Park overview
Rosewall Creek Park is situated along picturesque Rosewall Creek, south of Fanny Bay on central Vancouver Island. The park features a mixture of coniferous trees interspersed with striking broad leaf maple trees. One of the best times to visit this park is in the fall when the color of the maple leaves makes an attractive backdrop for photographers.
This small day-use only park has two picnic areas on either side of the creek connected by a short riverside trail. Two picnic tables overlook the creek on one side.
Advisories
Safety info
- Trail surfaces can be uneven.
- Watch for rising water levels associated with periods of snow melt or heavy rains.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
This park is day-use only and has two picnic tables, two pit toilets and a small parking lot.
This park has two pit toilets, located in the parking area.
Activities
There is no designated swimming area at this park. During the summer when periods of low water are present, the river pools provide good opportunities for swimming.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. This river is subject to spot closures. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and 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 wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Rosewall Creek Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Rosewall Creek Park is located approximately 3 km south of Fanny Bay in the Comox Valley on central Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed by the Cook Creek interchange off Hwy 19 or Hwy 19A. The park is located approximately 2 km from the interchange. The closest communities are Fanny Bay, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Qualicum Beach.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: May 14, 1956
- Size: 54.3 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
250 474-1336
office@rlcparks.ca
www.rlcparks.ca
Nature and culture
History
The Fanny Bay and Bowser Memorial Committee lobbied the government to create this park, established in 1956, in memory of Lieutenant Ian MacDonald. The picnic site in the park was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Ian MacDonald (1920-1944) of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.
Ian was born in Vernon, BC in 1920 and moved to Fanny Bay in 1929. Like many young men and women of his day, Ian was quick to enlist when Canada entered the war against Hitler’s Germany in 1939. On September 14, 1939 he became a private in the Canadian Scottish Regiment at Comox, where, after extensive training, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. On June 2nd, 1944, he and those under his command became part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. He was killed in action eight days later.
Conservation
The park protects a Coastal western hemlock forest and big leaf maple trees, and makes a small contribution to the representation of the Nanaimo Lowlands Ecosection. The park also protects Rosewall Creek, a coho salmon spawning stream.
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.