Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Park Park with twin waterfalls and forest trails

On Vancouver Island near Parksville, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park features accessible trails to two waterfalls, viewing platforms, swimming holes and riverside picnicking-popular for day hikes and family outings.

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Englishman River Falls Provincial Park protects two waterfalls and surrounding old-growth forest on the Englishman River on Vancouver Island. The park is a popular local destination for short hikes, picnics and nature viewing.

Trails and boardwalks lead to viewpoints at both the Upper and Lower Falls, and a suspension bridge crosses the river at higher elevation for an elevated view of the gorge. The park includes a small campground and day-use areas that serve families and day visitors.

The park conserves both the scenic river canyon and adjacent forest habitats and is used primarily for short recreational walks and nature appreciation rather than extensive backcountry travel.

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park lies on central Vancouver Island near the communities of Parksville and Errington and is accessible by local roads from the surrounding towns.

  • Visitor access: Short loop trails and boardwalks provide easy access to viewpoints; trail surfaces can be uneven and wet, so suitable footwear is recommended.

What to See #

  • Upper Falls: A higher-elevation waterfall reached by a boardwalk and trail offering an upstream viewpoint across a rocky gorge and forested canyon.
  • Lower Falls: A lower, more accessible falls with nearby picnic and day-use areas; trails link the upper and lower viewpoints.
  • Campground and day-use areas: A small campground and day-use facilities located within the park that support short stays and family visits during the warmer months.
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
49.2478, -124.3506

How to Get to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park #

Englishman River Falls is located inland from Parksville on Vancouver Island; follow Highway 19 and take the Englishman River Road exit to the park. There is parking near the main trailhead.

Tips for Visiting Englishman River Falls Provincial Park #

  • Walk both trails: the Short Loop for quick viewpoints and the longer trail to the falls for a more secluded experience.
  • Expect slippery rocks near lookouts-good traction footwear recommended.
  • Combine with a drive along Highway 19 for views and side trips to nearby coastal towns.

Best Time to Visit Englishman River Falls Provincial Park #

Spring through early autumn provides the most comfortable hiking and best flows at the falls.

Spring-Summer
April-September · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Higher flows at the falls in spring; warmer days for picnics in summer.
Autumn
October-November · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Quieter trails and good photographic light.

Weather & Climate near Englishman River Falls Provincial Park #

Climate

Englishman River 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 0°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1349 mm/year), wettest in November.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (215 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

215 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

140 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 (132 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

88 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 (61 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

61 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 (53 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 28 mm.

Comfort

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

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

128 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 (219 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (201 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

201 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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