Vancouver Island is a waterfall wonderland with no shortage to explore. From popular ones in provincial parks to those lesser known, here are the best waterfalls between Courtenay and Chemainus on the east coast of Vancouver Island (in order going down the island).
Trent River Falls
Location: Comox Valley
Length: About 10min to the falls
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. The trail to the viewing point from above is an easy trail but does have some downhill sections. If you want to go view the waterfall from down below it is pretty steep but well assisted with ropes.
Driving north on Hwy 19, we parked just on the other side of the Trent River bridge. (We noticed cars on the other side of the highway so the trail probably connects under the bridge). About 100m from the bridge we took the SECOND wide trail into the forest. The first wide trail you’ll see has a big ditch in front of it, while the second one is more of a dip. Head straight along this easy to follow trail, with the river on your right. At the end there is a trail that veers off to the left towards the waterfall. When you go down the first section of steep rope towards the river, there is a small side trail to the right that takes you to a great vantage point from above (photo below). Continue the steep descent down the ropes to enjoy the waterfall from the river edge.
Nymph Falls
Location: Comox Valley
Length: 1.5km loop but there is a larger network of trails available within the park. It’s only about 600m from the parking lot to the falls.
Difficulty: Easy, maintained and wide trail with a slight elevation gain of about 50m.
Nymph Falls Nature Park is located on Forbidden Plateau Rd, about 15min from Courtenay. This small waterfall cascades over a fish ladder created in 1977 for salmon to swim upstream. It’s set in a beautiful location along the Puntledge River with some great swimming spots to choose from in the summer! Nearby is the popular and jaw dropping Stotan Falls. Unfortunately these falls are located on private land and as of January 2019, the road is closed and the falls have been closed to the public.
Rosewall Creek Falls
Location: North of Bowser, before Fanny Bay.
Length: 7 km (about 2 hours) return.
Difficulty: Easy and well maintained trail with some rooty parts and a 117m elevation gain. When you reach the waterfalls, you can go on a more adventurous and higher difficulty trail as you climb up and down steep embankments with the help of ropes. This part of the trail is optional, but provides you with a much closer view, especially of the upper second waterfall around the corner.
Follow the signs on Highway 19A for Rosewall Creek Provincial Park. From the parking lot follow the well marked trail upstream under the highway bridge. The trail follows along the river through a lush forest. When the lower falls are in sight, you can relax along the big boulders on the riverside. If you’re feeling up for more of an adventure, continue on the steep trail for a view of the impressive upper falls.
Nile Creek Falls
Location: South of Bowser. As you head north towards Courtenay, it’s just past the Horne Lake exit.
Length: 5km return (about 2 hours) or 14km return depending on starting point.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. The trail is very well maintained, there are some steep parts near the end of the trail as well as quite a bit of mud depending on the time of year you go. There are some great boardwalks and log crossings built with ropes to assist you though.
One of the best hikes on the island for waterfall galore, and a lesser known trail to boot. There are two starting points: 1) Park on either side of Highway 19 at the Nile Creek sign and bridge for a shorter 5km return trail. 2) Off of Highway 19A, head west on Charelton Road for the starting point of the 14km return trail. If you’re starting from the Highway like we did, you’ll follow the river upstream and will hit the first waterfall at about 45min in. From there it’s waterfall wonderland as you view one after the other, about 10-12 in total! If you’re brave enough, there are also a few beautiful cold pools to take a dip in as well.
Little Qualicum Falls
Location: Qualicum
Length: Upper and Lower Falls loop: 2km (about 1 hour), but there are 6km of trails within the park.
Difficulty: Easy, the gravel trails within this provincial park are well groomed with about 50m of elevation gain.
Although popular, this waterfall is worth the stop. While on Highway 19, take Exit 60 towards Port Alberni. After about 11km you will see signs for the provincial park on the right. Our favourite walk is to do the loop from the Lower to the Upper Falls. We recommend starting with the sign pointing towards the Lower Falls so you can descend the many stairs rather than return up them. There are many different vantage points along the trail as you hike on both sides of the river.
Englishman River Falls
Location: Errington
Length: 1.3km loop (30min), with 3km of trails within the park.
Difficulty: Another easy well maintained trail within a provincial park, with only about 50m of elevation gain.
Follow signs from Highway 19 for the Provincial Park and drive through Errington. A quick stop, these large and impressive falls are located just off the parking lot and can be viewed from the bridge. If you have the time, definitely continue the loop along and across the river to the smaller lower falls! The crystal clear lower pools are a tempting place to take a swim in the summer.
Triple Falls
Location: Errington
Length: About 1km (10min) to the falls
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. This trail is mostly easy, but there is some downhill and steeper sections for a bit of adventure (not steep enough to require rope). Elevation gain is only about 30m.
Most people don’t know about these hidden falls located so close to the popular Englishman River Falls! Although not as large and spectacular, they are just as beautiful and you’ll likely enjoy them to yourself. The start of the trail is at the end of Sierra Rd. Access used to be through private property, but the owners have made a trail that bypasses their property, just be respectful and follow the obvious public access signs and tape to the falls, staying off their property. The trail leads to the lower, middle (barely a trickle), and the upper falls (best part and shown below).
Bonnell Creek Falls
Location: Nanoose
Length: About 2km return
Difficulty: The trail itself is easy until the very end which becomes more difficult and very steep. Accessing the waterfalls and swimming pools down below requires using a rope along the steep bank. Elevation gain is about 60m.
