Della Falls is as wonderful as its height. It is the 16th tallest waterfall in the world and the tallest waterfall in Canada. The reasons to visit Della Falls do not end here. The falls' beauty catches the eye even from afar 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 cascade from Della Lake to Drinkwater Creek. The best part is that you can paddle your way from the Great Central Lake to the falls or hike through the forest and enjoy the lovely nature of the surrounding.
Della Falls is located in the southern section of Strathcona Provincial Park, the largest provincial park on Vancouver Island. Della Falls is among the highest waterfalls globally and is the highest in Canada, with an overall drop of 440 meters (1443.5 ft) in three cascades.
The highest mountain surrounds the falls, so the landscape is a combination of mountain and forest, which is spectacular for photography. Even though getting to Della Falls is not easy, the scenery will make up for the troubles.
Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau are two areas in the park that have facilities and attract visitors. The rest of the park is undeveloped and excellent for backpackers who enjoy wilderness surroundings. Buttle Lake is a long and narrow lake that offers water sports. Also, it features a waterfall, Lupin Falls, which is one of the nearest waterfalls to Della Falls. Forbidden Plateau, north of Comox Lake, is an alpine plateau surrounded by high mountains and is composed of a lush forest, open meadows, lakes, and tarns.
No route leads you to Della Falls directly, so the best option is the Strathcona Provincial Park. From there, choose your way of going to the falls, hike there or paddle or take a water taxi at the Great Central Lake.
From Nanaimo:
Nanaimo's fastest route is via BC-19 N, which is 203 km (126 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St. After 800 m (2624.6 ft), continue onto Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Continue onto Jingle Pot Rd, and after 650 m (2132.5 ft), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive for 151 km (93.8 miles), then turn left onto Island Hwy/BC-19A N (signs for BC-28 W/Gold River). After 150 m (492.1 ft), continue onto Campbell River Rd/Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W for 47.3 km (29.4 miles). Continue straight onto Westmin Rd, and after 450 m (1476.3 ft), you will reach the park.
From Victoria:
The fastest route from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N, which is 313 km (194.5 miles) and takes about 3 hours and 40 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 and BC-19 N to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River. After 264 km (164 miles), follow Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W to Westmin Rd in Comox-Strathcona D. Drive 47.9 km (29.7 miles) more to reach the park.
*Highway 28 passes through the northern section of Strathcona Provincial Park and provides access to Buttle Lake.
"Della Falls" is an out-and-back difficult trail near Alberni-Clayoquot C. It has 29.5 km (18.3 miles) length and 1117 m (3664.7 ft) elevation gain. Della Falls features a lake and is mostly used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. There is a lake along the path to enlighten your journey. The best time to visit is from June till September when the forest is in its prime, and the weather isn't that cold. The good news for your pet is that you can bring it along, but you must keep it on a leash.
Della Falls was first discovered in 1899 by prospector Joe Drinkwater, and he named the falls after his wife. Mr. Drinkwater was chasing gold, so he started his operation alone, and he didn't have to share it with anyone. Mr. Drinkwater also built the trail from the falls to Drinkwater Creek. Even though he did a service for the future hikers, he wasn't rewarded. Drinkwater found little gold after putting so much work and equipment into the mine, and so he left, but his legacies remain.
Considering the atmosphere present around Della Falls first thing to do should be hiking. The hike is long but rewarding. The view is impressive and refreshing; it will clear out your troubles. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular around the falls. Some people even choose to paddle to Love Lake above the falls.
Fishing can be an excellent option, especially when there is so much variety. You can catch fish on all lakes and creeks in Strathcona Provincial Park except the wood.
One other activity worth considering is swimming, though the water is cold and you have to be careful because there are no lifeguards.
These premises of the falls are rich with wildlife, so take advantage and enjoy watching the rare specimens around.