It is hard to find a waterfall as pleasant as Ammonite Falls with astonishing scenery. Ammonite Falls, also known as Benson Creek Falls, is cascading gracefully on a bed of rocks. The moss-covered trees and rocks make Ammonite Falls beautiful in every season.
You may visit in spring when the melted snow has risen the water level, and the forest is coming back to life. Or prefer summertime, when the forest is lush and green, and the water is dripping. Even you may favour fall when the leaves of fir trees turn into mesmerizing shades of autumn colours, and the water is streaming stronger. Or you may be a fan of winter adventure when everything is covered in snow. And you find outstanding beauty in the colour of white and when the area becomes so magical. The great news is that any time you visit, you will be amazed. The interesting fact about the waterfall is the ammonite fossils' existence down the falls on the bedrock; it is why the waterfall's name is Ammonite Falls.
Ammonite Falls is within the boundaries of Benson Creek Falls Regional Park, near Nanaimo, southeast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. While you can enjoy the magnificent forest and the creek and the incredible nature around, you should know that the area has more to offer, like Westwood Lake Park, Colliery Dam Park, and Bowen Park. All of them are within 8 km (5 miles) of the Ammonite Falls. Ammonite Falls possesses a tremendous advantage: the closeness to great restaurants like Nori Japanese Restaurant and the Smokin’ George’s BBQ.
Woodley Range Ecological Reserve, which is placed near Woodley Range, is almost 34 km (21 miles) away to the southeast.
There is another waterfall in the area, Christie Falls. Also, with its beautiful Beach Estates Falls, Beach Estates Park is a hidden gem that connects from Departure Bay Road down to the beach near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to Ammonite Falls from Victoria is Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is 121 km (75.1 miles) and takes about one hour and 44 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Jingle Pot Rd in Nanaimo and, after 112 km (69.5 miles), follow Jingle Pot Rd to Jameson Rd in Nanaimo D. Drive 7.8 km (4.8 miles) more to reach Ammonite Falls.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Ammonite Falls is via Jingle Pot Rd and Jameson Rd. It is 11.2 km (6.9 miles) and takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get to your destination.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. After 800 m (2624.6 ft), continue onto Third St. Drive for 1.9 km (1.1 miles) and continue onto Jingle Pot Rd. After 4.1 km (2.5 miles), turn left onto Kilpatrick Rd. Continue for 750 m (2460.6 ft) and turn right onto Jameson Rd. After 3.7 km (2.2 miles), you will reach Ammonite Falls.
"Ammonite Falls Regional Trail" is a 4.8 km (2.9 miles) out and back moderate trail that is tricky in some parts. This hiking trail starts close to the parking lot and goes through a beautiful and excellent fir forest. When you get to the waterfall, there is a steep hill, which you have to use the rope that is already in place to get down. In spring and fall, when rain is more, the ground gets muddy and slippery; therefore, be extra careful. The surrounding is wonderfully mysterious, and when you are there, you can look for fossils and be adventurous. The elevation gain is 201 m (659.4 ft).
Ammonite Falls is named after a load of ammonite fossils that lie in a sedimentary way in layers of rock being polished continuously by the waterfall. If you swoop into the rocks of Benson Creek Falls, you may find parts of ancient history and evolution.
The park's number of activities is small but fun and exciting. One of them is hiking on the beautiful and refreshing trail of Ammonite Falls or other park trails that lead to fantastic natural attractions. Biking is another activity available at the park with great views and a good trail. You can try cycling or mountain biking.
Under Ammonite Falls, there is a shallow pool you can swim there and enjoy the crystal clear water washing away the tiredness.
Fishing is rewarding, especially with a wide range of species like Cutthroat Trout and juvenile Coho Salmon.