39 Best Waterfalls in Vancouver Island to Visit (2024 Guide)

If you’re in search of the best waterfalls in Vancouver Island, then this post is for you. 

Vancouver Island is home to over 100 spectacular waterfalls, and with so many to explore, it’s hard to know where to start.

I hear you and I’ve been there. 

Having traveled British Columbia extensively, I want to help you save time so you can explore the best of the best waterfalls Vancouver Island has to offer.

I’ve prepared a list of the best waterfalls for experienced hikers, casual day trippers, and everyone in between so you know which are worth visiting – and what to expect along the way!

And if you’re short on time, scroll down to the map near the end of this post to see which are near you right now.

Are you ready to chase waterfalls on Vancouver Island like a pro? Let’s find the best one for you!

39 Best Waterfalls Vancouver Island

1. Hidden Falls, Sombrio Beach

Height: Approx. 30 feet (9 meters)

Hike Length: 2.7 km return (20 min each way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Easily one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Vancouver Island, Hidden Falls at Sombrio Beach is like a sight out of a fairy tale. 

Tucked away behind the crevices of bouldering rocks, this waterfall rewards the curious traveler willing to head off the beaten path.

Located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park on the island’s southwest coast, the lush moss-covered walkway leading to this waterfall makes this hidden waterfall majestic.

In order to find the path to Hidden Falls, you will have to walk east along Sombrio Beach until you reach the creek, about a kilometer from the parking lot. Be mindful of rising tide levels along East Sombrio Beach. Only attempt the hike when the tied is low enough to pass the beach’s rocky spots. 

Be especially alert to tide levels if you’re travelling with dogs or have difficulty on slippery rocks.

Once you reach the trailhead on East Sombrio Beach, follow the creek upstream until you reach its source: Hidden Falls.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you might want to pitch a tent on the beach near this enchanting site. You’re in luck because backcountry camping is permitted on Sombrio Beach.

2. Elk Falls Provincial Park

Height: 82 feet (25 meters)

Hike Length: 1.4 km loop (additional trails available)

Difficulty: Easy

Elk Falls Provincial Park is home to a stunning cascading waterfall – one of the most picturesque on the island. Standing 82 feet tall, Elk Falls is the main attraction of this highly-celebrated Provincial Park.

In addition to the towering waterfall and suspension bridge, this Provincial Park is a popular place to spot salmon spawning. It is, afterall, located in the salmon capital of the world!

Elk Falls Provincial Park has a few different trails that lead to the waterfall. The easiest trail is to the Elk Falls Viewing Platform at only 1.8 km round trip. 

If you have more time to spend in the park, you can continue exploring the other 13 trails that meander through the park’s old-growth forest. 

Elk Falls Provincial Park is also home to some of the best mountain biking trails on the island, giving visitors another unique way to experience BC’s great outdoors.

3. Englishman River Falls, Parksville

Height: 75-100 feet (23-30 meters)

Hike Length: 1.8 km loop

Difficulty: Easy

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is the perfect spot to admire two of Vancouver Island’s best waterfalls surrounded by a canyon. 

Both the upper and lower falls cascade into a riverbed below, with the lower falls emptying into a crystal-blue pool that’s perfect for swimming during the summer months.

Two bridges located along the river make for ideal viewing of the waterfalls.

The park was originally established in order to protect the Douglas firs, which populate the park’s old-growth forests along with cedars, hemlock and various other flora species endemic to the area. 

If you’re looking for a good hike, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park has lots to offer, with trails of varying difficulty levels.

If you visit the park in the fall, you’re also likely to catch a glimpse of spawning salmon.

Englishman River Falls is one of the top waterfalls in Vancouver Island both for its iconic mountainous falls and its complete BC wilderness experience.

4. Hole in the Wall, Port Alberni

Height: Approx. 11 feet (3.5 meters)

Hike Length: 1.3 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Located just outside of Port Alberni, Hole in the Wall is an iconic spot for Vancouver Island road trips. 

This waterfall makes the list of best waterfalls on Vancouver Island not for its grandeur height but rather for its uniqueness: its what remains of a hole in the rockface that was originally blasted for a pipeline. 

What’s left in its place is certainly much more picturesque!

You can get to Hole in the Wall quite quickly, as it’s only a 10-15 minute hike from Alberni Highway. 

The hike to the falls is short but quite steep, taking you through mossy forests that make Vancouver Island the dreamland that it is.

While the Hole in the Wall is often overlooked by most travelers passing through on the busy Alberni Highway, those who take the time to get out and discover this hidden gem will be rewarded with something truly special. 

