South Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Special notes
- Fishing is not permitted at Englishman River Falls Park
- Pets must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Any maps provided on this page are for information only. They may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Getting there
Englishman River Falls Park is 13km southwest of Parksville on central Vancouver Island. Take Errington Road off Highway 4, toward Port Alberni. Follows signs posted on main highways. Nearby communities include Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Errington, and Nanaimo.
Things to do
Three kilometres of well-maintained walking and hiking trails weave throughout Englishman River Park. From the day-use area and campground, trails lead through the lush second-growth and old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus, and maple.
These paths follow the river and lead to the upper and lower falls, providing views of the canyon and waterfalls along the way. The main trail crosses the river in two places, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view as the water plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below.
Detailed trail maps are posted at information shelters in the park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Taking shortcuts destroys plant life and soil structure.
Swimming is allowed in the river below the lower falls. This deep, crystal-clear pool is an ideal swimming hole when river levels are low.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
A number of viewing stations in the park offer spectacular views of the forest and river canyon.
Pets must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets, due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Cycling is permitted on roadways and designated trails. For information on designated trails, download the Multi-Use Trails Project map [PDF]. Please note that this is a work in progress.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.
Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Englishman River Falls Park, provided they meet our criteria for e-bike use. For more information, see the cycling page.
About this park
According to an old legend, Indigenous People in the area found the skeleton of a white man along the river near the waterfall, thus giving the waterfall its name. Today, the park is noted for its natural beauty, which includes crystal-clear water and a small, rocky beach downstream from the base of the lower falls.
The park was established in 1940 to protect the old growth Douglas-fir forest and the associated plant communities as well as the area around the river and the waterfalls.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by RLC Park Services. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
