Top Bridge Park in Parksville is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering many activities. While the beautiful Englishman River suspension bridge is a big draw for many, so are the many walking trails, the unique rock formations, the opportunity to fish for salmon, and the refreshing swimming holes.
Quick Facts
- Trail / Park Features: Suspension bridge; hiking and mountain biking trails through an old second-growth forest; swimming; fishing
- Trail Length: Several trails with varying lengths
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Hazards: The Englishman River can have strong currents
- Facilities: Pit toilets
- Dog Friendly!
Top Bridge Parksville Offers a Great Hiking Experience
Top Bridge is considered a junction of parks and nature conservation areas, as it connects via trail systems in Rathtrevor Provincial Park and with Englishman River Regional Park. There is also a mountain-biking-only trail system for those seeking more extreme recreation.
For those with furry friends, you will be happy to know that the trails are dog-friendly. If your dog is well-behaved and can be called back at any point, they can be off-leash.
Hiking/Walking
The area has several trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
As mentioned above, Top Bridge Park connects to Rathtrevor Provincial Park via an easy 5 km trail. Watch for signs near the entrance to Rathtrevor and/or along Resort Drive.
Once you cross the suspension bridge, you are technically in Englishman River Regional Park. You can follow the trails along the river to Middlegate Road in Errington (approximately 10km). If you've never been to the far side of Englishman River Regional Park, I highly suggest it. Park one vehicle at Top Bridge and one at Englishman River Regional Park to make the route easier.
For more details, check out the Top Bridge Regional Trail map and the Englishman River Regional Park map.
If you are a geocacher, the trails surrounding Top Bridge are full of hidden treasures!
If you are one of my Hidden Gems members, check out this incredibly beautiful spot in the area.
Mountain Biking
The Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park is a popular destination for mountain bikers. It offers a range of trails for riders of all skill levels, from easy to advanced. The bike park is located in the trail system on the Chattel Road side of Top Bridge Park. Hikers can enjoy these trails, too; just watch out for speedy mountain bikers.
Mountain bikers are allowed on most Top Bridge and Englishman River Regional Park trails. However, there are stairs to contend with on the other side of the bridge.
Other things to do while there
Swimming
The Englishman River offers several swimming spots, including swimming holes and shallow pools.
A popular spot is the ‘Nose' at Top Bridge (shown in the above image). When the river is high, people like to jump off the nose into the river below. Please be mindful of jutting rocks. Over the years, there have been several terrible instances in which a jump went wrong and the person required medical help.
It's a cold river, but a great way to cool off on a hot day. Locals love this river to do just that, so don't be surprised to find the parking lot full on a hot summer day.
Fishing
The Englishman River is home to several fish species, including salmon and trout. Expect to see steelhead during the winter (February to early April). During the late summer, fish for pink and sockeye. And expect to see chinook, coho, and chum from September through to December. Chinook and pink are stocked into the Englishman River.
Please note that fishing is permitted only in designated areas and a fishing license is required at all times. Please check the regulations before fishing in the Englishman River.
During the salmon run in the fall, the area attracts many non-fishing onlookers.
Picnicking
The large flat rocks surrounding the river make a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Wildlife & Photography
The area around Top Bridge is incredibly scenic, with beautiful views of the river, forests, and mountains. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The beautiful suspension bridge is also a highlight.
The Englishman River attracts and supports wildlife, including eagles, black bears, cougars, and deer. Keep your eyes peeled and your distance respectful. It's also a great birding spot.
Petroglyphs
According to local historians, there are petroglyphs that you can find while exploring down by the river. There are apparently at least three distinct First Nation carvings on the rocks. However, it's Top Bridge's best-kept secret, for even though I've tried to find them several times, they've alluded me. Maybe you will have better luck!
Getting There
The official address for Top Bridge Park is at the end of Chattell Road, near the weigh scales at the first Parksville exit.
You can also access a second parking lot at the end of Allsbrook Road.
As I said above, you can park at Rathtrevor Provincial Park and walk 5km to Top Bridge. And/or park at Englishman River Regional Park on Middlegate Road and walk in from there.
Why you should go
Top Bridge Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. It's a Vancouver Island gem for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with nature. And especially when you go in the off-season (not summer), it's a peaceful place to wander.
Other Great Parks in the Area
Subscribe Today!
Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about the best ways to explore Vancouver Island, and you'll also receive this free adventure guide.
Keep the news coming…..unfotunately this is our year to catch up on some medical issues so travel may be limited BUT reading and planning will active.