South Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- The area from 75 metres above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge is closed to swimming. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high-water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use area, located 10 minutes west on Highway 4.
- Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliffs and riverbank edges. Sections of this river contain waterfalls, strong currents, and other hazards. Boating is not recommended. Jumping from bridges or cliffs is prohibited.
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
The Little Qualicum Falls campground and day-use area are located 19km west of Parksville, on Highway 4. The Cameron Lake day-use area is located 23km west of Parksville on Highway 4. The Beaufort day-use area is located 25km west of Parksville on Highway 4. Nearby communities include: Coombs, Parksville, Qualicum, and Port Alberni.
Things to do
There are six kilometres of walking trails throughout the park. Trails leave from the campground and Little Qualicum Falls day-use area, meandering though old-growth and second-growth forest along the Little Qualicum River.
For an easy walk, hikers can leave from the day-use area and follow a loop trail to view the lower and upper waterfalls. A lookout point is located along this trail, offering spectacular views of the river and upper falls.
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.
The area from 75 metres above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge is closed to swimming. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high-water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use area, located 10 minutes west on Highway 4.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are many opportunities for freshwater canoeing or kayaking on Cameron Lake, which can be accessed via the Cameron Lake day-use area and the Beaufort day-use area.
Fishing opportunities are available in Cameron Lake, one of a few lakes in British Columbia known to have brown trout.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
Bicycles must keep to roadways within Little Qualicum Falls Park.
In particular, it should be noted that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within the park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy is for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
There are opportunities for waterskiing on Cameron Lake.
A wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains makes Cameron Lake a popular windsurfing destination.
There are opportunities for freshwater scuba diving in Cameron Lake.
About this park
Little Qualicum Falls 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. |
