Nairn Falls Provincial Park, on the west coast of BC, was my husband Bob and my first destination during our road trip from Victoria, BC, to Jasper National Park in Alberta. This was July, and we hadn’t expected the weather to turn sour. Driving conditions on the narrow and windy Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy #99) were challenging with the fog and rain. We finally arrived at the campground mid-afternoon and were delighted to see that our camping buddies Deanna and Rick had already arrived and had a lovely fire and hot drinks ready for us.

As we finished our tea, the rain slowed to a fine drizzle, then stopped.  As the sun peaked out from behind the clouds, we put out the fire and took a walk through the campground and along the 1.5 km hike to Nairn Falls.

The Nairn Falls campground  

The campsites are quite spacious and well maintained, a quality that we have come to expect from BC Provincial Parks. There are 94 sites, 2 hand pumps with potable water, and pit toilets. There are no showers, but a 2km trail leads to One Mile Lake, where I have heard the swimming is great. Hopefully the next time we go to Nairn Falls, the weather will be warmer, and we can check out this hike and the lake. This lake is also accessible from the highway, for those not up to hiking a non-maintained trail.

Nairn Falls Trail

The trail follows the fast flowing Green River, with its turbulent waters swirling through potholes and rushing towards Lillooet Lake. The 1.5 km trail leads to a very safe lookout for viewing the falls.

Nairn Falls

Nairn Falls is a stunning cascade 60m (almost 200 ft) high, and separated into two parts, the upper and lower falls.

We didn’t see any animals on this hike. I suppose most of them had the sense to stay under cover in the rain. I was hoping to see the rubber boa, the smallest of the boa constrictors (45cm, or 18 in long) and indigenous to this area. However, as they are nocturnal, and very shy of people, any that might be around remained hidden.

Other Trails in the Park

Coudre Point Trail is another hike in the Nairn Fall’s park that we plan to check on our next trip. From the map, this trail looks like two shorter trails along the Green River that lead to Coudre Point. There are decent spots to stop and fish for Bull Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and salmon. On a personal note, I don’t agree with fishing for salmon once they have reached the river. The salmon are on a one-way journey to spawn, and catching them, even if it is catch and release, will make them dislodge their eggs or milt early, giving the eggs a 0% chance to thrive and return to sea.

Back at the Campsite

It was raining again. We huddled under our canopy cover, eating, drinking, playing cards, and complaining about the rain until it was time for bed.

It was still raining the next morning, so we lingered over coffee and breakfast until we saw the clouds lighten a bit, then drove out to Whistler, BC, a most excellent Adventure! Please read about our day in Whistler here, Whistler in July, which includes a list of options to personalize your own adventure.

The rain held off for most of the day. Once we returned to camp, the drizzle and cold descended once again. The fire helped keep the campsite warmand the canopy kept us dry, but we still opted for an early night in our cozy sleeping bags. Bob and I woke briefly to rain pounding on the roof of our van. I wondered how Deanna and Rick were coping in their tent, then was lulled back to sleep by the steady drumming rhythm of the rain.

Unfortunately, my worst fears were realized when we got up the next morning to find everything was soaking. We couldn’t even get a fire going, although we only gave a half-hearted try. With Pemberton only 15 minutes away, we quickly packed up and headed north for hot coffee and breakfast, and to discuss the miserable weather in a heated venue.

After breakfast, Rick and Deanna headed back to Victoria, and Bob and I continued on our road trip.  Next stop – The Fishing Highway!

­Activities in the Pemberton Area

So much to do in this area, so many activities! The low-population of the Pemberton area gives the impression of not much to do. But we were so wrong!! Here are some activities to enjoy while in the area:

Golfing http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/summer-recreation/golfing/

Fishing http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/summer-recreation/fishing/

Cycling http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/cycling/road-cycling/

Mountain biking http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/summer-recreation/mountain-biking/

Kayaking, rafting, swimming http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/summer-recreation/water-activities/

Hot springs and other provincial parks http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/natural-sites/

Pemberton Museum http://www.tourismpembertonbc.com/activities/museum/

Explore the town of Pemberton with its Splash Park, artisan stores, and more.

Click here to go back to Victoria to Jasper Roadtrip Itinerary

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