Nairn Falls

Pemberton • Nairn Falls Our destination for this trip was Pemberton. Driving north from Vancouver, passing Whistler and continuing for another 20 minutes or so, you’ll arrive at the small town of Pemberton. It feels like a more low-key version of Banff—much quieter and more affordable. With half a day to spare, we chose to visit Nairn Falls, located between Whistler and Pemberton. From the parking lot, it’s a 1.5 km walk along the Green River to reach the falls. The river is fed by glacial meltwater, carrying sediments from the Rocky Mountains. The minerals mix into the water, giving it a milky green color—like milk with a hint of green paint stirred in. Over time, the flowing water has carved its way through massive rocks, forming a winding river channel. At every sharp turn, layers of swirling currents form, making you marvel at the power and artistry of nature. Downstream, you can walk right up to the river. There’s a small sandy area where you can skip stones and splash in the cool water. There are also camping areas nearby, and many people use this as a base to explore Joffre Lakes or take on the more challenging Garibaldi Lake. Nairn Falls sits right in the middle between Whistler and Joffre Lakes. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Vancouver. From Whistler, it’s about a 30-minute drive north, and another 30 minutes further north to Joffre Lakes. So whether you’re heading to Whistler or Joffre, this is a great place to stay. Camping: This campground has fewer than 100 sites. There are no showers, and the toilets are basic pit toilets (non-flush), but they are still relatively clean. Water is accessed via a manual pump, which requires some effort. Campsites closer to the river have great views, but the closer you are, the louder the sound of the water. Bears have been spotted in the area, so make sure to clean up all trash and store food in your car, especially at night or when leaving the campsite. Hiking: We tried three trails shown on the map. Nairn Falls Trail: This trail follows the Green River, about 3 km return and takes around 1.5 hours. It’s easy and well-maintained. My nearly five-year-old son walked it himself in just over an hour round trip. Definitely worth it. Coudre Point: From the campground, you can walk down to the Green River. The scenery is beautiful. We planned to spend some time there, but there were too many mosquitoes, so we just took a few photos and left quickly.