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The Englishman River

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 Location

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.


How to Get to the Englishman River by Car

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.


The Hike to Get to 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.


History of the Englishman River

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.


Things to do around the Englishman River Area

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.

Rivers Near the Englishman River

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.

Somass River

Somass River

The Somass River is placed in an area with pristine nature and high ecosystem values. Being near the crystal clear water with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, gorgeous rustic-chic villas, and enchanting, dazzling sunsets can make your day. Have a great experience watching black bears from spring to late fall. Enjoy the Alpine meadow, mountain top views, rain forests, and waterfalls.

Englishman River

Englishman River

Are you looking for a nice place near Nanaimo or Parksville to have a memorable time? Are you interested in exploring a river, park, and waterfall at the same time? Choose the Englishman River, capture the beauties of nature, and enjoy hiking along the trails. Get relaxed by the falls, go fishing or swimming in the river, have meals at picnic tables, or get ready for camping in the area.

The Englishman River Activities

Cycling

In Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bike) are permitted on designated trails. There are a definition and some criteria for e-bike use as outline in the Biking in BC Parks guidelines.

Hiking

Hiking is through the lush second-growth and old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus, and maple. These walking trails follow the river and lead to the falls that provide fabulous scenery of the canyon and waterfalls.

Swimming

You can swim in the river below the lower falls. When the river levels are low, this pool is an ideal place for swimming. In this park, there isn't any lifeguard.

Wildlife Viewing

In the park, there are a lot of spectacular views of the forest and river canyon.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed at parts of the Englishman from the inlet up to the Englishman falls. If you want to identify the Englishman River fishing spots, check provincial freshwater fishing regulations. The fishes include pink, coho, summer chinook salmon, winter steelhead, and cutthroat trout.

Camping

Campgrounds are available. By following the guidelines, you can spend more time in the area.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Englishman River

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop

Hiking on Bowen Park Loop is a lovely urban walk along a river with stunningly beautiful nature that promotes a rich forest, a waterfall, and a scenic pond. This easy hiking trail is so well maintained with lots of facilities. Spend hours hiking on this loop as part of the Trans Canada Trail and have a memorable day in the park, great for different kinds of activities.

Nanaimo Diving

Nanaimo Diving

Ranked as the best cold-water diving destination in BC, Nanaimo waters are saturated with new diving experiences. BC Ferries, dive shops, accessible shores, and the chance to observe cute beaches have made Nanaimo an ideal destination for visitors. Diving enthusiasts find themselves in the heavens when they come to Nanaimo, for it is home to spotless diving spots.

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching

For those marine life lovers, Nanaimo Yacht Club Whale Watching is a great opportunity. Participants can ride boats and surf the surrounding waters with the chance to explore the area and observe whales living near Nanaimo due to the high population of orcas and whales around there.

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry Whale Watching

Protection Island Ferry provides its participants with high chances of watching whales and other marine creatures, along with the scenic view of three spectacular islands. You may also rent a boat to surf the water, and if you are in luck, encounter these gigantic marine beasts.

Nanaimo Whale Watching

Nanaimo Whale Watching

On Vancouver Island, you can spend every single day arriving in a new city comprising magnificent adventures. While you stay in the second-largest city on the island, you may enjoy several incredible activities, including whale watching. Whale watching in Nanaimo gives you the chance to explore the Salish Sea ecosystem and observe marine life from April-October.

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Camping in Deep Bay RV Park

Despite its name, if you favour it, you can do tent camping with a sea view right in the center of Vancouver Island. one of the most significant fishing camps, Deep Bay s full of surprises for anglers. Not to mention that if you visit, you can observe various fantastic wildlife there. So, put your hesitates aside, and plan to visit Camping in Deep Bay RV Park this weekend.

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

Camping in Qualicum Bay Resort

As a popular destination for campers from Nanaimo or Courtenay, Qualicum Bay Resort is one of the best places for nature admirers. Amuse your eye with the beautiful scenic view of this campground located on a beautiful beach. You are provided with almost every kind of camping and incredible landscape for those in the RV campground.

