Englishman River Falls
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Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

4.8
·2k reviews·Errington, Canada

Forested park with two stunning waterfalls, offering easy hikes, river swimming, and camping.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best for swimming opportunities

CrowdMedium
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Englishman River Falls

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best for swimming opportunities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Forested park with two stunning waterfalls, offering easy hikes, river swimming, and camping.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Incredibly easy access to spectacular waterfalls and a beautiful canyon."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk to Falls

The main viewpoints are a very short, easy walk from the parking lot. Great for all ages!

🥶 Water is COLD!

If you plan to swim, be ready for bracingly cold water, even in summer.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upper Falls Viewpoint

Upper Falls Viewpoint

Near the main parking lot

A breathtaking view of the upper falls cascading into a narrow, deep canyon. Easily accessible via a short walk.

Lower Falls Trail

Lower Falls Trail

Short hike from the main area

A beautiful, family-friendly trail leading to the lower falls, perfect for a short adventure with stunning scenery.

Englishman River Swimming Hole

Englishman River Swimming Hole

Along the river

In summer, brave visitors can take a dip in the crystal-clear, albeit very cold, river waters.

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Planning Your Visit

Easy Access to Stunning Falls

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park offers incredibly accessible views of two spectacular waterfalls. Most of the main viewpoints are just a short, easy walk from the parking lot, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels. Plan for a quick visit to soak in the natural beauty without a strenuous trek. Reddit

Summer Swimming & Cold Waters

While the park is beautiful year-round, summer offers opportunities for swimming in the Englishman River. Be prepared for very cold water, even on warm days! The rocks near the river can also be slippery, so tread carefully if you decide to explore closer to the water's edge. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Best for swimming opportunities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

See Part 1 for 7 more of the best *easy* hikes on Vancouver Island! 🙌🏻 #vancouverisland #hikebc #britishcolumbia
@fuelforthesole
13.7K likes • 360.6K views

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk to Falls

The main viewpoints are a very short, easy walk from the parking lot. Great for all ages! Reddit

🥶 Water is COLD!

If you plan to swim, be ready for bracingly cold water, even in summer. InstagramReddit

📍 Englishman River Falls Today I got my car and started exploring Vancouver Island. Just a short drive from Parksville you can find the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. A beautiful park in the middle of the forest. There is also a Campground that you can book. It's an easy and short loop walk between the upper and lower falls. Furthermore you can go swimming at the lower falls. I will co...
travelling.jamie
21 likes • 829 views
I bet you’ve never seen the last one.. 😏 1. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park - or as I like to call it, The Disappearing Waterfall! 2. Goats on the Roof, Coombs - Cuties up above! 3. Headquarters Mill, Merville - An abandoned sawmill and community from the early 1900’s. 4. Dallas Road Staircase, Victoria - aka The Stairs to the Sea. 5. Cowichan Bay’s annual visitors - these Stellar Sea ...
fuelforthesole
980 likes • 46.8K views

🥾 Slippery Rocks

Rocks near the river can be very slippery, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

📸 Breathtaking Views

Don't miss the bridge viewpoint for stunning photos of the canyon and falls. InstagramReddit

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park In British Columbia, Canada If you're visiting Vancouver Island the don't miss a visit to this beautiful Provincial Park. Just a couple of hours from the Capital City of Victoria, and enroute to world renowned "Long Beach" on the west coast of the Island. Things to do ... 📍 2 Spectacular Scenic Waterfalls To View 📍 Camping Within The Provincial Park 📍 Eas...
gr8traveltips
45 likes • 459 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk to Falls

The main viewpoints are a very short, easy walk from the parking lot. Great for all ages! Reddit

🥶 Water is COLD!

If you plan to swim, be ready for bracingly cold water, even in summer. InstagramReddit

🥾 Slippery Rocks

Rocks near the river can be very slippery, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

📸 Breathtaking Views

Don't miss the bridge viewpoint for stunning photos of the canyon and falls. InstagramReddit

🏕️ Camping Available

The park offers a campground for those wishing to extend their stay. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Englishman River Falls Provincial Park for its stunning natural beauty and incredibly easy access to its two spectacular waterfalls. The short, well-maintained trails make it a perfect spot for families and those seeking scenic views without a strenuous hike. While the river water is bracingly cold, the park offers a refreshing escape and beautiful picnic spots.

"This is a beautiful place with a really easy walking distance to the falls.
When you park your car in the parking lot, it takes less than 5 minutes walk to the bridge then you can enjoy a big fall there.
The best place take your elderly to have a short walk.
It's just a short drive from Parksville."

wah chi yip

"Such a beautiful hike ! We did the lower falls with my 5 year old and 9 year, they both enjoyed the walk and it wasn’t too much for them . Beautiful views and crystal clear water. Definitely worth adding to your list of places to check out if you’re in the area."

Christina H

"Soooooo worth the trip here. Just stunning beautiful views all over the park. The bridge views are breathtaking to say the least. Took a couple families here and from old to young we all had a great time. Some of the hills were a bit steep but doable for the little ones. We took a dip and a tin of pics and had an amazing day looking at the waterfalls and taking in this great country and province."

