If you are looking for a nice easy hike with spectacular scenery while in the Parksville area, Little Qualicum Falls is for you!
Little Qualicum Falls is a provincial park located on central Vancouver Island. It encompasses the southern shore of Cameron Lake.
There is 6 km of walking trails throughout the park, leaving from both the campground and Little Qualicum Falls day-use area. The trails meander through old-growth and second-growth forests along the Little Qualicum River.
An Easy Hike
For an easy 3km walk, leave from the day-use area and follow the loop trail to view the lower and upper waterfalls. Lookout points are located along the trail and offer spectacular views of the river and upper falls.
The loop trail takes approximately 1 hour to complete, depending on ability.
There are some stairs and rocks to climb, so bringing a wheelchair or stroller isn’t advised if you plan on completing the entire loop.
Overview of Little Qualicum Falls Loop Trail
Region: Qualicum Beach
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Approximately 1 hour
Distance: 3km
Season: Year round – although the falls are especially spectacular in Winter to early Spring when the river is high.
Wheelchair / Stroller accessible: Not advised – the trail has a few stairs and/or rocks to climb.
Dog Friendliness: – Dogs must be on a leash at all times and is strictly enforced.
Toilets: There are pit toilets available near the parking lot at the start of the trail.
Camping is available in the Provincial Park. Please check out the government website for more information.
Location
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park (campground and day-use area) is located 19 km west of Parksville on Hwy 4 (Alberni Hwy).
There are several signs along the highway to let you know how far you have to drive, as well as a large sign at the entrance to the park.
For a brief snippet of what you might expect to see while at Little Qualicum Falls, check out the following video. Please note that the footage in the video was taken in February when the Qualicum River was quite high, which accounts for the roaring rapids.
Have you been to Little Qualicum Falls? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.
Or let me know where your favourite hiking spots are on Vancouver Island?
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[…] Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park […]
A Nanaimo to Tofino Road Trip - Vancouver Island View
[…] For some fantastic waterfall scenery, a stop at Little Qualicum Falls is a must! An easy 3km walk from the day-use area follows the loop trail where you will have a full view of both the lower and upper waterfalls. For more information and a glimpse of what you might expect to see, please read the article on Little Qualicum Falls. […]
Barb
the video worked this time. Beautiful falls. Love places like this. Thanks for sharing!
Kim
Thank you so much! I am glad the video worked properly for you.
Barb
beautiful falls, but the video didn’t work, says to try later