7 Best Waterfalls You Need To See On Vancouver Island
Not many people think of waterfalls when they visit Vancouver Island but that is a huge mistake. The island has some of the best waterfalls in Canada and most of them are just a quick hike away. Don’t make this common mistake and check out some of these amazing waterfalls on your island trip!
7 Bucket List Waterfalls On Vancouver Island
After growing up on Vancouver Island here is my list of the 7 best waterfalls you need to check out! It’s important to remember Vancouver Island can be wildly different by the season so some of these spots will completely change from summer to winter.
Myra Falls Strathcona
Myra falls lies in Strathcona Provincial Park and is without a doubt one of the prettiest areas on the island. The waterfalls here are a bit of a drive but easily accessible when you arrive. You can swim in the falls mid summer when the flow slows down. In spring and fall the flow is particularly strong.
Fun fact – Created in 1911 Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest park in British Columbia.
Mystic Beach Waterfalll
Just outside of Sooke on the Westcoast of Vancouver Island you will find Mystic beach and its incredible oceanside waterfall. It is a 4.2km hike and worth every step. This is one of our favourite spots in all of coastal BC.
We like to visit at a lower tide to make sure we can explore under the waterfall.
Full hike guide and directions here!
Sombrio Slot Canyon
Sombrio Slot Canyon is one of those places that feels far away. With vibrant green moss in spring and summer this slot canyon almost feels tropical. This hidden slot canyon can be a bit hard to find so make sure to read our full guide below. It took us 2 trips to find this canyon!
Guide to find Sombrios Hidden Slot Canyon!
Ammonite Falls
Ammonite falls located in Nanaimo is a central Vancouver Island favourite. With a pleasant 3km round trip hike its a great way to spend a day. This is by far our favourite waterfall and hike in Nanaimo BC.
In early and late season the waterfall flows can be truly impressive.
Full guide and directions to Ammonite Waterfall here!
Niagara Falls Goldstream
Niagara falls is and impressive waterfall just outside of Victoria nestled in Goldstream Provincial park. Many people drive the Malahat highway every day and have no clue of this impressive waterfall just of the highway. If you are here in season (mid Oct – Dec) Goldstream is a famous spot to watch the Salmon run. This little river becomes absolutely teeming with Chum Salmon.
Niagara feels like a tropical green paradise in summer! You can find the directions for the Niagara Waterfalls and camping here!
Englishman River
Englishman River Falls is a truly impressive 1.5km loop trail with epic views of a raging waterfall. With great highway access Englishman river is easy to access and truly impressive. This is a great stop to stretch the legs on a road trip to Tofino or north island
Elk Falls
Located just outside of Campbell River Elk falls is our favourite big waterfall on Vancouver Island. Particularly impressive in spring Elk Falls is amazing all year around. The loop trail is an easy 1.5km and we highly recommend adding this to your Vancouver Island road trip itinerary.
Sandcut Beach Waterfall
On the west coast just outside of the town of Jordan River you will find Sandcut beach. The beach itself is gorgeous and dual waterfalls flowing over a rock feature is truly unique. This is a truly wild place and a great part of the Island to check out. There is a great cafe nearby Called Shirley Delicious we recommend grabbing lunch at after.
You can find the full Sandcut Waterfall hike guide and directions here!
Hole In The Wall
Closer to the center of the Island just before Coombs Country Candy in Port Alberni sits the Hole In The wall.
The hole started as opening for a water pipe and has eroded into the full circle arch you see today. The Hole In The Wall is an easy access hike in a beautiful forest. This is an excellent road trip stop, make sure to grab some treats at Coombs Country Candy on the way back.
