Sea to Sky Park Services Ltd
Email address: info@seatoskyparks.com
Phone: (604) 986-9371
For additional information, click here for the Sea to Sky Park Services website.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
About This Park
Brandywine Falls (the spectacular 70 metre waterfall) is best seen from the viewpoint which also presents some marvelous views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains. This park provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, mountain biking and viewing of the waterfall.
Park Size: 150 hectares
Stay Safe:
- Bring your own drinking water as there is no potable water available in the park.
- Campfires are not permitted in the park.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park boundary map (PDF)
Nature and Culture
- History - The word brandy is actually the shortened word for brandywine. No one is completely sure about how the falls got their name, but one possible explanation is that two surveyors (Jack Nelson and Bob Mollison) for the Howe Sound and Northern Railway made a wager for a bottle of brandy about who could estimate more accurately the height of the falls. When the height was actually measured with a chain it was Mollison who won the bottle of brandy and Nelson then named the falls Brandywine.
- Conservation - Here you will find basalt columns and lava flows covered by small ponds and a forest.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Sea to Sky Trail The newly completed 1.5 km section of the planned 180 km long Sea to Sky Trail leads in a north-east direction from the main Brandywine Falls Trail (after crossing the train tracks) to the Whistler Bungee bridge over the Cheakamus River. A packed gravel surfaced trail, mostly gentle grades (a few steep pitches and tight corners for mountain bikes) and suitable for families.
Hydro Right of Way Trail After crossing the covered footbridge over Brandywine Creek from the parking lot, this 2.5 km trail starts left up a short but steep hill then wanders on gentle ground thru pine forest (rare for the coastal environment) and small lake areas to the north end of the park.
Hiking
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.
Brandywine Falls Trail:
Enjoy a 10 - 20 minute (one way) walk or snowshoe across the covered footbridge and through the forest to a new viewing platform overlooking Brandywine Falls. Continue along a new, short walking path to a second viewpoint of the falls and another of the surrounding area of Daisy Lake and the Black Tusk. Stay behind fences and away from the river’s edge. Use caution when crossing the Canadian National Rail line. Trails in the park are not maintained during the winter.
Swim Lake Trail
This is a short branch off the the main Brandywine Falls Trail that starts just before the railway crossing. It’s a bit rough, with one short steep climb, leading to a small lake. The hardier person may wish to try swimming but there is no beach or dock or lifeguards. Keep your eye out for the rare, red-tailed frog that inhabits the marshes and ponds of the park.
Sea to Sky Trail
As described in the Cycling section above, this trail is also suitable for hiking. Keep your eyes and ears alert for approaching cyclists.
Hydro Right of Way Trail
As described in the Cycling section above, this trail is also suitable for hiking. Keep your eyes and ears alert for approaching cyclists.
Pets on Leash
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Wildlife Viewing
Winter Recreation
Facilities Available at this Park
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area with six picnic tables and pit toilets. There is a gate which is locked between the hours of 11:00PM and 7:00AM.
Parking fees are no longer being charged. Find out more.
