Thursday, March 28, 2024

11 beautiful Vancouver Island waterfalls you need to visit this summer

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Everyone loves waterfalls, even despite TLC’s advice to not go chasing them.

Whether you’re looking for a splash in a natural spring, or you just want to admire their beauty, you’ve come to the right place.

Although there are many, we’re sharing just a few of our favourite waterfalls here on Vancouver Island, and remember,  make sure to dispose of waste responsibly.

Help us all enjoy these beautiful spots and keep our environment clean!

1. Trent River Falls, Royston

Kayleen VanderRee

A few minutes off the North Bound Highway, Trent River falls is well worth the scramble down. Perfect for a dip, some even jump off of the falls, although it is quite shallow, so do this at your own risk.

2. Hole in the Wall, Port Alberni

Kayleen VanderRee

The Hole in the Wall was once a shortcut for the town’s water supply, but is now a popular spot for day hikers and photographers alike! Just across from Coombs Country Candy, the trail to the Hole in the Wall is about a 10-minute walk and is well-signed.

3. Goldstream Park, Victoria

Kayleen VanderRee

Although literally right off the highway, Niagara Falls is definitely worth a visit! There are also some neat smaller waterfalls around the main campground area of Goldstream Park. We suggest checking this one out in the morning, before the rush of people.

4. No Name Falls, Marion Main Line, Port Alberni

Kayleen VanderRee

This one is a pleasant surprise to find! There are many waterfalls up old logging roads and access points that are glacier-fed and are sure to cool you down. This waterfall is on the way up to Marion Main Line, which is an access road for Triple Peak and 5040 mountain. As with any logging road, make sure you are aware of when these roads are active as logging trucks have the right of way.

5. Medicine Bowls, Courtenay

Kayleen VanderRee

With a dramatic cutout with a waterfall at the end, the Medicine Bowls are a popular swim spot in the summer! Please be warned that this can be a dangerous spot if the water levels are too high. The Medicine Bowls are at the end of Forbidden Plateau Road, and to get to them, you need to take the dirt road where the road continues a sharp left up the hill.

6. Sandcut Beach, Jordan River

Kayleen VanderRee

Sandcut Beach is a neat little waterfall to explore and only a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. Waterfalls and beaches – what’s not to love?!

7. Hidden Falls, Sombrio Beach

Kayleen VanderRee

Walk down the Sombrio beach to your left from the trailhead and up a river, and you will find a little piece of magic! Sombrio Beach is about a 2 hour drive from Victoria. Please respect the beautiful moss; just because someone else has carved their name into it, doesn’t mean you should.

8. Millstone River Falls, Bowen Park

This waterfall near Nanaimo is very accessible and is great for families. There are some trails to explore, and make sure to check out the rhododendron grove in the spring for a burst of color!

9. Englishman River Falls, Parksville

Mesmerized by the torrents of water cascading through the canyon at Englishman River Falls! "Yet in its power the sound of the river instills a certain peace."Photo G. Green

Posted by Victoria Buzz on Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Another good spot for families. You will need to take Errington Road off of Hwy 4 to get to this popular waterfall. There are about 3km of maintained trails and when the water is flowing this waterfall is impressive and powerful!

10. Christie Falls, Ladysmith

To get to this location, take the Grouhel Road exit off Hwy 19, right on Christie Road, and then left on Arroyo Road. Once you are past the yellow gate, on the right, is an old logging road. Park here and follow the road to the fish hatchery. The 2.5km trek to Christie Falls is worth it and is amazing in the winter when the water flow is powerful.

11. Della Falls, Strathcona Park

Kayleen VanderRee

Last, but certainly not least, Della Falls holds the (arguable) title as Canada’s tallest waterfall. This one isn’t for the faint of heart: take a water taxi or canoe across Great Central Lake to access the trailhead to the 15km hike to the base of the Falls. We highly recommend day hiking up to Love Lake from there to get an even better view.

As with any outdoor adventure, please make sure you do your part to minimize your impact on our beautiful island.

How many of these waterfalls have you been to? Tell us in the comment section below!

 

Written by Kayleen VanderRee with additions by Victoria Buzz staff

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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