Home to dense rainforest, Vancouver Island is filled with enchanting waterfalls that cascade into thriving rivers and lakes on their way to the ocean. There are even places where waterfalls can be found right on the beach! If you’re keen to go waterfall hunting during your trip to Vancouver Island, the best time of year to visit is typically from late September, when the autumn rains begin to fall, to early May, before the rainfall decreases as summer arrives. Read on for where to find iconic Vancouver Island waterfalls near Campbell River.
Campbell River’s Iconic Waterfall at Elk Falls Provincial Park
Thanks to its locale between the mountains and the coast, Campbell River is a fantastic destination for seeing waterfalls on Vancouver Island. Water flows down from the snowmelt in spring, churning down the many rivers that interweave the landscape and over rushing waterfalls as the elevation decreases.
One of Campbell River’s iconic destinations is Elk Falls Provincial Park, where an impressive 25m waterfall plunges into the canyon below almost entirely uninterrupted by obstacles. Elk Falls is best seen from the viewing platform across from them or from the park’s imposing suspension bridge. The area above the falls should be explored with extreme caution—stay away from the water’s edge and enjoy the sweeping perspective that takes in the many sights of the area from the pathway that parallels it. Further up river, via a tranquil old-growth forest walk, are Deer Falls and Moose Falls—picturesque, smaller waterfalls that flow over several rock layers.
From Campbell River, you can also book a guided day trip that blends a Vancouver Island waterfall adventure with wildlife watching. Boat charters can access waterfalls dotted throughout the Discovery Islands archipelago, while autumn Grizzly Bear tours travel past several waterfalls that spill straight into the ocean in Bute Inlet.
Waterfalls and Pools on Vancouver Island in Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park has several waterfalls that are well worth a day trip from Campbell River.
Fifty minutes from Campbell River, past Buttle Lake and toward Gold River, is the parking lot for Lady Falls. The trail is short—about 500 metres each way—and uphill, rising about 50 metres in elevation with some switchbacks. The sparkling, tall waterfall is enjoyed from a viewing platform; be prepared to enjoy the refreshing spray.
About an hour and fifteen minutes from Campbell River, down to the southern edge of Buttle Lake, is the trailhead for Myra Falls. The Lower falls are well-documented—a wide rockwall with various boulders that the water tumbles and flows around. An inviting pool entices brave swimmers—be aware the water is very cold, rocks are slippery, and visitors should stay well away from the drops and currents. People also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in Buttle Lake, which is warmer and provides another perspective of Lower Myra Falls.
You’ll also want to add Lupin Falls and Karst Creek to your Vancouver Island waterfall bingo card while you’re in the area. These are smaller but very lush, and more accessible. Various hikes in Strathcona Provinical Park also have waterfalls that run parallel to the trail and act as a water source for thirsty hikers, like Marble Meadows, Landslide Lake, and Crest Mountain.
Beyond Strathcona Provincial Park, the waterfall at Tsuxwin viewpoint in Gold River, Cala Creek Falls, and many more (some 70+ waterfalls are found along Highway 28) await discovery.
Popular Waterfalls on Vancouver Island Beyond Campbell River
A short drive or day trip from Campbell River in any direction showcases more of Vancouver Island’s enticing waterfalls. Little Huson Caves to the north has a small winding waterfall, which ends in the caves and its swimming holes.
The Comox Valley is home to Nymph Falls Nature Park where potholes, water slides made from rock, and small fountains you can swim behind entice families for the day. Brown’s River Falls is also nearby, along with the Medicine Bowls.
If you’re travelling from the South Island or Nanaimo, Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Rosewall Creek are all popular waterfall stops along the journey. Near Port Alberni, Stokes Creek Falls (Hole in the Wall) is an intriguing rock and water formation that visitors enjoy photographing.
Practice Water Safety as You Adventure
As you experience Vancouver Island’s fantastic waterfall-filled landscape it’s important to be mindful of the accompanying risks. Many waterfalls are in remote areas—carry the essentials, and prioritize water safety; consider the water temperature, slippery rocks, submerged objects, currents, and the potential of rapidly shifting water levels, particularly during heavy autumn rains.
