If you feel adventuresome and up to a challenge, then visiting the Virgin Falls will be the right choice. There you can find a rare combination of beauty and mystery. This waterfall is so unknown that you would have a hard time finding it on Google Maps; however, Virgin Falls is so stunning that the mere sight of it would make up for any trouble. This magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall is surrounded by an abundant fantastic forest that seems like a fortress.
Under the Virgin Falls, you find a pool with crystal clear water and mesmerizing blue shades, which is perfect for swimming. The scenery is also ideal for photography. Thanks to the water cascading gracefully from a rock cliff and on hard rocks, even the beautiful trees surrounding the Virgin Falls. If you could wait for the sunlight to reach the perfect angel when the water drops reflex the sunlight, then you can capture a once-in-a-lifetime scene.
Virgin Falls is located in Alberni-Clayoquot C, Vancouver Island, Canada. The waterfall is placed in a wilderness area between the Tranquil Creek Provincial Park and Clayoquot Plateau Provincial Park.
There are a few attractions nearby if you want to make your visit more interesting, like the House of Himwitsa, Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, and Clayoquot Sound. The landscape is covered with the forest, along with Tofino Creek and the beautiful falls, although the road could be bumpy and uneven on some parts. You can be sure that the view is worth seeing more than you expected.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route from Nanaimo to Virgin Falls is BC-4 W. It is 217 km (134 miles) and takes about 3 hours and a half.
Follow BC-19 N and BC-4 W to Alaska Pine Rd in Alberni-Clayoquot C for 183 km (113.7 miles). Then drive to Deer Bay Rd and continue for 34.2 km (21.2 miles) to reach the Virgin Falls.
From Victoria:
The fastest route is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W. It is 327 km (203.1 miles) and takes about 5 hours.
Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, BC-19 N and BC-4 W to Alaska Pine Rd in Alberni-Clayoquot C. After 293 km (182 miles), drive to Deer Bay Rd. Continue for 34.2 km(21.2 miles) to reach the Virgin Falls.
"Virgin Falls Trail" is a 200 m (656.1 miles) short and easy trail. The hiking starts in the parking space. You would only have to walk for 2 minutes to get there. The short trail is through a beautiful forest, and it's not hard to walk. Still, the same thing can't be said about the road you'd have to drive to get there. The road is bumpy and narrow and requires an off-road car. Not to mention that your car might get scratched by the trees. Overall be prepared for a challenging but exciting drive and a short but refreshing walk.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is living in the area of Virgin Falls. The word Tla-o-qui-aht means "people from a different place." These people used to live in a lake system.
Of several activities you can do in the Virgin Falls area is hiking. However, there is no designated trail for hiking. You explore the mysterious nature on your own and enjoy the adventure, but be careful there are wild animals around.
Swimming is a great way to upgrade your visit, with the crystal clear water, cold but inviting. You can enjoy a great swim with an exceptional view.
If you want to enjoy the site longer, you can try camping. There is a campground with a view of Virgin Falls, a perfect way to spend a weekend. The wildlife of the area is plentiful and somewhat dangerous. Bears and eagles are prevalent and easy to spot.