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

Camping in Lighthouse RV Park and Campground

The great adventure in Fanny Bay will always hunt its visitors. The Lighthouse RV Park and Campground offer undeniable opportunities for camping of all kinds with a beautiful view of the ocean ornamented by mountains and islands. This campground offers excellent accommodation with every essential amenity. Not to mention that you can lose yourself in its charm, quiet, and unique sites and find it again.

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Spacious, unique, private, and complete facility sites are provided in Bradsdadsland Campsite for visitors to have a perfect time camping on Hornby Island. Embrace this fantastic opportunity for adventure while you are in one of the gems of Hornby Island. You would feel peaceful while camping in the beautiful Bradsdadsland, away from your daily boring daily routine. While watching sunsets, enjoy the ocean view ahead of you.

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

Nanaimo Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are trying to get away from your lethal daily routine and your adventure flow has been stopped, why don't you plan a trip to the only multi-functional port city on Vancouver Island, Nanaimo? An assemblage of several distinguished bodies of water has made Nanaimo one of the best paddling locations in the world. You are provided with tons of other activities on both land and the sea.

China Creek Diving

China Creek Diving

According to your level of proficiency or your preference, the depths for diving vary from shallow to deep in China Creek. Comprising a wall dive with an incredible view of Port Alberni and amazing marine creatures underneath the water surface multiplies the beauty of this diving experience.

Yeo Islands Diving

Yeo Islands Diving

Spend the gladdest moments of your life in Yeo Islands while diving into the waters. Also, you will have the chance to enjoy watching artificial cliffs that have embellished the area's view. Besides, the excellent adventure o diving visitors can benefit from other outdoor excitements and watching various marine life.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

The Jib Diving

The Jib Diving

If you happen to wander around Nanoose Bay, The Jib Diving site is one of the most attractive diving destinations in the region, with a clean environment and easy access. Moreover, except for the beautiful view of the site, you can enjoy watching a diversity of marine life.

The Englishman River Outline

Specifications

Climate

Water Temperature

Timing

1. The distances are estimated from Englishman River Regional Park.
1. The numbers are estimated on average for Parksville.
2. - In January, there is snow and ice in Englishman park, and the falls are running, but there are icicles everywhere. It is stunning!


What you Can Expect to See Near the Englishman River

Parksville

Parksville

Parksville is known for its scenic, superb sandy beaches. This city is also famous for hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, parks, entertainment centres, and many fantastic restaurants and pubs. The city's most popular annual festival is Sandcastle Competition. Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park are among the most visited places.

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park

Colliery Dam Park with Chase River, huge trees, Granny Falls, and two small ponds is a tranquil and wooded park. The spectacular views with some nice bridges make the park a good choice for photographers. It is possible to walk your dog off-leash at the upper dam. You can go hiking, seasonal swimming, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout.

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park

Maffeo Sutton Park is a waterfront park with a perfect view of Nanaimo Harbour. It is a family park mainly known for its nice walking trails, playground, and picnicking areas. Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Fishing Pier is a nice spot located southeast of the park for fishing and swimming. This scenic oceanside park's Lions Pavilion Stage hosts community and musical events.

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River

The Nanaimo River, with warm water and deep pools, is an excellent choice for swimming. It has lagoons for a family picnic or day trail and a rocky beach for kids to play in, and for you to lay on some large rocks. From April to June, and in September or October, test your fishing skill in the river for cutthroat and rainbow trout. Have the pleasure of hiking in trails and take some pictures.

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park

Beaufort Park is a year-round destination in Nanaimo. Each season's nature and wildlife diversity make eye-catching scenery for visitors, so take a camera with you. A multi-purpose court suitable for sports like basketball and pickleball, and a tennis court are available. There are also a community garden and a food forest, and a dog off-leash area.

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park

Pipers Lagoon Park is a waterfront park with Shack Island, the ocean, and Neck Point Park views. Stay there for sunrise and sunset, and don't miss watching the scene. The park is home to bird species and other animals, making it a perfect destination for wildlife photographers. Hiking and jogging, beachcombing, flying a kite, and doing water sports are other options.

Bowen Park

Bowen Park

It seems that all you need is available at Bowen Park; a waterfall, duck pond, wilderness and picnic areas, and lots of facilities and sports fields. The Millstone River passes through the park, where can be considered as your hiking trail. The duck pond and a beautiful rhododendron grove with more than 350 species are amusing. Be there for some exercise or relaxation in the woods.