It’s actually a perfect spot to stop on the drive between Port Alberni and MacMillan Provincial Park’s famous Cathedral Grove forest.

Tip: You can find parking near the trailhead at Coombs Country Candy Store. Parking is intended for customers only, but if you’re anything like me you’ll consider a trip to a candy store to be a burden worth carrying.

5. Della Falls, Strathcona Provincial Park

Height: 1450 feet (440 meters)

Hike Length: 16 km

Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult

Della Falls, located in Strathcona Provincial Park, is a breathtaking natural wonder and an easy addition to this list of best waterfalls on the island. 

At 440 meters high, Della Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the world (and the highest waterfall in Canada). But these falls aren’t for the casual passerby. 

Della Falls’ spectacular views are only for those willing to put in the effort to find her…by traversing mountainous trails, crossing waters, and working up a good sweat along the way. 

The remote trailhead for Della Falls is accessible only by boat, canoe, helicopter or float plane. 

This waterfall definitely provides an unforgettable adventure!

The hike to Della Falls is along a moderate to difficult 16 kilometer trail, with sections of steep elevation change. Hikers will even need to make part of the trip by cable car. 

But the effort is worth it – you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of pristine forests and mountain vistas as well as breathtaking views of glacier-fed Lake Della.

Often made into a multi-day outing, the hike to Della Falls is not for those looking for a casual stroll but rather those who can’t wait to sink their feet into BC’s wild terrain.

6. Niagara Falls, Goldstream Provincial Park

Height: 156 feet (47.5 meters)

Hike Length: 1.3 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

For hikers looking for an easy and accessible waterfall experience, the towering Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park is the perfect spot. 

Located off of Island Highway just 20 minutes from Victoria, this 1.3 km out-and-back trail is a great way to soak up some nature without having to go too far out of your way. 

The 47.5 meter tall, narrow waterfall is a beautiful site in every season and is absolutely worth visiting while travelling on Vancouver Island.

For those looking to learn more about the ecology of the area, consider taking some time at the end of your hike to check out the Visitor Centre in Goldstream Provincial Park. 

The park does a great job highlighting educational displays and interpretive programs about the local wildlife and the towering 600 year-old Douglas fir trees.

If you’ve got time to spare, check out Goldstream’s second and smaller waterfall, Goldstream Falls, located near the park campground.

7. Trent River Falls, Royston

Height: 30 feet (9 meters)

Hike Length: 2.1 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Trent River Falls in Royston is a beautiful 30 foot waterfall of crystal blue glacial water with a swimmable plunge pool at its base. 

The relatively short out-and-back trail to the falls is considered easy, but there is one considerably steep section supported with a rope for safety. 

The trailhead is located right off of Inland Island Highway, but unless you’re actively searching these falls out, they’re easy to miss.

While Trent Falls might be a great spot to take the whole family for a classic “swimming in a waterfall” experience, lots of hikers warn of the unexpectedly difficult hill along the trail.

Unless your kids are extremely solid on their feet, or you head to the falls on a bone dry day, even the ropes supporting the hill might not be enough to classify this as an “easy” hike. Nonetheless, Trent River Falls is beautiful, blue, and the perfect waterfall to visit if you’re up for a moderate hike and a rewarding swim.

8. Sandcut Beach, Jordan River

Height: Approx. 7 feet (2 meters)

Hike Length: Approx. 2 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Found on the shorefront of the Pacific Ocean, just 20 minutes northwest of Sooke, Sandcut Beach waterfall is another waterfall worth seeing for its unique beachfront location.

Not known for its impressive height or booming roar, this falls wins hearts for two main reasons: it’s located right on the beach (who doesn’t love that!?), and you can actually climb into its cave behind the falling water.

To get to the falls on Sandcut Beach, you’ll need to take a short forested hike from the parking lot to the pebble beach. Once you reach the beach, head east until you see the falls.

This lesser-known beach combines the beauty of a waterfall discovery with the relaxation of a beach day, making it perfect for families or for couples looking for a special place to watch the sunset. 

With the charm of the oceanfront, and the invitation to climb inside, it’s clear why the waterfall at Sandcut Beach makes this list.

9. Goldstream Provincial Park, Victoria

Height: Unknown

Hike Length: 3 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Upper Goldstream Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Goldstream Provincial Park, just outside of Victoria. 

The trail to this waterfall runs along Goldstream River and through lush temperate rainforest.

