Stamp River Provincial Park

Relax by the waterfall at this peaceful riverside park or explore the area by foot on hiking trails that weave their way through the lush forest, past waterfalls and river rapids. Named for the pioneer who built Port Alberni’s earliest sawmill, this park is an amalgamation of Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool provincial parks.

One of the park’s main attractions is the annual run of thousands of Pacific salmon circling in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Lookout points along the river offer excellent views of the salmon fighting their way up the falls and fish ladders. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, starting in late August with sockeye and continuing with coho and Chinook right into December.

The salmon are a draw for black bear as well, who head to the river for an easy meal. As always when in wilderness areas, safety precautions should be taken. While fishing within the park boundaries is not permitted, this park is a popular base camp for anglers fishing other parts of the Stamp River, as well as visitors traveling to and from the Pacific Rim.

Park Safety

• Sections of this river contain high waterfalls, strong currents, fast running water and slippery rocks. Do not swim, use floating devices or boat in this park above the waterfalls (a boat pull out is available approximately 500 m upstream of the falls adjacent to the campground).
• No swimming or boating in the park.

Special Notes

• Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park.
• Domestic animals are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.
• Interpretive signage about the fish ladder, salmon runs and salmon species can be found on the trail leading to the fish ladder. There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs offered at the park.

All campsite reservations must be made through the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations:

Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Stamp River Provincial Park is located northwest of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island. Follow Hwy #4 past Port Alberni and turn onto Beaver Creek Road. Follow signs to the park.

There is no motorized vehicle access on the trail network or in the day use area in this park.

• Park Map [PDF] (updated Sept. 2015)
• Brochure [PDF]
• Park Trail Map [PDF 1MB] – this map was prepared by the local volunteer group that assists with trail conditions in the park.

• History: Stamp River Provincial Park was established when Stamp Falls and Stamp River Money’s Pool parks were amalgamated.
• Conservation/Wildlife: Beginning in August, thousands of sockeye, coho and chinook salmon circle in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Sockeye salmon begin running in August and the run continues with coho and Chinook right into December. The salmon are a draw for black bears that head to the river for an easy meal. When in wilderness areas, take safety precautions to avoid wildlife.

• Management Planning Information
• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF]

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Wildlife Viewing

Campfires

Drinking Water

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Winter Camping