This landmark visitor centre is located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler. Winner of the 2006 Wood-Works Wood Design Award for Recreational Wood Design, the building was constructed using locally-sourced and manufactured Douglas Fir timber, and its dramatic butterfly roof represents the eagles that migrate annually to the Squamish Valley.

A 62 metre (205 ft) waterfall skirts around the front of the building, adding to the pleasant ambiance. Water flows down in front of a window from just below the roof line before cascading over a long overflow edge into a shallow pool. The water feature’s outward and downward trajectories create the effect of the building sitting on a table of water, which overflows on several sides. To reduce the amount of resources required for a waterfall of this length, an inspired serrated weir system lines the overflow edge, directing the water into the pool in streamlined spouts.

Location: 38551 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC 

Project Completion: 2005

Feature Category: Waterfall, Water Garden

Project Owner: District of Squamish

Partnership: Iredale Architecture, Westwood Mechanical

Services Provided: Planning and Design Development, Construction Documentation