Vancouver Island is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in British Columbia, ranging from easily accessible falls to hidden gems deep in the wilderness.
Whether you're looking for a short walk to a picturesque cascade or a challenging backcountry adventure, this list has it all.
One of my favourite things about living on the island is that no matter where you go, you’re never far from a spectacular cascading waterfall.
Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to seek out and experience as many waterfalls on the island as possible. Some are well-known favourites, easy to reach and perfect for a quick nature escape. Others require adventurous hikes, but the reward is an undisturbed, off-the-beaten-path waterfall that feels like a secret only a few know about.
This list is a collection of my absolute favourites. I return to some year after year, watching them change with the seasons, while others remain special one-time experiences I’ll never forget.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a photographer, or just someone who loves being in nature, these 20 waterfalls showcase the very best of what Vancouver Island has to offer.
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Top 5 Vancouver Island Waterfalls
The following five waterfalls are ones you should absolutely see when travelling around Vancouver Island.
1. Myra Falls (Strathcona Provincial Park)
Myra Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades into the bright turquoise waters of Buttle Lake, making it one of the most photogenic waterfalls on Vancouver Island.
This spectacular waterfall in Vancouver Island's oldest Provincial Park offers two unique viewpoints—Lower Myra Falls (a short and easy walk) and Upper Myra Falls (a longer forest hike).
- Distance: ~1.4 km (Lower Myra Falls) or 7.2 km (Upper Myra Falls)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Falls: 15 minutes (Lower), 1+ hours (Upper)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (when water levels are highest) to early Fall
- Safety Tip: This area has no cell coverage, so please plan accordingly.
- Trailhead: Accessible via Buttle Lake Road
Local Tip: These turquoise pools provide refreshing swimming holes during the summer. Refreshing is an understatement. These pools are COLD!
2. Elk Falls (Campbell River)
Elk Falls is a powerful 25-meter waterfall best viewed from the suspension bridge, which provides a breathtaking vantage point over the rushing water below.
- Distance: ~1 km (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some stairs)
- Time to Falls: ~15 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but fall and spring bring the most dramatic water flow.
- Trailhead: Elk Falls Provincial Park parking lot
Local Tip: Visit the John Hart Generating Station nearby for a unique insight into hydroelectric power and salmon conservation efforts.
3. Little Qualicum Falls (Qualicum Beach)
This Provincial Park offers a double-tiered waterfall system featuring upper and lower falls tumbling through a dramatic canyon. The trails are lined with an old-growth forest full of big, beautiful trees.
- Distance: ~1.3 km loop, but up to 6 km of trails within the park
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Falls: ~10 minutes to the first viewpoint
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime of year
- Trailhead: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
Local Tip: For super-easy access to the falls, park at Little Qualicum Regional Park on Meadowood Way.
4. Englishman River Falls (Parksville/Errington)
This two-tiered waterfall in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is known for its deep canyon views, lush rainforest surroundings, and beautiful wooden bridges that provide incredible perspectives of the waterfalls.
This one is a personal favourite and one I return to repeatedly.
- Distance: ~1.3 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Falls: 5-10 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring for peak water flow, but accessible year-round
- Trailhead: Englishman River Falls Provincial Park parking lot
Local Tip: The park features excellent swimming holes downstream, perfect for summer visits.
5. Ammonite Falls (Nanaimo)
One of Nanaimo’s best waterfalls, Ammonite Falls, plunges 20 meters over a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery. The area also has some spectacular hidden gems. This park has two access points, each offering a different trail system to the waterfall.
- Distance: ~under 5 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections)
- Time to Falls: ~45 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall to early spring for the best water flow, but accessible year-round
- Trailhead: End of Jameson Road or off Weigles Road
Local Tip: To avoid crowds, go midweek during the day.
A Little More Hidden
These five Vancouver Island waterfalls are a little more hidden and a bit more off the beaten path. But the extra effort is worth it!
6. Little Niagara Falls (Goldstream Provincial Park, near Victoria)
This beautiful waterfall is hidden within Goldstream Provincial Park, surrounded by mossy rock walls and a crystal-clear pool. Another great one in this park is Goldstream Falls. However, it's accessed in a completely different area of the park.
- Distance: ~ under 1 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Falls: ~10 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but Fall to Spring for the most impressive flow.
