Kelowna 
The name may say Little Qualicum Falls Park, as much of the park surrounds the river and its two waterfalls. However, Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park extends far enough south to also encompass the southern shores of Cameron Lake. Together, these areas provide all of Vancouver Island’s most popular outdoor activities like camping, hiking, paddling, and swimming. Plus, the area, including both the lake and riverbanks, offers views of all the quintessential Vancouver Island scenery.
Credit: Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck
All that Recreation under an Old Growth Forest
The rainforest climate of the Island gives way to lush vegetation, mature trees, rushing river waters, and deep lakes. With this, many parts of Vancouver Island are considered old-growth forest, including the shores of Cameron Lake and the banks of the Little Qualicum River.
The Provincial Park covers a vast array of scenery, with, of course, the two waterfalls near the campgrounds as a highlight of the scenery. The mature old-growth trees and the general lush greenery all surround the river’s canyons and the waterfalls. Those dense forests also surround Cameron Lake. And unlike the narrow canyons of the Little Qualicum River, Cameron Lake is wide-open, vast, and surrounded by even wider hills or small mountains.
All in one park, Little Qualicum Falls provides shoreline access to a gorgeous lake for watersports or swimming, riverside camping under an old-growth forest, dozens of beautiful picnic areas, and an array of wildflowers to catch in bloom during the late spring and early summer.
Hiking the Waterfall Trails
Trails provide direct hiking access to the waterfall viewing areas for campers. Trails begin from both the Lower and Upper Campgrounds, with both options taking about the same amount of time.
The dense Vancouver Island foliage that grows around the canyon created by the Little Qualicum River, combined with the rushing waters through the narrow canyon, and either waterfall, all create beautiful scenery, any time of the year.
- The trail from the Lower Campground crosses over the Little Qualicum River at a bridge, then follows the riverbank north toward the Upper Falls for 0.3km, with another 0.4km to the Lower Falls. This hike is about 2km out-and-back.
- The trails between the Upper Campground and the Falls create a similarly distanced hike but follow the south banks of the Little Qualicum River.
- There is parking beside both the Lower and Upper Falls to create a roughly 5-minute walk out to either waterfall.
More Great Trails in the Area
The mountainous terrain around Cameron Lake and central Vancouver Island makes for some challenging and tough hikes. But fear not, especially families, as there are still places to hike rated as easy or moderate, which also offer great birding or wildlife viewing opportunities.
- The trails of MacMillan Provincial Park wind around the western shores of Cameron Lake and the banks of the Cameron River. And as the trails wind lakeside or riverside, each also leads through old-growth coastal forest. The day use area offers picnic space and washrooms.
- View more waterfalls and get in several more kilometres on the trails with a visit to the nearby Englishman River Falls Park.
- There are several great trails on the east side of Port Alberni that lead to scenic views: hike the Loon Lake Loop, to the Stokes Creek Falls, or to the Hole in the Wall.
- There are also several great waterfront parks east of Little Qualicum Falls Park in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, or Nanoose Bay.
Fun on Cameron Lake
The Cameron Lake Day Use Area offers a nearby beach destination for anyone staying near the falls. The expansive lake and its shores offer a wide variety of recreation and respite from the heat after a day of hiking or sightseeing around the Little Qualicum River.
- The swimming opportunities along the Little Qualicum River within the Provincial Park are touch-and-go due to the changing water levels of the river. Anywhere along the park’s riverbanks closed to swimmers will be clearly marked. Luckily, there is a beautiful beach at the Cameron Lake day use area.
- Canoes or kayaks are the best ways to explore the open waters of Cameron Lake, its shores, and the abundance of birds and wildlife. Launch from the Cameron Lake or Beaufort day use areas.
- Fishing is permitted from Cameron Lake, famous for its brown trout, as well as the Little Qualicum River, unless otherwise posted.
- The hills and mountains around Cameron Lake end up creating a wind tunnel under certain weather conditions, which helps to make it a popular windsurfing destination.
A Lakeside or Riverside Picnic
Choose between day use picnic areas at the Little Qualicum Falls Park, the Cameron Lake day use area, or the Beaufort day use area. The picnic areas at the Provincial Park will be close enough to the falls that the crashing waterfall sounds will be within earshot, and within a short walking distance. The Provincial Park offers picnic spaces under shelters, or under the old-growth trees.
- The picnic areas along the shores of Cameron Lake have amenities like tables and washrooms, and the beautiful views of the lake. Set up at a table, or along the beaches with cozy chairs or towels.
- Picnic food is easy to find whether you’re travelling from Port Alberni in the west, Qualicum and Parksville in the east, or Nanaimo from the south, or Courtney in the north.
- Those arriving from 4 and 4A (from the north, south, or east) will find excellent takeout options from Trees Restaurant & Bakery, Cuckoo Trattoria and Pizzeria, the James Island Grill, or Thai Smile Cuisine. And for anyone coming from Port Alberni, there will be dozens of options right in town before heading to Little Qualicum Falls Park.
Riverside Camping & More Ways to Stay
The two Little Qualicum Falls Park campgrounds are both situated near the riverbanks with a riverside trail connecting the Upper and Lower Campground. The Upper Campground is open a bit longer than the Lower with sites available from April to October. In the Lower Campground, sites are available for May to September. Plus, also among the campsites are walk-in sites for tents. Each campsite will have its own firepit and picnic table, while the campground is also equipped with drinking water taps, washrooms, and showers.
- These campgrounds will have your stay right within the park boundaries. There are still many more accommodations right outside of Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. This includes the many waterfront accommodations nearby in Parksville or Qualicum Beach.
- Plus, private renters with Airbnb or VRBO have much to offer in the area, including places within minutes of the Provincial Park. These include full homes, apartments, cabins, or cottages.
Planning your trip – Little Qualicum Falls Park
What to See & Do: Little Qualicum Falls Park surrounds the Little Qualicum River before the river empties into the Georgia Strait at Qualicum Beach. And as the park boundary extends around the riverbanks, it also extends far enough west to cover the southern shores of Cameron Lake. These areas are conveniently located about halfway between Parksville and Port Alberni.
Experience riverside camping at Little Qualicum Falls Park, hike through lush forests to stunning waterfalls, or kayak serene Cameron Lake. Stay under the stars, cozy up in nearby cottages, or explore vibrant local trails and beaches. Whether picnicking by roaring falls or windsurfing across mountain-fed waters, adventure and tranquillity meet in the heart of Vancouver Island’s wild beauty.
Location and how to get there: 20km west of Parksville via BC-4A and BC-4
Little Qualicum Falls Park is located approximately 55 km (45 min drive) from Nanaimo and 165 km ( 2 hr 20 min drive) from Victoria.
Best time to go: day use open year-round; camping April-October
How much: day use free; camping $23 per night
For more information:
Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park
