With a length of 40 km (24.8 miles), the Englishman River includes a park and waterfall, which brings you excellent opportunities to explore it. Not enough can be said about the attraction of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. You can hike along the trails and captured the beauties of nature. The great Englishman River Falls, swimming pool, fishing spots, beautiful forest walk, and watching giant trees are among the scenes, especially in summer. Also, autumn is spectacular and beautiful for spending time in the area. Adventures around the Englishman River are suitable for all ages. Get relaxed by the falls, which are about 23-31 m (75-100 ft) in height. Have meals at a picnic table with your friends or family.
The Englishman River is on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It originates from Jewel Lake and flows in an easterly direction for 40 km (25 miles), enters the Strait of Georgia at Parksville, British Columbia. The Englishman River watershed comprises Arrowsmith Lake, Hidden Lake, Fishtail Lake, Healy Lake, Shelton Lake, and Rhododendron Lake.
By going almost 7.5 km (4.6 miles) to the south, you can enjoy another stunning park situated along the Englishman River, the Englishman River Regional Park.
From Nanaimo:
The access to the Englishman River from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N. It is 35.2 km (21.8 miles) and takes about 30 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After 3.3 km (2 miles), follow BC-19 N to Island Hwy E/BC-19A S in Nanaimo G. Take exit 46 from BC-19 N and drive 27.8 km (17.2 miles). Continue on Island Hwy E/BC-19A S. Drive to Mine Rd in Nanaimo G, and after 4.1 km (2.5 miles), you will reach the Englishman River.
From Victoria:
Getting to the Englishman River from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 145 km (90 miles) and takes about 2 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Continue Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Nanaimo G. Take exit 46 from BC-19 N and drive 140 km (87 miles). Continue on Island Hwy E/BC-19A S. Drive to Mine Rd in Nanaimo G, and after 4.1 km (2.5 miles), you will reach the Englishman River.
1. "Englishman River Falls Trail" is a 1.3 kilometre (0.8 miles) heavily trafficked loop with 52 m (170.6 ft) elevation gain. It is in the vicinity of Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, excellent for skill levels. It offers numerous activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also allowed to use this trail.
2. Another trail suitable for hiking, walking, and mountain biking is the 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) "Englishman River Estuary" trail. The path is a lightly trafficked loop located near Parksville and has 23 m (75.4 ft) of elevation gain. This all-year-round trail includes the river and is suitable for all skill levels.
3. "Walrus Lower, Brian's Worm and Pervert's Traverse" trail is suitable for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. It has an 8-kilometre (4.9 miles) length and 350 m (1148.2 ft) elevation gain. The path is lightly trafficked, located near Nanaimo F. This moderate trail includes the river and is dog friendly.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park was built in 1940 to protect the old-growth Douglas forest and related plants and the lands around the river and the waterfall. Today the park is well known for its natural beauty, such as its crystal clear pool, small rocky beach downstream from the lower falls, a great freshwater swimming hole, and sunbathing areas.
On December 20, 1940, the park was established that protects the old-growth forest and the associated ecosystem along the river. There is a dammed reservoir there as a source of water for Parksville, British Columbia. The name of this river is given because "an Englishman was drowned while attempting to cross the river." The indigenous people in the area found his skeleton near the waterfalls. Therefore, they gave the river its current name.
You can experience a lot at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, but the river itself must still be mentioned. The area is suitable for all ages. Especially if you are in Nanaimo or Parksville, it's worth having a visit. There is a perfect swimming hole under the orange bridge for kids, but it's better to have an eye on the younger ones. The fall is fantastic at any time of the year, but it is fascinating in the spring.
The river after the fall is safe for water activities. Rope swinging, diving and swimming in the river with your friends and even your pet will be fun.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is an excellent place to relax, having a camp or eating meals at picnic tables, mainly in summer to refresh. The park is not crowded, and it's an excellent place for long hiking with dogs. With beautiful scenes such as the sunset, the eye-catching nature in autumn and spring, you can find gems to shoot.