Elk Falls Provincial Park
Park Provincial park featuring dramatic waterfalls and suspension bridge
Near Campbell River on Vancouver Island, Elk Falls Provincial Park offers hiking, a suspension bridge and views of a steep canyon and waterfall; visitors come for short trails, river scenery and salmon runs in season.
Elk Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island protects a dramatic river canyon and the waterfall known as Elk Falls, close to the city of Campbell River. The park is managed for day-use recreation and scenic conservation.
Key attractions include canyon rim trails and a pedestrian suspension bridge that provides elevated views of the falls and the gorge below. Walks to viewpoints are short and popular with both local visitors and day-trippers from nearby communities.
The park preserves the steep-walled river canyon and surrounding forest, and is used for recreation and nature appreciation rather than backcountry camping. Facilities focus on trailheads, viewpoints and day-use picnic areas.
Elk Falls Provincial Park sits immediately adjacent to the city of Campbell River on the east coast of Vancouver Island and is accessible by a short drive from the city.
- Trail difficulty: Most trails are short and range from easy to moderate; some sections include stairs and uneven surfaces so appropriate footwear is recommended.
What to See #
- Elk Falls: The principal waterfall that drops into a steep volcanic-rock canyon and is the park's main viewpoint; short trails lead to overlooks above the falls.
- Suspension bridge and viewpoints: A pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the canyon that offers elevated views of the falls and river gorge from across the chasm.
- Trails and day-use areas: A network of short hiking trails and picnic spots that follow the canyon rim and provide access to multiple lookout points.
How to Get to Elk Falls Provincial Park #
Elk Falls Provincial Park is located near Campbell River on Vancouver Island; follow Highway 19 to the Campbell River exit and follow local signs to the park. Parking is available at the trailhead; a short walk leads to the suspension bridge and viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Elk Falls Provincial Park #
- Follow marked trails to the falls and the suspension bridge-side paths can be steep and slippery.
- Visit in late spring for the highest flows; summer offers warmer hiking but lower water levels.
- Combine a trip with nearby Campbell River for provisioning and accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Elk Falls Provincial Park #
Late spring for peak waterfall flows; summer for more reliable trail conditions and camping.
Weather & Climate near Elk Falls Provincial Park #
Elk Falls Provincial Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1613 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (229 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (262 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (238 mm).