Booyaka Stubbs (ExplorewithStubbs.com)

What People Like

Beautiful waterfalls
Easy access
Family-friendly trails

What People Dislike

Very cold river water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located on Vancouver Island, a short drive from Parksville. From Parksville, head north on Highway 19 and take Exit 51 towards Highway 4A East. Follow signs for Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. It's a well-marked destination. Instagram+1

Yes, there is ample parking available at the park entrance, including space for RVs. Reddit

Absolutely! Englishman River Falls is conveniently located north of Nanaimo and is a popular stop for those traveling between Nanaimo and Tofino. It's also a feasible day trip from Victoria. Instagram+1

The main viewpoints are easily accessible via short, well-maintained trails from the parking lot. The walk to the upper falls bridge is particularly short and easy. Reddit

The main paths to the upper falls viewpoint are generally wide and relatively flat, making them manageable for strollers. However, some areas might be uneven, so caution is advised. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park itself is free. However, there may be fees associated with camping if you plan to stay overnight. Instagram

Provincial parks in British Columbia are generally open year-round from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms are usually posted at the park. Reddit

Yes, there is a campground within the park. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can typically be made through the BC Parks reservation system. Instagram+1

The park encourages visitors to stay on marked trails to protect the natural environment. Off-trail exploration is discouraged due to potential damage and safety hazards. Reddit

Day use entry to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is free of charge. You only pay if you are camping overnight. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy short hikes to view the upper and lower falls, take photos, have a picnic, and in the summer, swim in the river. The park also has a campground. InstagramReddit+1

You can see the main upper falls viewpoint in less than 5 minutes from the parking lot. Exploring the lower falls trail adds a bit more time, making it a pleasant short outing. Reddit

No, the walk to the upper falls is very easy and short. The trail to the lower falls is also considered easy and suitable for families with young children. TikTokReddit

Yes, in the summer months, people often swim in the river. However, the water is known to be very cold, and the rocks can be slippery. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park has restrooms available at the entrance, in addition to outhouses. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The bridge overlooking the upper falls offers a dramatic perspective. The trails along the river also provide beautiful shots of the water and surrounding forest. InstagramReddit

Morning light can be lovely for the forest and softer waterfall shots. Midday can offer dramatic light in the canyon, but be mindful of harsh shadows. Instagram

You can get relatively close to the upper falls via the bridge. For the lower falls, the trail leads you to viewpoints along the riverbank. Be cautious of slippery rocks if you venture near the water. Reddit

For silky smooth water, use a slower shutter speed. A tripod is highly recommended to keep your camera steady. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in BC Provincial Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest BC Parks regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a fantastic destination for families. The easy, short walks to the main viewpoints mean even young children can enjoy the spectacular waterfalls without getting tired. TikTokReddit The Lower Falls trail offers a bit more adventure, perfect for kids who enjoy exploring. Reddit

In the summer, the river swimming holes can be a hit, though parents should be prepared for the very cold water and supervise children closely due to slippery rocks. InstagramReddit The picnic areas provide a great spot for a family lunch amidst nature. Remember to bring sturdy shoes for everyone, as the rocks near the water can be slick. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk Enthusiasts

If you're looking for breathtaking scenery with minimal effort, this park is for you. The main viewpoint for the Upper Falls is just a few minutes' walk from the parking lot, offering a dramatic canyon view. InstagramReddit The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, ensuring a pleasant and safe experience for those who prefer gentle strolls over strenuous hikes. Reddit

📸 Nature Photographers

Photographers will find plenty to capture at Englishman River Falls. The bridge overlooking the Upper Falls provides a dramatic, iconic shot of the water plunging into the narrow canyon. InstagramReddit The surrounding old-growth forest, moss-covered rocks, and the clear, flowing river offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram Consider visiting in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Waterfalls

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is renowned for its two spectacular waterfalls, the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are the most dramatic, plunging into a narrow, deep canyon. A well-maintained bridge offers a fantastic vantage point for viewing and photography. InstagramReddit The Lower Falls are a bit further along a scenic trail, offering a different perspective of the river's flow through the forest. Reddit

Both falls are easily accessible, with the Upper Falls viewpoint being just a very short walk from the main parking area. This makes the park a perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty without a strenuous hike. The sound of the rushing water and the lush, moss-covered surroundings create an immersive natural experience. Instagram+1

Tip: While the falls are the main attraction, the park also features a campground and opportunities for picnicking, making it a great spot for a half-day or full-day excursion. Instagram+1

Summer Activities: Swimming and Picnics

During the warmer months, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park becomes a popular spot for cooling off in the Englishman River. The river features several swim holes and areas where visitors can wade or take a dip. InstagramReddit However, it's crucial to be aware that the water remains very cold year-round due to its source and the shaded canyon environment. InstagramReddit

For those who prefer to stay dry, the park offers several picnic areas with tables, making it an ideal location for a family outing or a relaxing lunch amidst nature. The accessible trails allow for easy exploration before or after enjoying a meal. Reddit

Community Insight: Redditors often mention the cold water but still recommend it for a refreshing, albeit brief, experience. They also highlight the beauty of the smooth rocks along the riverbanks, perfect for lounging or stacking. Reddit

Park Accessibility and Trails

One of the most praised aspects of Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is its excellent accessibility. The main trail to the Upper Falls viewpoint is short, well-maintained, and relatively flat, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels, including those with strollers. TikTokReddit

The park offers a network of trails, including the path to the Lower Falls, which is also considered an easy to moderate hike. These trails wind through beautiful old-growth forest, showcasing the lush vegetation and the power of the river. Instagram+1 Signs are posted to remind visitors to stay on marked routes, emphasizing the park's commitment to conservation. Reddit

Visitor Feedback: Many reviews highlight how easy it is to access the stunning views, with some noting it's 'too short to be called a hike' but perfectly enjoyable for a quick visit. Reddit

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