is situated at approximately 1100 feet above sea level and the park signage calling out the height of the falls as exactly 1100 feet seems much too coincidental to actually be accurate to us, and we hope to clear up the questions sooner rather than later. The dimensions of the falls, or lack thereof, should by no means take away any reason to visit the falls; as it truly is one of the best in British Columbia.

Location and directions

Shannon Falls Provicial Park is located 5 kilometers south of Squamish along Highway 99, or about ½ hour north of the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal.

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Shannon Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Monmouth Creek Falls	3.49 mi / 5.58 km
Echo Lake Falls	3.85 mi / 6.16 km
Alec Lake Falls	4.11 mi / 6.57 km
Mamquam Falls	4.57 mi / 7.31 km

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Photography tips

Shannon Falls may be easy to access but it isn't quite so easy to photograph. The two viewing platforms allow clear vistas of the bottom half of the falls which generally keep spray-free unless the creek is running at flood stage. The upper portions of the falls can only be seen from further back, in either the parking lot or from within the private campground across the street from the park (or from more distant locations). The falls have a northwesterly facing and see problematic lighting in the mornings, so its recommended for optimal photos to visit in the afternoon.

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Shannon Falls British Columbia, Canada