Elk Falls Provincial Park is a national park on Vancouver Island. If you are looking for a friendly site and spectacular place for hiking in nature trails and enjoy lying in the sun on the rocks while listening to the soothing sound of a waterfall, here is your place.
Elk Falls Provincial Park, with an area of 1807 hectares (4465.1 Acre) on Central Vancouver Island, is a beautiful destination. An attractive 25-meter (89-foot) waterfall and some of the best year-round salmon fishing in Canada are just two proofs that it is one of the most well-known provincial parks on Vancouver Island.
Elk Falls Provincial Park nicely laid out trails in the forest, with a stunning viewpoint for Elk Falls. The Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon below the falls is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island.
The thundering waterfall is fantastic, and the view of that from the Suspension Bridge is spectacular. Old-growth Douglas firs and cedars are a prominent visit.
Elk Falls Provincial Park is located on the east side of John Hart Lake, 3.6 km (2.2 miles) away from Campbell River city. Access to the park is possible from Gold River Hwy. There is a parking lot on the west side of the park, which you can access from Elk Falls Park Road. Besides Elk Falls, there are two other waterfalls to visit while at the park, like Deer Falls and Moose Falls.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to Elk Falls Provincial Park from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 269 km (167.1 miles) and takes about 3 hours.
Get on BC-19 N in Nanaimo from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N in 106 km (65.8 miles), merge onto BC-19 N. Drive 159 km (98.7 miles) more and take Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W to Canal Access Rd. After 3.6 km (2.2 miles), you will reach the Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area.
From Nanaimo:
The access to Elk Falls Provincial Park from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. The route is 158 km (98.1 miles) and takes about one hour and a half.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St towards Wesley St, 800 m (2624.6 ft), further continue onto Third St. Drive 1.9 km (1.1 miles) and continue onto Jingle Pot Rd. After 650 m (2132.5 ft), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive for 151 km (93.8 miles) and turn left onto Island Hwy/BC-19A N (signs for BC-28 W/Gold River). Continue onto Campbell River Rd/Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. Keep following Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and, after 2.8 km (1.7 miles), turn right onto Canal Access Rd. 650 m (2132.5 ft) more, you will reach the Elk Falls Provincial Park and Protected Area.
1. "Elk Falls Viewing Platform" is an out and back trail that starts and ends in the parking lot placed at Elk Falls Park Road. The length of this easy trail is 1.8 km (1.1 miles). The best time for use is from May until October. The elevation gain is 55 m (180.4 ft).
2. "Elk Falls Loop Trail," with a 1.4 km (0.8 miles) length, is an easy trail near Quinsam 12. The best time for using this trail is from March until October. The elevation gain is 45 m (147.6 ft).
3. "Elk Falls via Millenium Trail" is a loop with a 3.9 km (2.4 miles) length near Campbell River. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching. It's an easy trail with 102 m (334.6 ft) elevation gain.
4. The moderate level "Canyon View Trail to Elk Falls Viewing Platform" is a loop with an 11.1 km (6.8 miles) length near Campbell River. Besides hiking, camping is possible too. The elevation gain is 342 m (1122 ft).
5. "Millenium Trail to Elk Falls" is a moderate loop with a 6.4 km (3.9 miles) length. Near Quinsam 12. The best time for using this trail is from March until October. The elevation gain is 224 m (734.9 ft).
6. "Beaver Pond Elk Falls Circular Route" is an easy loop with an elevation gain of 88 m (288.7 ft). This trail has a 3.1 km (1.9 miles) length, and it's near Campbell River.
Elk Falls Provincial Park was established in 1940, and the protected area in 2013. The park got its name from the Campbell River's waterfall. It had over 1124 hectares (2777.4 Acre) of land. In 1946, part of the land was separated from the park for construction of the John Hart Dam and Power Station. After 1946, the park had some land deletions and additions. Nowadays, the size reaches 1074.4 hectares (2654.9 Acre).
One designated archaeological site is at the southeast corner of Lot A, L. 67, P1. 8916.
Elk Falls Provincial Park offers a convenient and cheap Encampment with full services, and provides large private sites along the Quinsam River and rests in an exceedingly lovely forest setting. It is one of the largest camps in the region and often has points for camps. You can reserve the campground from late March to the end of October. The park offers winter camping too, but with no services.
Elk Falls Provincial Park has multiple hiking trails, which offer fantastic hiking through the old-growth forest. After hiking on the small paths that led to the rocks above the falls, it will be delightful to rest in the sun on the rocks. In the summer, visitors can swim in the Campbell River.
Campbell River is known as the Salmon Capital of the world, and anglers head to the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers to fish for chinook or Coho salmon during late spring and through the summer. Fish species include Cutthroat, Steelhead, Dolly Varden trout, freshwater Sculpin and Chinook, three Spine Stickleback, Chum, Coho, Pink and Sockeye Salmon.