- Trailhead: Goldstream Park Day Use area near the visitor centre.
Local Tip: Goldstream Park is also home to the Goldstream Trestle and a spectacular annual salmon run in the fall.
7. Secret Falls at Sombrio Beach (Near Port Renfrew)
A waterfall hidden inside a cave—one of Vancouver Island’s most magical, Instagram-worthy spots. Sombrio Beach can be reached via a 250-metre access trail from the Sombrio Beach Trailhead parking lot, off Hwy 14.
- Distance: ~1.5 km (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Falls: ~20 minutes from the beach parking lot
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds.
- Safety Hazards: Please note that the access road to Sombrio Beach is a loose surface road and may not be suitable for all motor vehicles. It has steep grades, sharp curves and limited visibility.
- Trailhead: Sombrio Beach trailhead (Juan de Fuca Marine Trail)
Local Tip: Once on the beach, walk east (left when facing the ocean) and look for a narrow opening in the rocks —that’s the entrance to the waterfall cave!
8. Stocking Creek Falls (Near Ladysmith)
Stocking Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a quiet forest near Ladysmith. The gentle cascade spills over a rocky ledge into a tranquil pool below, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful nature escape. The surrounding area features lush ferns, towering trees, and well-maintained walking trails, making this a great stop for families, photographers, and casual hikers.
- Distance: ~2.4 km (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Falls: ~10-15 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall to spring when the water flow is strongest. In summer, the waterfall is smaller but still scenic.
- Trailhead: Stocking Creek Park parking lot (access from Thicke Road)
Local Tips:
- The park has picnic tables, making it a great spot to bring a bagged lunch.
- If visiting after heavy rain, the waterfall is much more impressive and makes for stunning long-exposure photos.
9. Christie Falls (Ladysmith)
Christie Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall near Ladysmith, tucked away in the forest alongside Bush Creek. It’s a rewarding destination for hikers seeking a mix of easy trails and moderate adventure. The waterfall is especially powerful during the wetter months, making spring and early summer the ideal times to visit.
The trail begins on a wide decommissioned logging road and gradually transitions to a more rugged, forested path as you approach the falls. Along the way, you’ll pass the Bush Creek Fish Hatchery and smaller cascades that build anticipation for the main attraction.
One of the highlights is a log bridge with rope railings used to cross the creek, adding a touch of rustic adventure to the experience.
- Distance: ~6.8 to 7.1 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Falls: ~1.5–2 hours total
- Trailhead: End of Arroyo Road, near a red gate (park before the gate)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer, or after a heavy rain
Local Tip: The trail can be slippery near the falls, especially after rain—hiking boots are a must. Additional small cascades make for excellent photo opportunities for those who explore further upstream.
10. Granny Falls (Nanaimo)
A charming city waterfall, Granny Falls tumbles down mossy shale rocks into a quiet stream at Colliery Dam Park. Despite being within the park, finding it is still a bit of a secret access point.
- Distance: ~ under 1 km out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Falls: ~5–10 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring
- Trailhead: Colliery Dam Park
Local Tips: Take the Upper Colliery Dam loop trail for the most direct access. To find Granny Falls, you must first find the large culvert that allows Chase River to flow underneath the Parkway.
After visiting the falls, enjoy a walk around the nearby lake or pack a picnic for one of the park’s peaceful resting spots.
Even More Hidden Waterfalls on Vancouver Island
If you are looking for even less-known or harder to access waterfalls than the ones above, check out these suggestions.
11. Rosewall Creek Falls (Near Fanny Bay)
A hidden rainforest waterfall, accessible via a moderate creekside hike through an enchanted moss-covered forest.
- Distance: ~6 km (out and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Falls: ~approximately 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring
- Hazards: Although this rustic trail is relatively flat, with only a few short inclines, there are several obstacles to cross, including large stumps and logs to manoeuvre around or duck under, and a few creeks to cross on slippery logs.
- Trailhead: Rosewall Creek Provincial Park
Local Tip: The forest is rich with lichen, moss, fungus and mushrooms, creating a beautiful woodland scene. Make sure to take in your surroundings as you walk.
12. Horne Lake Caves Waterfall
There is a rare underground waterfall hidden inside Horne Lake Caves. Accessing it requires a guided tour, but it's totally worth it.
