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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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Della Falls

With 440 m (1443.5 ft) height, Della Falls is the 16th tallest waterfall in the world and the tallest waterfall in Canada. Its beauty catches the eyes like a magnificent white snake that shimmers in the sunlight and finds its way through the forest, creating a landscape fit for postcards. Della Falls consists of three falls, which are cascading from Della Lake to Drinkwater Creek.

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Englishman River Falls

Englishman River Falls is a vivid example of nature's wonders, with the water streaming among the rocks. There are beautiful lower falls with the turquoise, clear water underneath and the water descending in white surges. The exquisite combination of douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, maple trees and stubborn rocks makes this place's beauty go beyond comprehension.

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Hole in the Wall Falls

Ease your mind and calm your soul with the stream of the waterfall. Vancouver Island is a haven of natural wonders, and Hole in the Wall (Port Alberni) is a crown jewel of all the attractions. The water passes through a hole and descends on what appears to be stairs makes it mysterious, and the scenery with trees around creates this magical beauty of nature, an excellent place for photography.

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Hidden Falls

It worth searching the hidden beauty, especially for what the mother of nature made. As mysterious as its name, Hidden Falls or Sombrio Beach Falls is hiding by a cave, which is why the waterfall was named Hidden Falls. The magical aura with pristine nature is mystic and thrilling, making your wilderness hiking experience memorable. The surrounding wildlife and birds deserve lots of attention.

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Goldstream Falls

Sometimes a stunning waterfall is all you need. Pass the magical trails with the wooden stairs in Goldstream Provincial Park, which lead you to a beautiful waterfall. Goldstream Falls is like a hotspot in a fairyland with a lush forest view, a dream that comes true, a perfect place to relax and refresh your mind and soul. The scenery can motivate anyone to go camping, hiking, or devoting time to relax and enjoy the beauty.

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Trent River Falls

Listen to the music of water, let your troubles go with the flow, and immerse yourself in nature. Get yourself in touch with the perfect view of Trent River Falls, its ecosystem, and beautiful trees. Enjoy the wildlife and a wide range of bird species in the area. Make your outdoor excursion around the waterfall and the Trent River full of peace.

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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