While the dirt trail is fairly easy, hikers should be prepared for a large set of stairs descending into the canyon that houses the falls.

Though it is the smaller of the two falls within Goldstream Provincial Park, if you visit in the summer months you will be rewarded with a perfect swimming hole at the base of the falls.

The trailhead is located near the Goldstream Campground gatehouse, making it a great option for both overnight campers and day-use visitors. 

Surrounded by ferns and mossy floors, Upper Goldstream Falls feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park – a sight you won’t easily forget.

If you have more time to spare, consider visiting the nearby Niagara Falls or heading out on the nearby waters of Victoria for some kayaking or whale watching.

10. Little Qualicum Falls, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Height: Unknown

Hike Length: 3 km loop

Difficulty: Easy

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is one of central Vancouver Island’s most impressive waterfalls.

With a series of drops carrying glacial water through a vast gorge, Little Qualicum Falls is not “little” by any stretch of the imagination!

The park’s main 3 km loop trail lines the gorge of the falls, and provides multiple benches and viewing platforms. 

In addition to the roaring falls, the gorge envelops deep blue pools of glacial water and rushing rapids.

With bridges and viewing platforms, safety fences, and plenty of spots to stop and rest along the way, this is an ideal hike for people of all ages looking to take in British Columbia’s breathtaking scenery. 

The park also has great campgrounds and is an ideal stopping point if you’re travelling the Alberni Highway between Nanaimo and Tofino.

11. Myra Falls (Upper and Lower), Strathcona Provincial Park

Height: 196 feet (60 meters)

Hike Length: 1.5 km loop

Difficulty: Intermediate

Both Upper and Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park offer visitors two very different, but equally breathtaking experiences: the Upper Falls being a tall, thin cascading falls, and Lower Falls being a wide series of smaller falls broken up by rock bases and turquoise pools. 

Hikers of all levels can enjoy the powerful Lower Myra Falls, which is reachable by a fairly easy 1.5 km return trail. The trail includes viewing platforms from both the top and bottom of the falls. 

While the trail is well-maintained, the elevation change adds to the challenge of this shorter hike to Lower Myra Falls.

For those up for a longer trek, Upper Myra Falls is tucked away 7 km into the wilderness, eagerly awaiting the discovery of its stunning beauty. 

Much less trafficked than the lower falls, this hike will take more considerable planning and should be reserved for experienced hikers.

Both of these impressive falls are located about an hour’s drive inland from Campbell River, and offer a real taste of central Vancouver Island wilderness.

12. Mystic Beach Waterfall, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Height: 32 feet (10 meters)

Hike Length: 4 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult

Mystic Beach Waterfall is a stunning 32-foot waterfall located along the shoreline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. 

Accessible via a steep and muddy trail (that includes a suspension bridge!), Mystic Beach is home to beautiful rocky cliffs that line the coastline and make for incredible ocean views. 

The waterfall itself is quite thin, but still impressive as it cascades into the ocean at high tide and the sandy shoreline at low tide.

The beach also provides access to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, an extensive hiking trail that lines the southwestern coastline of Vancouver Island. 

There’s little doubt that Mystic Beach is a great spot for both hikers looking for a beautiful view and backcountry campers who want to make a night of it. 

Mystic Beach is easily one of Vancouver Island’s best waterfalls for its rare location on a cliff that drops into the ocean.

13. Stocking Creek Falls, Ladysmith

Height: Unknown

Hike Length: 2.4 km loop

Difficulty: Easy

Stocking Creek Falls is a beautiful, easy-to-access waterfall located in Stocking Creek Park, just 5 minutes south of Ladysmith. 

The park offers delightful views of the falls, as well as leisurely trails that run along Stocking Creek, through the lush, mossy forest characteristic of southern British Columbia. 

From the park, visitors can also enter the Cowichan Valley Trail, an extensive trail system that runs across the island.

The park is best visited during the spring when Stocking Creek Falls has higher water levels and a beautiful rush of water. 

With its easy access and beautiful surroundings, Stocking Creek Falls is an ideal spot to take in some breathtaking views and enjoy a leisurely hike.

14. Lady Falls, Strathcona Provincial Park

Height: 86 feet (27 meters)

Hike Length: 1.0 out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Lady Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall located in Strathcona Provincial Park, just an hour’s drive from Campbell River. 

The falls have a large initial drop that plummets into a deep pool, with a rocky floor that carries the crystal blue water further downhill.

The easy hike offers misty views of these spectacular falls, as well as plenty of opportunities to take in the old-growth forest that lines the path.

