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Vancouver Island Waterfalls

Vancouver Island is home to the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The variety of waterfalls on the island is truly magnificent. There are all sorts of waterfalls, like cave waterfalls, beach waterfalls, mountain waterfalls, river waterfalls, and pond waterfalls. They all have unique beauties, and Vancouver Island seems to have almost all of them. Waterfalls are somewhat a natural signature of Vancouver Island, with incredible wildlife that would be unfortunate to miss. One of the benefits of visiting a waterfall is the relaxing vibe that floats into your body as the water falling from that height, and this is when you need to see sunlight get caught in waterdrops through the stunning rainbow. Most Vancouver Island waterfalls are convenient enough for a family adventure, and some have facilities nearby that make the trip more comforting.
For falls located in the wilderness, you would have longer adventures. In such cases, you need planning, being equipped with hiking tools, and being well prepared for high levels of activities. Despite the differences in difficulty levels, each of these waterfalls can display stunning beauties that are worth visiting. Since winter rains make the waterfalls roaring, it is recommended to visit the waterfalls in winter or spring for the best view of flowing.


Vanislander

The Highest Waterfall on Vancouver Island

Della Falls is the tallest waterfall in Canada. It has three drops and a total height of 440 m (1443.5 ft), making it the world's sixteenth highest waterfall. Della Falls is also the largest waterfall by volume on Vancouver Island, and it's a mountain waterfall. This waterfall has an exceptional view from afar; when you see the whole falls streaming like a white snake crawling down the mountain, it is truly a sight fit for postcards.

Vanislander / Landmarks / Waterfalls
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Virgin Falls

In the wilderness area of Alberni-Clayoquot C, where you may have a plan for camping, there is Virgin Falls, a gift from nature to adventure lovers. An abundant fantastic forest surrounds this magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall. The pool under the waterfall has crystal clear water with mesmerizing blue shades, perfect for swimming and photography.

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Ammonite Falls

The ammonite fossils' existence down the falls on the bedrock cause the waterfall at Benson Creek Falls Regional Park to be named Ammonite Falls. The moss-covered trees and rocks make the scenery beautiful in every season. You may forget about the things you do at work, but happy times and the memories you make in nature will stay forever. Make it family fun and get the best out of it.

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Rosewall Creek Falls

The flow of Rosewall Creek forms a waterfall in the middle of a rain forest surrounded by moss-covered rocks. Rosewall Creek Falls is one of the masterpieces done by nature that deserves multiple visits. The water is white and pure, and it seems like it's coming out of a wall made of trees. Visiting the waterfall in summer and spring would be perfect as the creek has a higher water level.

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Lady Falls

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.

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Brown's River Falls

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.

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Sandcut Beach Waterfall

Being on the beach with the ocean in front and trees and a waterfall backside is a perfect view. A cheery on top of Sandcut Beach is Sandcut Beach Waterfall. This picturesque beach waterfall cascades gracefully from the rock cliff over the pebble beach. Watching the sunset is spectacular by the fall; the orange sky and the last rays of sunshine reflexing in water drops are something worth seeing.

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Myra Falls (Lower Myra Falls)

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.

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Goldstream Niagara Falls

Goldstream Niagara Falls or Niagara Falls can meet your expectations of a natural attraction. The height is 47.5 m (155.8 ft), which drops over the rocks and is surrounded by old trees like Douglas fir and red cedar. The opportunities to take photos are everywhere; there is no need to search. Just drive to the west side of Langford to find it at Goldstream Provincial Park and hike through Goldstream Trestle to observe all the beauties.

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No Name Falls

If you're looking for something positive in your day, choose to be beside a waterfall. Start a magical experience toward an unknown or the less known place like No Name Falls. The seven drops of No Name Falls cascade down on large boulders and rocks, creating a spectacular view that lets your soul and spirit fly into the mystery. Enjoy a hike in this quiet and peaceful area.

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Christie Falls

Have a tour at Christie Falls, north of Lady Smith, with two beautiful drops. It worth spending hours watching the scene. The upper cascades to the lower fall, and the lower one pours down on hard rocks making a spectacular scene. It is best to visit Christie Falls in spring when the Bush Creek water flow is more powerful. While you are in the area, there are other waterfalls to enjoy.

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Little Qualicum Falls

Above Cameron Lake, at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Little Qualicum Falls is situated in the middle of a forest. It cascades into a small canyon, creating a magnificent pool, making another fall and pouring into the Qualicum River. The peaceful atmosphere is memorable, but it doesn't end here. The fantastic landscape and all the things you can do at the park make it a perfect destination for your vacation.

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Elk Falls

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.

Beach Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

Some beaches on Vancouver Island reward you with more than refreshing weather and sunny sky; they also have waterfalls that take your breath away. Watching sunset by a beach waterfall could be the highlight of your journey, and for that, you could visit Mystic Beach, Sandcut Beach, Beach Estates Park, Sombrio Beach, and Witty's Lagoon.

