Considering a trip to Englishman River Falls?
Here's everything you need to know.

What is Englishman River Falls?

Englishman River Falls is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. The park is located along the Island Highway, north of Nanaimo and south of Duncan. It has a double waterfall into a deep gorge that can be seen from the highway. There is also a trail that leads behind the waterfall and into the gorge, which is quite scenic. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a popular destination for swimming and hiking in the summertime.
In addition to the beautiful beach that adjoins Englishman River, there are also many trails that lead up into the mountains and valleys surrounding this area. Follow the trails and hike through deep forests along beautiful creeks. All told, the park spans 97 hectares and many many kilometers of trails to explore!

How to get to Englishman River Falls

If you’re travelling from Victoria, take the Trans Canada Highway #1 through Nanaimo and and up to Parksville, taking the Alberni Highway exit West until you reach Errington Road. Travel South for about 15 minutes, following the signs for Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Once you reach the park, you will reach a large parking lot that accommodates up to 105 vehicles and provides easy access to the park’s trails and waterfalls.

The main attraction - a double waterfall cascading into a deep gorge

Once you’ve parked, it’s just a short 250m walk to the upper falls! The Englishman River Falls Trail is well-maintained, winding through the park grounds and crossing the river over two separate bridges. There are numerous trails throughout the park, and hiking along these trails is a beautiful experience, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in a deeply calming way. As you make your way along the path, feel the refreshing mist from the cascading waterfalls that form a natural canopy overhead. Marvel at the park's diverse ecosystem and dense forest, home to an array of old-growth and second-growth trees. The Douglas fir stand majestically, their dark green needles making them a distinctive feature in the landscape. The maple trees offer vibrant colours during autumn, as leaves turn red and gold. Hemlock trees provide much needed shade during summer months, while cedar trees create lush green carpets to cushion your footsteps. Listen out for the birdsong that fills the air around you as you explore the environment, enjoying the tranquillity of this special place. Safe to say, the trail walk will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Experiencing the double waterfall of Englishman River Falls is an exhilarating experience that must be seen to be believed! From the lookout points, visitors can view the impressive sight of two falls pouring down into a gorge below. The falls spill from a great height, cascading in a powerful and awe-inspiring torrent of rushing water. As you approach closer to the edge, the swell of sound increases, providing a dramatic audio experience to accompany the incredible visuals on offer.

The elevated walkway provides visitors with a unique opportunity to pass behind one of the two falls and experience its power up close. This is an experience like no other as you hear and feel the impact of water thundering down around you. There's something quite magical about feeling so close to such an awesome force of nature.

Time your visit

In the summertime, visitors can enjoy swimming in the calm pools at the base of the falls.

The park has many different trails to explore, so take your pick and enjoy your surroundings on foot (or by bike). If you do decide to hike, we recommend bringing along plenty of water—and maybe even some snacks—in case you get hungry or thirsty!
If swimming isn't your thing but you still want to enjoy nature's beauty in its natural form, then be sure not to miss out on the top-of-the-line views from one of the viewing platforms overlooking both Englishman River Falls' upper and lower tiers.

In winter, this park offers many recreational opportunities.

In winter, this park offers many recreational opportunities including wilderness camping, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing. This park is a great place for winter recreation with its beautiful scenery and accessibility.

Park Facilities

Concerned about accessibility? Englishman River Falls Provincial park is equipped with disabled parking stalls, accessible washrooms, and two change houses with changing stalls, toilets and showers.
You can also enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic tables located throughout the park. The main picnic area is located near the parking lot and includes an outdoor fireplace.

Planning a trip to Englishman River Falls?

Are you planning a trip to Englishman River Falls? Located in Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, Beach Acres Resort offers the perfect place to stay when planning day trips to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Just a short drive away from Englishman River Falls and other amazing outdoor destinations in the area, Beach Acres Resort is an ideal base for your time away from home.

In addition to its convenient location, Beach Acres Resort provides plenty of activities for both children and adults alike. The resort has a playground for kids, and families can enjoy a game of horseshoes, pickleball, or tennis, among other options. For those looking for something more adventurous, there are hiking trails throughout the grounds making it easy to explore the area's nature trails while getting some exercise in.

The staff at Beach Acres are dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience by delivering personalized service with every stay. With outdoor activities catered to meet all skill levels, everyone is sure to have an enjoyable time at Beach Acres Resort - no matter how long they plan on staying in the area. This commitment to customer service is why so many visitors return year after year when planning their adventures near Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and the oceanside area!