Vancouver 
The Englishman River cuts through central Vancouver Island. From Jewel Lake central to the Island, to the Georgia Strait in the east, the river creates beautiful scenery and several recreational opportunities. The river empties into the Strait waters around the town of Parksville, and next to the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island
As the Englishman River winds its way around the Island, its elevations change with the drastic changes along the rocky terrain of Vancouver Island. And when these elevation drops are big enough, waterfalls if all sizes form along the river.
Two waterfalls on the Englishman River are a central feature of the Provincial Park. Both waterfalls (the upper and lower) are easy to access from the day use area and from the park campground. The waterfalls alone are a great reason to visit, creating picturesque scenes with the forests. The species of trees and plants are varied, with some considered old-growth forest.
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Enjoy the River & Waterfalls
The trail from the campground to the upper and lower falls is about a 3km trek through gorgeous mature forests. Additionally, a second trail allows for biking and hiking between the park gate and the waterfalls. The hike is about half that distance from the day use area and parking lot. There is a bridge crossing the Englishman River at either set of falls, with a looping trail connecting both bridges. Along with the waterfalls, the beauty of these trails also stems from the old stone staircase, the old growth trees, and the broad range of colours in the foliage.
- Swimming is permitted (and popular) at the base of the lower falls. The lower Englishman River waterfall ends in a clear, calm pool of shallow water that is ideal for a dip in the river on a hot day.
- There are several ways to get good views of the waterfalls for simple sightseeing, and photography. See or photograph the falls from above, below, or level with the rushing waters. And with such a diverse forest around the waterfalls, each season will offer drastically different views from the last.
- Plus, there are more viewing stations located around the park which offer views into the river canyon, or over the treetops. These are also ideal spots for wildlife viewing.
Plan a Day Trip & Picnic for Englishman River Falls Park
The park has everything one would need for a spring, summer, or fall picnic. This includes a few riverside picnic spots in the open areas, or others under the comfort of picnic shelters. Even among those open picnic areas are spots which receive plenty of natural shelter from the mature forest trees. Other amenities include trail access for hiking or biking, parking, washrooms, and the Visitor Information Centre. Plus, swimming is also permitted at the base of the lower falls which are a short hike from the day use and picnic areas.
- With Parksville, and all of the town’s food or takeout options, only 15km or so from the Provincial Park, there will be many choices for picnic foods. This includes many options on the south side of Parksville, closest to Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. This includes options like Falco’s Pizza, K’s Diner, BoMé Cheese, or Trees Diner.
Camping Above the Englishman River
The provincial park campground for Englishman River Falls sits atop the river canyon and valley with steep drop-offs in certain areas. The campground offers sites without services, but with access to washrooms, drinking water, and a playground.
The Englishman River Falls campground is within dense, mature forests which provide natural shelter from the elements, and a certain amount of privacy between campsites. The campground roads offer a great way to explore the park on bike or foot while also providing access to the waterfall trails.
- If you can’t a spot for your desired dates, or you simply prefer not to camp, the region is home to more accommodation options that keep your stay within close range of Englishman River Falls Park.
- Among those accommodations closest to the Provincial Park are the Parksville RV Resort, the Cedar Song B&B, or the Paradise Acres Ranch.
- Find hotels, motels, inns, B&Bs, and private rental options within Parksville, or along the waterfront.
Englishman River Regional Park
This park, east of the Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, offers more opportunities for exploring and enjoying the beautiful canyon or riverbanks. The park covers land on the north side of the Englishman River with five different riverside hiking trails.
Along with offering more great views of the river, this park also exists for the benefit of the diverse range of wildlife who call the river valley home. The river itself is an important salmon habitat, while this area and the Provincial Park are home to mammals like elk or bears, and the more elusive cougar.
- The far east side of the park closest to Parksville offers a river crossing over a scenic suspension bridge, picnic areas, and a swimming area on the riverbanks.
- Bring cameras, phones, binoculars, or all of the above for the birding opportunities within the Regional Park.
The Englishman River as an Important Wildlife Corridor
There are several national and provincial parks that help protect the habitats and wildlife around the Englishman River. The water, the humidity, and the old-growth forest trees all sustain a wide range of birds, insects, and mammals. With this, there are a handful of protected areas along the Englishman River from Jewel Lake to Parksville, which offer ways for the public to safely and responsibly enjoy this great outdoors. These parks include:
- Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Nature House,
- Englishman River Regional Park/Top Bridge Community Park,
- Stormwater Community Park,
- Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, and
- Mount Arrowsmith Massif Regional Park.
Planning Your Trip – Englishman River Falls Provincial Park
What: Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is a seasonal campground and day use area on the north side of Vancouver Islands Englishman River. The narrow but mighty river carves through a deep canyon that forms the river valley, with the Provincial Park campground set above the embankments and within the trees. The Provincial Park is a popular spot on a hot day as the lower part of the river and lower falls are open to swimming (no lifeguards on duty), while the shaded picnic areas offer refuge from the sun. The spring and fall seasons still have much to offer in terms of hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, and forest scenery. The Englishman River Falls are made up of an upper falls and a lower falls with water flowing west to east toward Parksville.
Location and how to get there: 13km southwest of Parksville via BC-4A
Best time to go: camping May-September
Cost: camping $23 per party per night
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