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay

Nanoose Bay is known as a place to relax with its large pebble beach, somewhere between Nanaimo and Parksville. The scene is stunning, specifically in the evening when the sun meets the ocean. No matters how many times you visited the beach, it is always peaceful and attractive. Nanoose Bay is home to many sea animals, and the beach is perfect for digging up some clams.

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Chinese Memorial Gardens Park

Walking from the ferry terminal to downtown Nanaimo, you can find a beautiful small garden, Chinese Memorial Gardens Park. A small public park with full-grown shrubs and trees and gracious lawns performs as a relaxing spot. The painted, formed pagoda structure and carved stones decorated it. The scenery is eye-catching and is mainly used for the background of family portraits.

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park

Neck Point Park is a beachfront park with some lookout spots where land meets the ocean. It is a popular choice for photography, hiking, scuba diving, and historic and scenic features. Fishing, paddling, and swimming are other options you have to entertain yourself. This waterfront park has awesome sea life; also, you can see bunnies very commonly.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.

Beach Estates Park

Beach Estates Park

If you plan to be away from urban life and spend hours in the woods watching wildlife and get relaxed, take a visit to Beach Estates Park, west of Departure Bay. With a beautiful designated hiking trail, Beach Estates Park is interesting for hikers and runners. The park's nature includes a lush forest with magnificent tall trees, a small river, a rocky beach, and Beach Estates Falls.

Westwood Lake Park

Westwood Lake Park

Silence is wiser than speech in nature. To get this atmosphere with a scenic view near Nanaimo and to have an excellent family time, Westwood Lake Park is a smart year-round choice. It is a perfect place with a playground for kids, an off-leash area, and a lifeguard patrolled freshwater swimming site. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating are other adventures to take.

Wall Beach

Wall Beach

Wall Beach is a rocky beach north of Nanoose Bay. The peaceful atmosphere gives you an excellent chance to live in the sunshine, feel alive by the ocean air, and relax. It is the best escape anyone can have to get rid of work pressure. Do what makes you happy and improve your health. The beach has a dive site to dive, swim, and explore the rich marine life.

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.

Planning for the Englishman River

Suitability

Services

Camping & Resort

Travel Tips

Rules and Guidelines

1. There are two paths cross the river; the first one gives the visitors a bird's eye view as the waterfalls down the narrow rock canyon toward the water below. In the second one, the river falls into a deep, crystal-clear pool when the river levels are low.
2. Pets are not allowed to come in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behavior, and you must dispose of their excrement. Due to the wildlife issues and potential problems, entering dogs and other pets to the park are prohibited.
1. The distances are estimated from Englishman River Regional Park, Allsbrook Trail, Parksville.
1. The distances are from Englishman River Regional Park, Allsbrook Trail, Parksville.
2. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park Campground has 107 sites, most of which have vehicles and can be reserved during summer.
1. Keep your campfires small.
There are many rules and guidelines in these campgrounds. It would be best if you observed the following rules there:

- Smoking, using tobacco, cannabis or other substances are only allowed in designated campsites.

- Park gates are closed by 11:00 pm. only registered campers are allowed to be there after 11:00 pm.

- Drinking liquor is prohibited anywhere in the park in the campsites.

- Making excessive noise, especially music and loud talking, is forbidden.

- Firearms are forbidden.

- To be safe from bears, keep your food in your vehicle, not at the campsite. Don't feed or reach the bears.


Campfire is forbidden in many places in the park, especially in sensitive environments. Everywhere that campfire is allowed. There are some fire-rings or pits for making fire. If the fire-rings are not available, you must follow these guidelines for building a campfire:

- It is built at least three meters far away from any log, stump, snag, standing trees, or wooden structure.

- Throw out all leaves, twigs and other flammable materials at least 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) around the fire.

- It shouldn't be more extensive than 0.5 meters (1.6 ft) in height and 0.5 meters (1.6 ft) in diameter.

- After finishing your work, be sure that you extinguish the fire. Sift the ashes with your fingers to be sure.

What Do You Think about the Englishman River?