Little Qualicum Falls Park

Little Qualicum Falls Park has vehicle-accessible campsites in two separate campgrounds, the Upper Campground and the Lower Campground. Reservations are accepted and first come, first served sites are also available. For information on making a reservation, see the frontcountry camping page.

Fees

Some facilities in the park are wheelchair-accessible.

This park has three day-use and picnicking areas all located within a few kilometres of each other.

Little Qualicum Falls day-use area provides picnic tables, a picnic shelter, flush toilets, and fresh water. Picnicking in the campground is not permitted.

Cameron Lake day-use area provides the best swimming opportunities in the park. There are picnic tables and pit toilets provided off a small parking lot at the southern end of the lake. Fires are prohibited in this day-use area. Domestic animals must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed in beach areas.

Beaufort day-use area is a small site located along Highway 4, approximately six kilometres past Little Qualicum Falls Park. It provides swimming and fishing opportunities. This small area has two picnic tables, one pit toilet, and limited parking. Fires are prohibited in this day-use area. Domestic animals must be leashed at all times and they are not allowed in beach areas.

Pit toilets are located throughout the park at all day-use areas, locations along the trails, and in the campground. Flush toilet buildings are located in the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area and in the upper campground. 

Cold-water taps are located at the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area and the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season. There is no drinking water provided at the Cameron Lake and Beaufort day-use areas.

There is an adventure playground at this park, located next to the Upper Campground.

Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. 

We encourage visitors to help the environment by minimizing the use of fire, keeping campfires small, and bringing camping stoves for cooking. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or anywhere else in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds valuable organic matter to the soil.

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 at 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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

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.