Do you want to know about the best waterfalls on Vancouver Island then this article is for you. Let friends start reading this post.
You could easily spend weeks on Vancouver Island hiking through the rainforest, kayaking on the ocean, watching the sunset, eating all the delicious food, or chasing waterfalls! There are too many stunning Vancouver Island waterfalls for you to discover!
Summer is a popular time to chase waterfalls but they are actually at their highest flow during the winter. So here are the 10 best waterfalls on Vancouver Island.
Some of them are easily accessible while others require some work to achieve. I hope this post inspires you to book a trip to this magical island. Let’s dive right in!
1. Lady Falls
Hiking to the waterfalls on Vancouver Island doesn’t get much easier than this. Located in Strathcona Provincial Park, the trail to Lady Falls is absolutely spectacular and one of the best hiking trails on Vancouver Island.
This 30-meter waterfall plunges dramatically from a narrow slot canyon into the gorge below. It is nestled deep in the lush temperate wilderness of Vancouver Island, yet to be discovered.
The trail here is easy and well marked, crossing an old-growth forest of pine and hemlock. In just 15 minutes, you will reach the viewing platform.
You can see the beautiful waterfall from here. The misty air will surely cool you down during the hot summer days. I also recommend taking the side trail around to get views of the valley.
Overall, Lady Falls is a sight to behold and definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Vancouver Island. Cell phone service is almost non-existent in this area, so be sure to tell a friend where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
2. Elk Falls, Campbell River
Popular both nearby and with visitors alike, Elk Falls Provincial Park is considered one of the very best places to visit on Vancouver Island. This is home to, as you might have guessed, Elk Falls! Plunging into a deep canyon 25 meters below, it is no doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls on Vancouver Island.
A 4km trail will take you through the dense forest to several wooden viewing platforms (some are wheelchair accessible), where you can experience epic views of Elk Falls. During the rainy season, the waterfall is at its peak flow volume in winter and spring.
Be sure to check out the 60-meter-long suspension bridge spanning the rocky canyon. It offers expansive views of the waterfall and the river.
If you visit from September to November, keep your eyes out for river-borne salmon. You can go further down the river to take more pictures and get away from the crowd.
From here, you can continue hiking through the old-growth Douglas fir forest or walk down the Campbell River to Deer Falls!
3. English River Falls, Parksville
We start the list with a bang as the English River Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall. Located just west of Parksville, this is one of the easiest waterfalls on Vancouver Island.
A short trail from the parking lot (600m round trip) will lead you to the viewing bridge, offering amazing views of the upper waterfall. The river drops dramatically into the valley as the mist rises all around.
Keep walking the trail as the river winds along to discover the lower springs. Here, water accumulates in a crystal clear swimming hole.
4. Ellis Falls, Port Ellis
Ellis Falls is a small but beautiful Vancouver Island waterfall located near downtown Port Ellis. It flows into Neroutas Inlet, which is a great place for wildlife viewing. You will have a golden chance to see deer, cougars, elk, black bears, and even eagles circling from above.
I recommend renting a kayak to explore the inlet as the marine life here will amaze you. I once saw whales and dolphins swimming in the water!
5. Della Falls, Strathcona Park
Nestled in the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park is one of the country’s most spectacular wonders. Della Falls may not be the most famous landmark, but at over 440 meters tall, it is the tallest waterfall in Canada!
Having said that, don’t get too excited because it’s not a walk in the park to get to Della Falls. The hike is long and difficult, but to get to the trailhead, you’ll need to paddle for 35km across Grand Central Lake or take a water taxi. It’s no surprise that Della Falls is so secluded and peaceful.
Keep your eye out for historic logging and mining sites dating back more than a century. Wildlife is also very abundant here. There are several backcountry campsites along the trail, none of which require reservations.
I recommend hiking to Love Lake afterward as it offers an even better view of Della Falls. While it is possible to finish and see everything in one day, I would recommend spending at least 2 days here. If you decide to paddle at the trailhead, you’ll need even more time.
Overall, Della Falls is one of the best hikes on Vancouver Island. For those pursuing adventurous waterslides, this one’s for you.
6. Hole in the Wall, Port Alberni
Located near Port Alberni, Hole in the Wall is one of the most famous waterfalls on Vancouver Island. You must be aware from its name that it is basically a rock wall with a hole inside it. Although it was created from the remains of Port Alberni’s pipeline system, its beauty is captivating and its uniqueness is unmatched.
The hole in the wall is accessible via an old gravel road. Just a 10-minute walk will take you to the bay area. It has a stream of crystal clear water coming out of an oval opening in the rock.
If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, you can also cross the creek and climb next to the hole. Additionally, there are many other nice places along the river that you can visit. Upstairs there is another waterfall. Small, but just as beautiful!
7. Myra Falls
Upper and Lower Myra Falls are two spectacular gems located in the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park. They are beautiful and well-maintained, perfect for those who want to spend some time in nature.
The trail to Upper Falls is a steady climb for most of the way, passing through an impressive forest of Douglas-fir and western hemlocks. There is also a creek, some switchbacks, and some large boulders to navigate.
After hiking for about 3.5 km, you will reach the wooden platform, from where you can see the Upper Myra Falls. This stunning waterfall falls from a height of 23 meters and is situated in a narrow valley.
Before leaving for home, be sure to check out the nearby Lower Myra Falls. I think it’s even prettier than its counterpart, and only needs 500 meters to get there. Above a pool of turquoise water are numerous piles of basalt and limestone rocks – a perfect spot for a picnic!
8. Little Qualicum Falls
There is no shortage of gorgeous waterfalls on Vancouver Island, but Little Qualicum Falls is one of the best waterfalls you can visit. With epic mountain views all around and a beautiful forest setting, it’s not hard to see why this little gem is a favorite of locals.
To reach the falls, you must traverse a short trail running along the Little Qualicum River. Being nice and gentle for the most part, this trail is very likely even for young children. This takes you across the Upper Falls, and Lower Falls as well as several smaller waterfalls along the river.
There are plenty of viewpoints to photograph the turquoise pools, roaring rapids, moss-covered cliffs, and the dramatic gorge, which was carved over thousands of years by the river.
After that, you may want to stop by Lake Cameron to explore its picnic area and beach. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try tackling Wesley Ridge to get an aerial view of the entire valley.
9. Apsara Falls, Courtenay
While it is by no means the largest or most striking Vancouver Island waterfall, Nymph Falls certainly has its own charm. It is a collection of small waterfalls on exposed bedrock. It is located in a very small park with old-growth rainforest.
It is considered one of the most beautiful places of incredible natural beauty along with many species of rare plants and mushrooms. The trails here are well-maintained and excellent for wildlife viewing. You can see bears, cougars, deer, and many other small creatures.
In the fall, you can see salmon swimming upstream to swim in the river. When the water becomes more turbulent during the winter, it becomes a popular spot for whitewater kayakers.
Overall, Nymph Falls is one of the best waterfalls on Vancouver Island because of everything it has to offer.
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10. Trent River Falls, Royston
Trent River Falls is a sight to behold, just minutes from the North Bound Highway.
There is a short walk to the top of the waterfall. The views are great from here, but you might also want to get down to the river at the bottom of the waterfall. The descent is tough and challenging, but ropes are in place to help. They are very useful, especially during the rainy season.
Trent River Falls is well worth the scramble below. It has a perfectly circular pool filled with crystal-clear water. It is the ideal spot for a quick dip. Plus the pebbled shore is great for a walk outside or a picnic.
