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.

Main image

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.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
50.0496, -125.3196

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.

Spring
April-June · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Snowmelt makes the falls most dramatic and trails can be muddy.
Summer
July-September · 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Drier, warmer hiking and full trail access; campgrounds are busiest.

Weather & Climate near Elk Falls Provincial Park #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (229 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

229 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

184 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (262 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

262 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (238 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

238 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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