Wildlife in Elk Falls Park includes a variety of birds and small mammals. Golden-crowned kinglets, Great blue herons, Chestnut-backed chickadees, killdeer, Glaucous-winged gulls, crows, and starlings are the most resident bird species in excellent. Mammals include deer, cougars, bears, voles, raccoons, shrews, squirrels, mink, river otters, muskrat and beaver. A beaver dam and pond can be found west of the campground. Roosevelt elk also uses parts of the park for the winter.
Based on the BC Act, Elk Falls Provincial Park is one of the protected areas on Vancouver Island, where you are not allowed to hunt.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park is a year-round oceanside destination that is among the popular and beautiful parks in Vancouver-Island. This park features a nice safe sandy beach which includes private campsites, group camping facilities, a playground for the kids, hot showers and a large picnic area that has nice views of the ocean.
Strathcona Provincial Park is a large mountainous natural park and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Excellent hiking trails, coastal areas, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife made this park a perfect destination for adventurous travellers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, and winters are almost mild except for the higher levels. So, it is a great place to recharge.
Elk Falls Provincial Park is a National Park, a friendly site for hiking in nature trails or enjoying lying in the sun listening to the waterfall's soothing sound. The Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon below the falls is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island. Old-growth Douglas firs and cedars are a prominent visit. This nature park is a year-round salmon fishing destination in Canada.
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Hiking on the Mount Menzies Access Road through a logging road and having a forest walk is a challenge you can take near the Campbell River. The trail and the view from the lookout are incredible in colours. Get away from the humans by going on a beautiful trail which is nice and quiet!
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In an area with several hiking options having the experience of hiking a relatively long trail would be great as it is rich in natural beauties. Besides hikers, Riley Lake to Lookout Loop to Lost Frog is proper for mountain bikers and nature trip lovers. Just find yourself northwest of Campbell River and get the most out of your backpacking trip.
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With access to the Campbell River and the Quinsam River at the Elk Falls Provincial Park, hiking on the Beaver Ponds Elk Falls Circular Route makes you a fantastic day. The great scenery within the protected area and lots of activities with waterfalls, a park, rivers, a lake, and a campground have exceeded all expectations for nature lovers and hikers.
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Have a nice easy hike in the forest with lots of river access points while you have chances for watching wildlife in Quinsam River Hatchery Trail. It is known as one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the area of Campbell River city. Fishing, nature trips, walking, and bird watching are other options for hiking along the river.
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The Elk Falls via Millenium Trail is a family-friendly loop. This excellent hike with spectacular views includes waterfalls, Suspension Bridge, sitting areas and the Campbell River. Hiking this trail certainly tests your nerves. It is well maintained with several facilities. Get in touch with beautiful scenery along the river, and enjoy the stunning park with all family members while you are just a few kilometres away from downtown.
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With a five-kilometre distance from the city, hiking on the Elk Falls Viewing Platform is an opportunity. It is among several hiking trails you can follow and explore in Elk Falls Provincial Park. This easy trail forest walk is age-friendly and features a waterfall and Suspension Bridge with a great view from the point.
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Just outside Campbell River, step into an exciting hiking trail in the middle of a provincial park. It is where the stunning view of Douglas-fir forests comes with a wide variety of wildlife to watch. Find your way alongside the river in a loop which in some parts would be a challenge. It would be great if you plan to be there in the afternoon with a view of the sun when you cross the river.
As one of the highest points of Vancouver Island, Mount Adrian offers great snowmobiling, among other winter activities. It has two summits that feature Strathcona Provincial Park in every direction—looking for a place to have winter excitement? Nowhere is better than Mount Adrian.
Snowmobilers and sledding enthusiasts have the chance to go snowboarding in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon. The warm dressing is critical during snowmobiling in Mount Washington. Besides, the fantastic view there is fabulous for photography.
As the second busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mt. Washington Ski Resort in Comox Valley offers a wide range of snowboarding facilities. Mountain climbing enthusiasts who choose Mount Washington for snowboarding have the chance to look across the Strait of Georgia and other spectacular views, such as the Strathcona Provincial Park region.
Being the busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mount Washington provides you with incredible winter activities, including snowshoeing. While you are on the snow, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt. Moreover, several nearby resorts are ready to offer service to visitors annually.
As one of the biggest and most visited ski resorts in Comox Valley, The Mount Washington resort is a summer-winter destination primed with several facilities to serve skiing followers. The high rate of snowfall and spectacular views of the ocean, and ample facilities for winter activities multiply the attractiveness of Mount Washington.