Explore the marble passages and crystal caverns created by the ‘Ice Age’ on this guided, 3-hour caving and hiking expedition. Strap on your complimentary light and helmet, and then start your exciting introduction to ‘wild caving.’
This activity requires traversing everything from tight passages to steep ramps to short climbs.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Time: 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours, depending on the tour chosen.
- Trailhead: Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Local Tip: Book the “Multi-Cave Experience” to access the underground waterfall. If you want to rappel down the waterfall, book one of their more extreme Vertical Cave Tours.
13. Cold Creek Falls (Port Alberni)
This waterfall, found along the Log Train Trail, is part of a linear Regional Park leased to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
Cold Creek Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over moss-covered rocks and fallen logs, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 km to 5 km, depending on the route chosen
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Falls: ~30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall through spring, when the water flow is most robust
- Trailhead: Near the intersection of Maebelle Road and Mozart Road in Port Alberni (this is my suggested starting spot).
Local Tip: The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Proper hiking footwear is recommended. Keep an eye out for trail markers to stay on the correct path, as there are several intersecting trails in the area.
14. Della Falls (near Port Alberni)
Della Falls, located within the boundaries of Strathcona Provincial Park, is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, with a staggering 440-meter (1,440-foot) drop. This three-tiered waterfall cascades down the rugged cliffs of the Della Falls Valley, nestled deep in Vancouver Island’s backcountry.
Reaching Della Falls is an adventure in itself. It requires boating across Great Central Lake (near Port Alberni) and a challenging 15-kilometre (one-way) hike through remote wilderness.
The journey is demanding, but those who make it are rewarded with breathtaking views, pristine wilderness, and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in British Columbia.
- Distance: 15 km (one-way)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,087 meters
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: 4 to 6 hours (one way), depending on pace
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early summer
- Trailhead: Great Central Lake
Local Tip: You must take a boat across Great Central Lake to access the trailhead. There is a water taxi you can pre-book to get there.
15. Nile Creek Falls (near Courtenay)
This hidden gem features multiple waterfalls along the way (10-12 of them!). The hike is a longer adventure that leads through an enchanting old-growth forest near Qualicum Bay. The trail to the falls offers hikers a journey through diverse landscapes, including serene creekside paths, dense woodlands, and vibrant fern-covered floors.
- Distance: ~8 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Falls: Approximately 45 minutes into the hike, a series of waterfalls and deep pools begin, each offering unique photo opportunities.
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall through spring, when water flow is most robust
- Trailhead: Nile Creek bridge on Hwy 19
- Hazards: To access this trailhead, you must park your vehicle on busy Hwy 19. Look for the Nile Creek bridge and park on the north side.
Local Tip: The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Proper hiking footwear is recommended. Additionally, some sections near the waterfalls have steep drops; exercise caution and stay on marked paths.
To access all the waterfalls, you must venture down each path towards the creek found along the main trail. Use your hearing to determine whether there is rapidly moving water. There are apparently 12 waterfalls along the trail – we have only ever been able to find 10 of them.
5 Hidden Gems
The following five waterfalls are a little more challenging to find and definitely off the beaten path, but truly spectacular. They are, however, part of our Hidden Gems Membership, a paid service.
If you enjoy searching for waterfalls as much as I do, the membership is for you! The membership side of the website currently has over 20 hidden waterfalls for you to discover.
These five are just the tip of the iceberg!
- An incredible hidden waterfall in Nanaimo – that no one ever talks about!
- A beautiful double waterfall in Nanoose Bay – that locals love.
- Another secret spot in Nanoose with three waterfalls to view – that has received many rave reviews from my readers.
- A secret waterfall in Port Alberni – one of many incredible hidden gems in PA.
- A Campbell River gem – an easy-to-get-to backroad adventure.
Your Waterfall Adventure Awaits
From the towering heights of Della Falls to the magical, hidden cave at Sombrio Beach, Vancouver Island is home to an incredible variety of waterfalls, each offering its own unique charm.
Whether you’re chasing powerful plunges, tranquil forest cascades, or lesser-known gems tucked deep within the island’s lush landscapes, these 20 spectacular waterfalls showcase the best of what this wild and wonderful place offers.
Ready to explore? Save this list and start your waterfall-hopping adventure across Vancouver Island’s most stunning waterfalls!
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