A Hidden Provincial Park in Port Alberni called Fossli

Tucked away along the shores of Sproat Lake, Fossli Provincial Park is one of those off-the-radar spots that feels like your own personal discovery.

For a while, though, it lost a bit of its magic.

The suspension bridge, one of the park’s most iconic features, was closed due to safety concerns, cutting off access to much of the trail and leaving visitors wondering if it was still worth the trip. Recent trail reports confirmed the bridge had been unsafe and inaccessible throughout much of 2025.

But here’s the good news (and the reason this update matters): the bridge has now been repaired and reopened!

Once again, you can follow the trail as it was meant to be explored by crossing high above St. Andrew’s Creek, continuing through the forest, and eventually reaching the peaceful shoreline of Sproat Lake.

If you’ve been holding off on visiting Fossli, now’s the time to go!

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Quick Park Facts

• Features: Off the beaten path; suspension bridge; undeveloped; breathtaking scenery; access to Sproat Lake

• Park Size: 52 hectares / 130 acres

• Trail length: Approximately 3.5 km loop.

• Suitability: Good for all skill levels; the trail is easy to follow

• Hazards: The ground can be muddy and slippery. As this is considered ‘backcountry,' you are in prime bear and cougar territory.

• Bike Trails: No

• Camping: None

• Washrooms: One pit toilet is available near the end of the trail

• Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs are not allowed on the beach and must always remain on a leash when on the trails.

• Best Time to Visit: April through October

Fossli Provincial Park

This beautiful, hidden Provincial Park is located on Sproat Lake's Stirling Arm. You can get to it by boat when cruising Sproat Lake or via logging roads just west of Port Alberni.

No matter how you get there, this undeveloped park is worth the trek!

The trail leads you to Sproat Lake, a wonderful lake where you can swim, kayak, or canoe. However, Sproat Lake Provincial Park would be a much better location to launch a water vessel, as it's easier to access.

A Bit of History

130 acres of land were donated to the province for parkland in 1974 by Helen and Armour Ford. Helen Ford inherited the property from her father, who had purchased it from an early settler, Mr. Faber.

Mr. Faber named the area Fossli after a village in Eidfjord, Norway. Fossli also means “waterfall in the valley”. It's aptly named, for there are several waterfalls within the park boundaries.

Tips & Highlights of Fossli Park

One of the first highlights you’ll come to is the suspension bridge crossing St. Andrew’s Creek, an exciting start that sets the tone for the rest of the trail. From there, the path follows the creek into a thick second-growth forest, mostly deciduous trees that absolutely glow in the fall. Along the way, it’s worth taking a few of the offshoot trails down to the creek, where you’ll find some truly beautiful, tucked-away spots.

The main trail eventually leads to a small, somewhat unkept grassy clearing where a homestead once stood, now home to a couple of picnic tables and an outhouse. Shortly after that, the trail leads down to a quiet pebbled beach along Sproat Lake.

If you’re up for a longer walk, a trail extends beyond the homestead to a point of land near a beaver pond, which, I've been told, is an especially great spot for birdwatching.

Please keep in mind that campfires are not permitted anywhere in the park, including on the beach.

If you go, follow the Leave No Trace rule and bring back anything and everything you brought with you. Let's keep this park in the same pristine condition you found it in.

Getting There

Access to Fossli Provincial Park includes travel along active logging roads. Please remember that logging trucks always have the right of way.

• Travel through Port Alberni as if heading to Tofino.
• Turn left on the first McCoy Lake Road access.
• Travel approximately 6.5 km and then turn left on Stirling Arm Drive.
• After approximately 3 km, turn left onto Ash Main.
• Turn right at Stirling Arm Mainline.
• Travel approximately 4 km and watch for a small brown sign for Fossli Provincial Park (it's easy to miss).

There are a few areas just past the sign where a vehicle can park. However, your best bet is the large pullout just before the bridge on Stirling Arm Mainline (only a short walk to the park sign and entrance).

• Once parked, follow the main trail. As mentioned above, you should shortly come to the suspension bridge.
• If you follow the trail without stopping or meandering off the main trail, the walk is about 3.5 km. However, I highly recommend taking those offshoots!

Insider tip: Use the AllTrails app to help guide the way.

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What's Nearby

Stamp River Park is another beautiful area of Port Alberni, and one of my all-time favourite places to visit, especially during the fall.

If you enjoy hidden gems, like the one you just read about, then you'll want to check out my private membership group. It's where I have a full database of hidden gems and secret spots across the island, along with exactly how to find them. Port Alberni alone has many!

You can check it out here: 👉 Hidden Gems Membership

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Why you should go

Now that the suspension bridge is open again, I'm eager to return to this park, for it has remained one of my top favourites on the island. Once you go, I have a feeling it will be yours too.

Fossli Provincial Park offers a beautiful escape that feels like a true backroad adventure, but in reality is still quite close to town.

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic walk near Port Alberni with just a hint of adventure (and far fewer crowds), this hidden gem is well worth your time.