Stamp River Provincial Park

Park Provincial park protecting salmon run and waterfalls

On Vancouver Island near Port Alberni, Stamp River Provincial Park draws anglers and hikers to its salmon runs, waterfalls and timbered trails; visitors camp, fish, and watch seasonal upriver migrations.

Main image

Stamp River Provincial Park is a small provincial park on central Vancouver Island in British Columbia that protects a stretch of the Stamp River and its riparian habitat. The park conserves riverine forest and provides public access to the watercourse.

Short walks, picnicking and viewing wildlife are the main activities; the river corridor is noted for salmon runs and associated birdlife such as bald eagles and waterfowl. There are informal access points for watching river and fish activity from shore.

The park was established to protect fish habitat and the river corridor while allowing public access for low-impact recreation; it is managed by BC Parks. Facilities are minimal compared with larger provincial parks.

The park lies near the town of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island and is reached via local island roads.

  • Salmon runs: Late summer and autumn typically offer the best opportunities to see migrating salmon and elevated bird activity; check local fishing and park advisories before visiting.
Stamp River Provincial Park
Stamp River Provincial Park, near Port Alberni, British Columbia
49.3440, -124.9361
Open year-round (daylight hours); facilities seasonal
Free (day-use), managed by BC Parks

How to Get to Stamp River Provincial Park #

Stamp River Provincial Park is on Vancouver Island near Port Alberni. From Port Alberni, follow local roads west toward the Stamp River; parking and trailheads are signed. Check BC Parks for maps and any access advisories.

Tips for Visiting Stamp River Provincial Park #

  • Spring and early summer offer the best salmon-viewing at the falls and river pools.
  • Bring a camera with a good zoom for observing fish and river wildlife from the safer viewing areas.
  • Parts of the Stamp River Trail can be muddy after rain; waterproof boots are useful.

Best Time to Visit Stamp River Provincial Park #

Spring through summer is ideal for river viewing and hiking; the park is accessible year-round but trails can be wet in fall and winter.

Spring
Apr-Jun · 5-15°C
Salmon runs begin; waterfalls and river flows are lively.
Summer
Jul-Aug · 12-22°C
Warmer weather and easier walking; best for picnics and strolls.

Weather & Climate near Stamp River Provincial Park #

Climate

Stamp River 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 24°C. Heavy rainfall (2039 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (314 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

314 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (233 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

233 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (208 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

208 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 24°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (201 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

201 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (345 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

345 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (325 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

325 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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