These lesser known waterfalls are located a short drive from Nanaimo in Nanoose. Park at the end of Sundew Place, just off of Sea Blush Drive. Past the locked yellow gate, the first 900m is along an easy old logging road. Take the smaller trail to the right that leads towards the falls.
Nanoose Rest Area Falls
Location: Nanoose
Length: 5min
Difficulty: Easy
Located on the side of Hwy 19 is the popular Nanoose Rest Area. Not as popular, is the waterfall trail located there. Behind the picnic table to the far left, is a hidden trail down a bank to the river edge. The trail follows the river for a few minutes leading you to a small series of beautiful waterfalls that most people don’t even know exist!
Millstone Falls
Location: Nanaimo
Length: Roughly 2km loop with side trails to explore
Difficulty: Easy and leisurely stroll with minimal elevation, well groomed trails.
Located in the middle of the city of Nanaimo lies an oasis of trails, duck ponds, and a pretty nice waterfall. There are multiple access points to the popular Bowen Park. Our favourite spot to start the waterfall trail is accessed by turning off Bowen Rd onto Wall St, and park near the volleyball courts. From here, follow the riverside trail upstream towards the falls. You can loop around and explore the salmon channels on the way back.
Beach Estates Park Falls
Location: Nanaimo
Length: 1.8km return
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, elevation gain of 50m with a few stairs.
Park at the Church of the Nazarene near Brooks Landing. The trailhead is located from the parking lot and you’ll actually see a sign for Beach Estates Park. The waterfall is located near the start of the trail, but definitely continue the hike to the beach at Departure Bay. Although located in the centre of Nanaimo, many people don’t even know this trail exists. It’s very well maintained with boardwalks and bridges. The only tough part about the trail are the number of stairs you have to go up on the way back, but nothing like the 200 stairs at Blueback Beach!
Granny Falls/Chase River Falls
Location: Nanaimo
Length: About 2km loop, but a larger trail network to explore if you wish.
Difficulty: Easy, elevation gain of about 50m.
A popular walking location, Colliery Dam consists of easy trails with a mix of paved, gravel, boardwalks and stairs. The falls are located off a side trail near the upper lake (off leash dog area). The trail heads through a tunnel under the highway, follow the short trail along the river to these hidden falls.
Ammonite Falls
Location: Nanaimo
Length: 5km return, about 45min one way
Difficulty: Moderate, with 200m gradual elevation gain (Except for the very steep part at the end to reach the base of the falls).
A popular hike in the area and for good reason, it’s a stunning drop into a swimmable pool below, and it’s only 15min from the city of Nanaimo. The trail starts on Jameson Rd (at the yellow logging road gate), with a parking lot a minute away on Creekside Pl. The trail is maintained and very well marked. The impressive waterfall can be viewed from above, but I highly recommend heading down the steep embankment towards the river, with ropes to assist you. The city plans to add stairs eventually…until then, enjoy the adventure (and be prepared to get muddy)!
Stocking Creek Falls
Location: Ladysmith
Length: 2-3km loop, about 30-40min
Difficulty: Easy and mostly flat trail
A short loop brings you to this small but beautiful waterfall. There are two trail access points from each end of the park. You can either park at the end of Finch Place or Thicke Rd. The forest and trail along the river are beautiful, and not overly busy. The trail is well maintained and marked, with a set of stairs going down to the waterfall viewing platform.
Crystal Falls (Holland Creek)
Location: Ladysmith
Length: 6.6km loop, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, with 185m elevation gain
There are multiple access points to the Holland Creek trail. We chose to park off of Dogwood Dr, and did the trail clockwise – starting with the more challenging and higher elevation changes of the trail. This side of the trail is more rugged, passing old growths and views of the waterfall and dams. Once you pass the waterfall and cross the river the trail becomes very flat and wide on the way back to your car.
Christie Falls
Location: Ladysmith
Length: 7-8km return, about 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, 137m elevation gain
Starting from Arroyo Rd, the first 2.5 km is actually along a boring and flat dirt road. When you reach the fish hatchery, follow the small trail upstream by the large map. You’ll pass a couple other waterfalls on your way to the main ones. Christie Falls actually consists of two waterfalls! The second one is lesser known and only a couple minutes away from the first. When you reach the first waterfall, take a few steps downstream until you see a log crossing the river with a rope. From here there is a quick trail leading you to another jaw dropping wonder. You can continue back on the waterfall loop, leading you past an old log cabin, and back to the gravel road.
Lower Banon Creek Falls
Location: Chemainus
Length: 5min
Difficulty: Easy
Heading north on Hwy 19 turn left onto Sticker Mt Road and then right onto the gravel Grace Road (4WD not necessary). Follow this road for about 4km to a large parking area and locked yellow gate. From the gate it is only a 5min easy walk downhill on the wide trail. When you reach the river, turn left for the falls. A great place to enjoy a picnic in the sand on the river edge, we had the whole place to ourselves.
Check out this link if you’re looking for directions to the more difficult Upper Banon Creek Falls. Although it’s much more impressive than the lower falls, it is more of a bushwhack than a trail and one I haven’t had the pleasure of exploring yet!
More beautiful hikes to explore on the east side of Vancouver Island include Kwai Lake Loop in Strathcona Park and Century Sam Lake hike! If you’re on the hunt for more waterfalls, check out the best waterfalls near Port Alberni.
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