Cave Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

The only waterfall on Vancouver Island, which gets the advantage of having a mysterious cave nearby, is called the Hidden Falls or Sombrio Beach Falls. This stunning waterfall is located on Sombrio Beach, discoverable by a secret passage that leads into a cave. The hike to Hidden Falls is through a canyon. The most exciting thing about this waterfall is that even some locals don't know about its secret existence.

River Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

Most of the waterfalls on Vancouver Island are led into rivers, and since there are plenty of them, you can see at least one or two in most of the parks; some parks are even named after the falls inside. The good thing is that there are friendly services provided for the visitors inside these parks to have a very comfortable visit. River waterfalls are normally found in forest spaces like Elk Falls Provincial Park and protected areas such as Brown's River Falls, Trent River Falls, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. These are only a few examples of river falls on Vancouver Island.

Parks with Waterfall on Vancouver Island

Interestingly, most of the parks on Vancouver Island have a waterfall within. Some of the parks have it as a hidden gem to surprise the visitors. In others, though, they appear so distinctly as the river falls mentioned above. Gold Stream Provincial Park has some of the most decent and transparent waterfalls, including Goldstream River Falls and Niagara Falls. Please don't mistake Vancouver Island Niagara Fall with the one that is the biggest waterfall in the world. Parks on Vancouver Island are wonderfully beautiful and have so many animals, old trees, and marine life, so there is more than one reason to visit a park on Vancouver Island.

Mountain Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

One fascinating thing about Vancouver Island waterfalls is the natural combination of waterfall and mountain; it's very smooth and impressive. Many waterfalls on Vancouver Island have relations with canyons and large boulders like Hole in the Wall Falls, Christie Falls, No Name Falls, and these are only a few examples of scenic rock waterfalls. Vancouver Island mountains with waterfalls usually have amazing trails with climbing opportunities. Mountains provide excellent opportunities for camping, and a waterfall close by is just a bonus.


Lake Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

Since Vancouver Island is a natural attractions heaven, not only for picturesque waterfalls, you may find yourself short in time seeing all its beauty. Considering that, the best option for you is to start from lakes where there are so many fun things to do, and indeed a neighbour for a few lovely waterfalls. Lakes like Buttle Lake or Comox Lake charm you with breathtaking waterfalls like Myra Falls and Lupin Falls, moreover exhilarating activities like kayaking or canoeing.

Things to do around Vancouver Island Waterfalls

Suppose you're wondering about what to do after visiting a waterfall. In that case, you would be surprised by the things to do available; getting smooth shots from waterfalls is a popular activity among visitors and tourists. If you happen to be interested in more adventure, almost all Vancouver Island waterfalls have a scenic hiking trail or, even better, having ponds underneath or close to them; some even benefit from several ponds nearby. Take a dunk in a pond, and get the most of your visit.
Whether you have a camping experience or not, you will enjoy all the advantages of the camping grounds near the waterfalls. The majority of the falls have excellent camping grounds around them. Some happen to be on rewarding rivers or very close to marine-life-rich lakes. However, the state of BC requires a special license for fishing.

Things to Remember while Visiting Vancouver Island Waterfalls


  •  Do not throw garbage at the water stream.
  •  Pack everything and leave no trace.
  •  Check with authorities for the best time for fishing.
  •  Follow COVID-19 protocols.
  •  Do not disturb the wildlife. Check for the fire rules of the area before lighting a fire.
  •  Bring a camera or a smartphone to take stunning photos.

Vancouver Island Waterfalls Common Questions and Answers

There are more than 40 waterfalls on Vancouver Island.
There are many unnamed and famous waterfalls on Vancouver Island which are natural or man-made.
As Vancouver Island is known as the Hawaii of Canada, the freezing temperatures are not what you can await each winter. You may find freezing waterfalls at high levels of 3,000 ft (1,200 m) which can be considered for ice climbing. This condition is possible around Mt. Cokely and Mt. Arrowsmith, Boston Lake below Mt. Becher, Mt. Washington, and at Tennent Lake below Mt. Myra.
Among many swim holes on Vancouver Island, Nymph Falls, Hole in the Wall Falls, Myra Falls, and Stotan Falls are the best waterfalls suitable for swimming.
Della Falls is the tallest waterfall on Vancouver Island, with a 440 m (1443.5 ft) drop.
Hidden Falls or Sombrio Beach Falls has a secret cave.
Some trails take you to waterfalls like Little Qualicum Falls, Elk Falls, Stocking Creek Falls, Granny Falls, Beach Estates Falls, Niagara Falls, and Trent Falls.
If the waterfall is placed at a park, please check with the authorities.
Dry clothes, waterproof gear, hat and sunglasses, hiking boots, water shoes or sandals, navigation devices, sunscreen, food and drink

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