Lens & Water: Exploring Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, just outside Parksville on Vancouver Island, is an excellent area for hiking and photographing waterfalls. As an experienced photographer and nature enthusiast, I highly recommend this park for its well-marked trails and abundant photographic opportunities.

With its old-growth Douglas-fir forests and stunning waterfalls, this park offers a secluded and picturesque location that is perfect for intermediate hikers and curious tourists. Be sure to take precautions when hiking, as some parts of the trail can be slick due to mist from the waterfalls along the river. If you take Errington Road, the rest of the map will be easy to follow.

Why visit Englishman River Falls Regional Park

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is a great place to visit for hiking and waterfall viewing. Hiking trails give you access to cross the river in two areas. Be careful: the route can be slick, and the falls get fairly foggy.

What is Englishman River Falls Provincial Park?

Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is located 13 km southwest of Parksville and is home to both the upper and lower falls, cascading along the descending riverbed. It’s an easy area for hikers of all levels. Hiking trails throughout the park leading to the falls cross the river in two areas. Locations throughout the park feature fantastic vantage points for viewing the top and lower waterfalls.

Much of the route explores through the first and second-growth forests where you will see Douglas Fir, Cedar, Hemlock, Arbutus, and Canadian Maple trees. The forest floor is littered with fallen timbers, ferns, and branches that are all covered with moss and lichens. Keep an eye out for mushrooms on the forest floor to photograph.

Parts of the trail will have you climbing stairs, walking boardwalk, and crossing bridges. Areas of the trail are steep; here you will find benches. Beware that mist from waterfalls can sometimes make trails slippery.

The campground has 103 sites which can be reserved online or at one of Parksville’s visitor centers. Englishman River Park features two stunning waterfalls and is 97 hectares. Campsite reservations include a day-use area and a picnic shelter, pit toilets, a flush toilet, fresh running water, a parking area, and an information center is also available.

A bit of history

Englishman River Falls Park has a long history that dates back hundreds of years ago. The river got its name as “an Englishman drowned while attempting to cross,” according to local folklore. Local natives discovered the skeleton of a Caucasian man close to the waterfalls. It was previously known as “Rio de Grullas” by Spanish cartographers.

Explore the hiking trails

This 1.3-km loop takes about 25 minutes to complete. It is a simple/easy trail. Camping, hiking, and jogging are popular activities at the park, so you may see others while out exploring. The park is open all year.

Park history

Why is knowing about the history important for photographers? It can add to the natural beauty of the scene. The area was declared a park to protect the old growth Douglas-fir trees and the associated plant communities. Knowing its history can help create better photographs.

Englishman River Falls Hike

Englishman River Falls is a great place to hike and photograph. Why?

It has a forest of old and new Douglas firs.
The waterfall is secluded and perfect for intermediate hikers.

The Provincial Park is great for photographers and tourists who are curious.

How to get to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park?

To get to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, you will need to take Highway 19.
Turn onto the Alberni Highway.
You will want to turn left on Errington Rd.
And in about 10 minutes you should be at the park.

Final thoughts on Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a great place to take some stunning photographs. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and head on over to the park today! While you are here, why not check our post if you’re looking for additional fantastic locations to photograph?

Nearby Adventures

For a morning of shooting, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a great location. However, there are several other locations you might visit for a day of photography.

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a waterfall hike. You can also take in the stunning views of the falls from different vantage points.

Nile Creek and Triple Falls are also great places to visit if you’re looking for a beautiful sight to see. Both locations offer incredible views of the waterfall and the surrounding area.

Cathedral Grove BC is a must-visit for any nature lover or photographer, with its ancient trees and stunning natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Question

What are the main features of the park?

The main features of the Englishman River Falls include beautiful waterfalls, river views, and hiking trails.

What activities can you do at the park?

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The day-use area has a lot of picnic tables and shelters for enjoying the views.

What is the size of the Englishman River Falls Park?

The 97-hectare Englishman River Falls Provincial Park has a day use area, a picnic shelter, restrooms, fresh running water, a parking space, and an information centre.

What is the climate like at the park?

The climate at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius. The park experiences moderate rainfall and snowfall.

What wildlife can you see at the Englishman River Falls?

The Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds. Black bears, deer, and bald eagles are some of the animals that can be seen in the park.

How long is the walk at Englishman River Falls?

This 1.2 Kilometer (0.8-mile) circular route on average takes 25 minutes to finish and is regarded as being simple. Since camping, hiking, and jogging are all fairly popular activities here, you can run into other people while doing your exploration.

Can you swim at Englishman River Falls?

The lower falls end in a deep, clear pool, making for an excellent swimming spot in the summer when river levels are low and an excellent location to see salmon spawning in the fall.