Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
Cascading Beauty
Located near Errington in Arrowsmith Coombs Country, just a short drive from Parksville and Qualicum Beach, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is known for its natural beauty, which makes it one of the most awe-inspiring parks on Vancouver Island.
Here, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities and experiences, including camping, picnic areas, swimming, hiking, two spectacular waterfalls in the forest, and a small rocky beach at the base of one of the falls.
When river levels are low during the summer, a crystal clear pool at the base of the lower falls turns into one of the best swimming holes in the area. The park is also a phenomenal place to visit in the fall to view spawning salmon.
Directions & Parking
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is located approximately 8 kilometres south of the town of Errington, 13 kilometres to the southwest of Parksville, along the Englishman River. To reach the park, take Errington Road off of Highway 4 (Alberni Highway) and travel south. Upon entering the park, you will pass by the campgrounds. You will eventually reach a sizable parking lot that accommodates up to 105 vehicles and offers convenient access to the park’s trails and waterfalls.
Camping & Picnics
If you’re looking to connect with the Vancouver Island wilderness on a deeper level, consider setting up a campsite at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park’s campgrounds. The park is home to over 100 vehicle-accessible campsites that are open May through September, 90 of which can be reserved online through BC Parks’ reservation system during select months.
Accompanying the campground is a large picnic area that overlooks the river and offers access to the park’s trails, perfect for day visitors looking for a convenient place to refuel or for campers seeking a more organized dining space not far from their tent or RV.
Explore the Trails
Once you’ve parked or set up your campsite, the park’s signature waterfalls are only a short walk away. The easy, 1.5-kilometre Englishman River Falls Trail is well-maintained. It can be followed throughout the park, crossing the river via two bridges that let you feel the refreshing mist from the cascading waterfalls as you pass overhead. Along your route, admire the park’s diverse ecosystem and dense forest, home to a collection of old-growth and second-growth trees, including Douglas fir, maple, hemlock, and cedar.
Mountain Biking
The Parksville Qualicum Beach region has become an increasingly popular destination for mountain biking, thanks to an impressive selection of regional trails that weave through picturesque parks and countryside. In 2020, BC Parks and Arrowsmith Cycling Club completed a series of mountain biking trails within Englishman River Falls Provincial Park that allow riders of all abilities to zip through this wondrous landscape on two wheels. The 2.3-kilometre network of trails extends the region’s most popular cycling trail system, Hammerfest, which is located adjacent to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park.
Park History
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park was established in 1940 as a means to protect the area’s old-growth Douglas fir trees — similar to Vancouver Island’s larger MacMillian Provincial Park— as well as the river and waterfalls. According to local legend, the 97-hectare park’s name derives from the discovery of a European settler's skeleton at the base of the falls by Indigenous peoples.
Park Amenities & Map
In addition to ample parking and a sprawling picnic area, this lush park offers a variety of amenities to keep visitors comfortable, whether for a day trip or an extended camping excursion.
- Campfires are permitted when a campfire ban is not in effect, however it is recommended to use stoves instead whenever possible to avoid potential damage to the surrounding environment.
- Cold water taps are available in the campground and at the picnic area and are turned off during the off-season.
- There are numerous pit toilets available throughout the park, however the only flush toilet can be found adjacent to the parking lot.
- Pets are allowed in the park and along the trails, but must be kept on leash at all times.
Visit the BC Parks Englishman River Falls page for complete amenity details. To view a map of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, with an overview of the campground, click here.
Nearby Adventures
For more outdoor excursions with waterfalls, consider visiting the nearby Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Just a 25-minute drive from Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, this small yet breathtaking park features 6 kilometres of trails through old-growth forest as well as its own pair of cascading waterfalls. Also nearby is the stunning MacMillan Provincial Park, home to Cathedral Grove and some of Vancouver Island’s oldest and largest trees.
Elsewhere in Arrowsmith Coombs Country, enjoy a swim or on-water excursion at Cameron Lake (and keep your eyes peeled for “Cammie” the cryptid), race go karts at Fast Time Amusements, feast on artisan goods from some of Parksville Qualicum Beach’s local food makers, shop fresh produce at the seasonal Errington Farmers Market, and pay a visit to the Coombs Old Country Market to shop, eat, and admire their trademark rooftop goats. For more up-close animal encounters, visit the nearby North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, home to rescued and rehabilitated animals such as black bears, eagles, owls, turtles, and more.
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