A hidden gem in Bowen Park is Millstone River Falls. This waterfall may be small in size, but its beauty can rival any waterfall on Vancouver Island.
The Millstone River Falls' surroundings are so mesmerizing that you wouldn't know the passing of hours. The beautiful forest and the melody of the water pouring on rocks is merely fantastic.
The best photography season is fall, when trees have changed their colour to wonderful orange, red, and yellow shades, making the perfect background for photos.
One of the Millstone River Falls highlights is that the trail leading to it is easy for children and pets. So you can enjoy this natural attraction with your family or your beloved pet. Millstone River Falls has two drops, both incredibly beautiful. With the crystal clear water making a soft melody by running smoothly down the river, it would be a great experience to share with your family.
Millstone River Falls is located in Bowen Park, on Central Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Bowen Park is in Nanaimo, and the Millstone River goes through it, creating a marvellous landscape for visitors. Nanaimo has a lot to offer to visitors, like the Bastion, a historical landmark, or Maffeo Sutton Park and Third Street Park. All of them are close to the Millstone River Falls and full of exciting opportunities to have fun. The falls are located on the northwest side of the park. It's close enough to the fun activities available in the park, such as curling or skate bowling.
From Nanaimo:
The Wallace St and Comox Rd trail is the fastest route to get Millstone River Falls from Nanaimo. It is 1.6 km (0.9 miles) and takes less than five minutes.
Head northwest on Wallace St toward Wentworth St. After 500 m, turn left onto Comox Rd. Then drive 600 m (1968.5 ft) and continue onto Bowen Rd. 350 m (1148.2 ft) later, turn right onto Millstream Pkwy. Destination will be on the right. After 170 m (557.7 ft), you will reach Bowen Park.
From Victoria:
The access to Millstone River Falls from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. The length of the route is 115 km (71.4 miles) and takes about one hour and a half.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. After 1.2 km (0.7 miles), follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N to Fifth St in Nanaimo. Drive for
110 km (68.3 miles) and continue on Fifth St. Take Howard Ave to Millstream Pkwy. After 3.1 km (1.9 miles), you will reach Bowen Park.
"Bowen Park Loop" is 2.3 km (1.4 miles) in length. This easy hiking trail has 42 m (137.7 ft) elevation gain and goes all around the park. The space around the trail is mostly forest, and some part of it goes along the river and the Millstone River Falls. The beautiful forest and the excellent river are just refreshing and would make you relax. The trail starts at the parking lot and goes to the south of the park toward the end. It turns to the north and the Millstone River, where the waterfall is placed. The trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly, but you must keep the dogs on a leash.
In 1918, George and James Bowen, owners of the San Francisco-based Western Fuel Company, gave the land to Nanaimo. They had one condition that it would be used for a park only. It became official in 1931.
Bowe Park doesn't disappoint you in activities. There are so many things to do in the park that one day wouldn't be enough to experience them all.
Lawn bowling is one of the park's activities where you can enjoy socializing and playing an entertaining game. The park has a tennis court and sand volleyball playground for family pleasure. With the beautiful surrounding, it's hard not to be in a playing mood. On the east side of the park, you can find a curling and lacrosse club waiting for you to give them a try. There is a golf disc playground on the south side of the park for having fun while experiencing an exhilarating game. The park also has an outdoor pool at the center part; enjoy swimming and lying in the sun. There is a horseshoe pit right above the tennis court, another entertaining game to enjoy while you're visiting.