Lady Falls is another one of Strathcona Provincial Park’s impressive sites, yet the park’s remote central-island location offers an off-the-beaten path experience for hikers who seek it out.

15. Ammonite Falls, Nanaimo

Height: 60 feet (18 meters)

Hike Length: 3 km out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Ammonite Falls (also known as Benson Creek Falls) is an impressive 60 foot waterfall located in Benson Creek Regional Park, just north of Nanaimo. 

Accessible via a 3 km out-and-back trail from the North Parking Lot or a 5 km out-and-back trail from the Ammonite Falls Parking Lot, this beautiful waterfall cascades into a rocky plunge pool (perfect for swimming) surrounded by old-growth forest. 

The rocky cliff housing the falls also contains deposits of ammonite fossils – hence the name!

You should beware that the trail can get muddy in wet seasons (adding to the difficulty of the hike). 

While this waterfall is off the radar of most tourists, Ammonite Falls is worth the trek for its impressive views and interesting geological features. It can also be seen on a day trip from Vancouver, by taking the ferry to Nanaimo and driving inland 20 minutes to the falls. 

More Beautiful Waterfalls on Vancouver Island

• Goldstream Park, Victoria
• No Name Falls, Marion Main Line, Port Alberni
• Medicine Bowls, Courtenay
• Millstone River Falls, Bowen Park
• Christie Falls, Ladysmith
• Nymph Falls, Courtenay
• Eternal Fountain, Port Alice
• Lupin Falls, Strathcona Provincial Park
• Karst Creek, Strathcona Provincial Park
• Rosewall Creek Falls, Bowser
• Triple Falls, Errington
• Bowen Park Falls, Nanaimo
• Granny Falls, Nanaimo
• Stocking Creek Falls, Ladysmith
• Kitsuksis Creek Falls, Port Alberni
• Fossil Park Falls, Port Alberni
• Stamp Falls, Port Alberni
• Weiner Falls, Port Alberni
• Tsusiat Falls, West Coast Trail
• Mary Vine Creek Falls, Galloping Goose Trail
• Virgin Falls, Clayoquot
• Sitting Lady Falls, Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park
• China Beach Waterfall
• Beach Estates Falls, Nanaimo

Map of Vancouver Island Waterfalls

For an easy resource to find each of these amazing sites, check out this Vancouver Island waterfalls map:

Waterfall Safety Tips

Waterfalls are a force to be reckoned with and deserve mad respect. Keep these important safety tips in mind when hiking to Vancouver Island’s waterfalls.

• Wear appropriate shoes (like these water shoes from REI) for the terrain that you’re hiking on; avoid flip-flops and other slippery footwear near waterfalls.
• Be mindful of your surroundings near waterfalls, as rocks can be slippery. Keep a safe distance from the edge of any cliffs or drop-offs.
• Be aware of hazardous conditions caused by fast-moving water, such as strong currents, deep pools, rocky rapids, and whirlpools. Stay far away from these areas, and stick to swimming only where you know it’s safe.
• Remember that a killer selfie cliff jumping or standing at the edge of a waterfall is not worth the risk. It could be just that: a killer selfie!
• Vancouver Island’s waterfalls are largely made up of glacial water, and thus could be much colder than expected. Keep this in mind if you go swimming at the bottom of any falls.

Waterfalls in Vancouver Island FAQs:

What is the highest waterfall on Vancouver Island?

The highest waterfall on Vancouver Island is Della Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park. It falls an incredible 440 meters (1443 feet) and is considered to be the highest waterfalls in Canada.

How many waterfalls are on Vancouver Island?

It is estimated that there are between 100-200 waterfalls on Vancouver Island. Due to the vastness of the island and its varied terrain, it’s hard to give an exact number and many that have been reported remain unconfirmed by official sources. You may find more in spring after heavy rainfall.

Wrap Up: Best Vancouver Island Waterfalls

Vancouver Island is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada. From the romantic beach waterfalls along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, to the towering falls hidden deep within Strathcona Provincial Park, you now know which are worth your time and effort for your next Vancouver Island road trip.

If you’ve only got the time to see a few of the best waterfalls on Vancouver Island, here’s the best one in each region of the island:

• Southern Vancouver Island: Goldstream Falls
• Central Vancouver Island: Della Falls
• Northern Vancouver Island: Elk Falls

So gear up, fuel up, and hit the road like a pro on your next adventure chasing waterfalls.

And when you’re done seeing the island, don’t miss some of Canada’s best whale watching tours off the coast of Vancouver.