Home to many campsites with all kinds of facilities and services right on the shoreline, Buttle Lake campground offers you the best opportunities to explore the shore. There you can do a lot of activities and enjoy seeing marine creatures.
Annually, the campground welcomes RV and vehicle campers. Also, you can have a good time camping in your tents.
Camping in Ralph River Campground offers a bit more comfortable experience of exploring the park. It's adjacent to Buttle Lake, with numerous campsites all along the glorious shoreline of it. It is where you will feel a sense of being in the wilderness with beautiful sights and spectacular views from several sites over the valleys.
Located in the Strathcona Provincial Park near Bedwell Lake, camping is possible in a nice backcountry campground on Baby Bedwell Lake, set in the lush forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Beautiful alpine forest, perfect swimming, breathtaking view of the trail, small ponds and lakes surrounded by glacial mountain peaks are some of the area's attractions. They are enough to fascinate visitors and campers.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park is a year-round oceanside destination that is among the popular and beautiful parks in Vancouver-Island. This park features a nice safe sandy beach which includes private campsites, group camping facilities, a playground for the kids, hot showers and a large picnic area that has nice views of the ocean.
Are you struggling with spending a ton of time searching for the best family-friendly vacation? Then you need to visit Buttle Lake and get better results camping around it. Learn how Buttle Lake gives you an unfair advantage with camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park on Vancouver Island.
Campbell River is the fourth largest city on Vancouver Island. It has long been called "the Salmon Capital of the World." Campbell River has a reach ecosystem and beautiful waterfalls. Fishing, skiing at Mount Washington, playing golf, and seasonal activities like bear and whale watching are among the best things you can do in Campbell River.
Campbell Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes on Central Vancouver Island. The area is peaceful enough to sit on the shore or top of a mountain with a great view. The magnificent reflections of mountains and trees, specifically pine forests, on the lake create photogenic scenes and a camping hot spot. Fishing is possible all year round. Have excellent swimming at the start of summer.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is a fantastic natural garden with delightful paths, a creek, and great open spaces. It is home to plenty of native plants, wildflowers, and birds. The garden features one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in Western Canada, with over 3000 plantings. The best time to visit is from March to the end of June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
A great place to heal and recharge on the Campbell River is Deer Falls, a little piece of heaven. Imagine the water descends into an emerald green pool with the sweetest melody that you could hear and the tall trees surrounding the falls. In summer and late spring, the rocks around the pool become moss-covered and create a fabulous view. Watching bears there in summertime eating salmon is fantastic, but don't limit your expectations; the area has a lot to offer as scenery.
The Halifax Range is a small mountain range consists of hills covered by gorgeous trees. The area is ornamented with wildlife like elk, dear, bear, and many bird species. While ascending the mountain, mountaineers will be refreshed by the Halifax Range's pleasant ambiance overlooking the Johnstone Strait. McCreight Lake and Pye Lake are nearby suitable for camping with facilities.
Strathcona Provincial Park is a large mountainous natural park and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Excellent hiking trails, coastal areas, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife made this park a perfect destination for adventurous travellers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, and winters are almost mild except for the higher levels. So, it is a great place to recharge.
Words cannot describe Lupin Falls because this waterfall's beauty is beyond the world of vocabulary. The water pours gracefully on rocks and carving its way into the hard rock cliff. A forest surrounds the two drops of Lupin Falls and adds to its wonders. Visiting Lupin Falls is a big bonus as it is placed in Strathcona Provincial Park with a lot to offer.
Find peace at the bottom of a waterfall where there will be the magic of nature all around you. Lady Falls is a rare sight of beauty and grace. The crystal clear water runs through a lush forest, reaches a rock cliff surrounded by trees, and pours down into a canyon. From afar, it feels like the water is cascading from the trees. The combination is enough for cleansing the mind, soothing the soul, and being there for hours.
Along the Brown River, there is a river fall that completes its attractiveness. The river's stream cascades from rock cliffs and makes Brown's River Falls. It is also known as Medicine Bowl, a series of falls in a lush green forest. The landscape is worthy enough to sit on a rock and watch it for hours, and the sound of the waterfall is like a piece of music on repeat, which you would not become bored with it.
In the south end of Buttle Lake at Strathcona Provincial Park, you can find Myra Falls (or Lower Myra Falls), a Jewel of natural wonders. This seven-drop waterfall is beautiful all year round, and it feels like you're in a land of fantasy. The tremendous view of the place and shades of green and blue of the pool under the falls make a great scene perfect for photography.
With 27 m (89 ft) height, Elk Falls is as beautiful as a postcard picture placed on the west side of Campbell River among the old-growth Douglas firs and cedar trees. The moss-covered rocks, the deep clear water underneath, and Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon are deep reflections of a fairyland. Step into the hiking trails and enjoy all other beauties like birds.