Ammonite Waterfall Hike The Easy Way (Weigles Rd Nanaimo, BC)
Ammonite Waterfall Hike From Weigles Rd & Benson Creek Falls Access
Ammonite Falls is a great hike in Nanaimo that you can do in all seasons. I have done this hike several times and it is always great to get to the end to see how big or small the falls will be. If you do this hike in the summer there will only be a small trickling of water. Although it is still pretty, I find it best to do the hike in the winter or after a strong rain when the waterfall is at its peak.
Ammonite Falls From Weigles Rd Hike Info
- Difficulty: Easy – Good trail but steep in sections
- Hike length: ~ 3 km Round Trip From
- Elevation Gain – 100m gain
- Time Needed – We took a relaxed 2 hours
- 4 x 4 – Not required great new parking lot
- Pets – Dog friendly trail
The falls are located in the Benson Creek Falls Regional Park and the new trail is off Weigles Rd by Dumont Mountain. The hike is through a spectacular Douglas fir forest with trees that reach to the sky. The city has built a nice viewing platform and made the trail much more accessible.
If you are looking for the old longer trail on Jameson Rd directions are here.
You can definitely take children and pets on this hike, There are park signs throughout and if you ever get confused there are markers to lead you the right way.
Why Is It Called Ammonite Falls
There are small fossils that lie in the in the creek bed due to the sedimentary layers of the rock in the riverbed, thus the name Ammonite Falls. If you feel adventurous definitely try to find one for yourself. These tiny fossils can include snails and other shelled creatures from the millions of years ago. There was a huge one found in 2012 that you can check out here!
Ammonite Waterfall Walking Directions
The trail leaves right from the parking lot with very clear signage. Whenever you see a turn just look for the little sign post and it will show you where to go. To find your way back follow the signs for Weigles Rd.
The trail really is very well marked and much easier to find nowadays.
Tons of space for parking on Weigles Rd
The trail starts on this mellow path leading to newly built stairs down to the Benson Creek falls bridge
Cross the bridge then head up hill. This is the only challenging part of the hike
This uphill section is the only portion that could be considered challenging
Follow the sign at the junction and you are almost at the viewing platform
Ammonite Falls
The brand new viewing deck
There is a little trail at the end of the viewing deck that takes you to the water
For a longer hike, you can also start at the parking lot for Benson Creek Falls. This way is a bit steeper and longer!
Ammonite Falls Driving & Parking Directions
Driving north on the island highway (towards Nanaimo from Victoria) turn left onto Jingle Pot Rd. Then, take a right off Jingle Pot onto Biggs Rd. Once on Biggs just keep driving and the road will turn into Weigles as it heads uphill.
The Ammonite parking lot will be on your left side and has a great big sign and is easy to find.
There are several other ways to get to the falls, but this is by far the easiest. The other access point is off of Jameson Rd on the other end of Jinglepot.
You can see the map pin at the below.
