Nairn Falls Park
Park overview
Nairn Falls Park is just 20 minutes north of Whistler, within the boundaries of the Village of Pemberton, five minutes from Pemberton town center. This park provides a good base for exploring Whistler, the Pemberton Valley, or nearby Garibaldi Park.
It makes an excellent overnight stop before continuing on to the Duffey Lake Road or points north or south. The falls are 60 metres high and a 1.5km hiking trail leads to the viewpoint.
Advisories
Dates of operation
Open to public access May 12, 2023 to October 1, 2023
Current status:Open to public access
- Facility type
- Vehicle-accessible camping
- Number of campsites
- Reservable frontcountry sites: 94
- Vehicle-accessible sites: 94
- Main camping season dates
- 2023: May 12 to October 1
- Reservable dates
- 2023: May 12 to September 30
- Winter note
- Gate is closed during the off-season. Walk-in from the road; no fees; no services.
- Winter note
- Gate is closed during the off-season. Walk-in from the road; no fees; no services.
Safety info
- This park is patrolled by a Park Operator. In case of emergency, contact the Park Operator at the Service Area.
- Nairn Falls Park is situated along a fast flowing river. Some trails and campsites have steep banks and drop-offs. Remain on developed trails and stay within fenced areas. Use extreme caution when walking near the riverbank.
Special notes
- Park gates are open 24 hours and park operators are on site between 7am and 11pm.
- Outside the park, One Mile Lake is 2km north on Highway 99. This is a popular area for swimming and picnicking. There are no lifeguards at this lake.
- Activities popular in the Pemberton area include horseback riding, river rafting, or mountain biking.
- Campground quiet hours are 10pm to 7am: Music, generators, and other loud noises must be silenced between these hours.
- Generator use is only permitted from 9am to 11am, and from 6pm to 8pm. View the generator policy.
- There is a sani-station at the full-service tourist information centre welcoming tourists to Pemberton.
Camping
Campsite reservations are accepted through the BC Parks reservations service. When reservations are not available, all campsites function as first come, first served.
There are vehicle-accessible sites, of which seven are double sites. There are no pull through sites. Sites are mostly shaded and in the trees. Maximum of two vehicles per site; there is no extra parking available. There is no gate house. There is a locked gate in the off season, however, you may still walk in and camp. There are no facilities or services available, and no fees in the off season. The closest store is in Pemberton, approximately 3km away. The nearest pay phone is also located in Pemberton. Campsite reservations are accepted.
Vehicle-accessible camping fees
- $22 per party per night
- BC senior’s rate is $11 per senior party per night, day after Labour Day to June 14 only. See the camping fees page for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
This park has a day-use and picnic area. There are four picnic tables and two pit toilets.
This park has pit toilets. There are no flush toilets.
Two hand pumps are located in the park. The pumps are shut off during the winter months.
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using camp stoves instead.
- Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.
- Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park.
- Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented.
- To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act ). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Activities
For your own safety and the preservation of the park:
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- Please watch children closely. The Green River is fast flowing and very cold. Children require close supervision at this park.
Nairn Falls Trail: Part of this 3km round trip route is the traditional route used by the Lil’wat Nation to access the falls and Mount Currie. The trail starts at the day-use parking lot. Hikers should allow at least one hour for the hike and wear proper hiking attire. Please stay on the trail and take care along the steep banks and drop offs. This river runs very fast and is very cold. Mountain bikes are not permitted.
One Mile Lake Trail: Approximately 2km north of the campground is a swimming and play area at One Mile Lake. The trail leaves the park from the southeast corner of the campground. This trail is not regularly marked and is not maintained. There are no lifeguards at the lake. Please keep a close watch on children.
Coudre Point: Another pleasant walk is around Coudre Point. The trail wanders along the riparian areas and bank of the Green river. The trails vary in length, all using a circular route starting near site 17, and ending near site 47. This is a fast-flowing river and care should be taken when near the river bank. Please keep an eye on your children at all times, especially near the water.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
The viewing platform, approximately a 1.5km hike, provides excellent views of Nairn Falls.
Pets and all domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. The trail to Nairn Falls is closed to cyclists.
See the e-biking section below for details on e-bike use.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted only on signed or designated trails within Nairn Falls Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Maps and location
This park is off Highway 99, approximately 92km north of Squamish, 32km north of Whistler and within the boundaries of the Village of Pemberton, just five minutes from Pemberton town center.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 4, 1966
- Size: 170 hectares
Park contact
Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd.
604-986-9371
info@seatoskyparks.com
seatoskyparks.com
Nature and culture
History
Nairn Falls Park was established in 1966. This park, long a spiritual site for the Lil’wat Nation, protects a special area of natural and cultural history. Nairn Falls is a dramatic example of the erosive power of water. Look for 'potholes' created in the rocks as the water spins trapped particles in ever-deepening circles.
Conservation
Situated on the Green River, the park’s 171 hectares protect a mixed forest of western hemlock, western redcedar, and coastal Douglas fir. Also growing here is the western flowering pacific dogwood, which is the floral emblem for B.C. and a protected species.
Wildlife
Nairn Falls is home to some special wildlife. Of particular note is the rubber boa, one of the most cold-tolerant snake species. Smallest of the boa constrictor family, its average length is only 45cm (18in). Its nocturnal habits mean that this shy snake is rarely observed. The boa’s brown or gray, plasticine-like appearance and two blunt ends make it hard to identify as a living animal from a distance. If you see something that looks like a big brown or gray worm, please do not disturb it!
Small mammals and birds such as squirrel, raccoon, gray jay, and raven can often be seen.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.