Exploring the Beauty of Englishman River Falls Park

In the late summer, the water flow at Englishman River falls is almost perfect. When the rains arrive in early winter, the water flow increases dramatically and the shear volume is impressive. However, the rock forms of the river bottom are hidden under the violent winter water. Exploring the beauty of this provincial park in August allows for a more meditative experience.

Nestled in the lush temperate rainforest of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park is an excellent destination. The park offers a beautiful blend of nature viewing, outdoor adventure, and a peacefulness that is perfect for relaxation. Located just 20 minutes from Parksville and a little over two hours from Victoria, this 97-hectare park is a just off the beaten track destination for families, tourists and locals alike. It’s a short detour on the long drive to Tofino and Ucluelet, but definitely worth it.

Discovering the Falls

From the parking area, the upper main falls are a short 5 minute walk. Water plunges dramatically down into a narrow, 24 m deep, gorge. While there is a view point on the right side of the waterfall, a bridge over the canyon offers a spectacular view. Long exposure photography from this vantage point is tricky. It’s important to use a tripod and wait for the bridge to be clear of other visitors. Any movement on the bridge can cause vibration and camera shake. Exercising some meditative patience at this viewpoint does come with rewards.

Wide view of Englishman River Falls
Water flows over a wide rock shelf before dropping over the edge of the main waterfall.
Englishman River Falls
The main waterfall on the Englishman River, viewed from the observation bridge.

A small gravel beach at the top of the falls is accessible on the far side of the main bridge. With caution, this area gives a unique view of the water fall as it plunges into the gorge below. The slower side channels and water-worn rocks can be interesting foreground for landscape photographers. It is important to move slowly and carefully here. You don’t want to get too close to the drop and end up in the churning water below.

Looking down the Englishman River Falls
Looking down the Englishman River towards the canyon created by the main falls.
Bridge Crossing the Englishman River
A slow moving side channel descends into the canyon carved by the Englishman River falls.

What’s in a Name?

There are several stories about the origin of the English name of the Englishman River. The indigenous name of the river, Kw’a’luxw, comes from the Coast Salish dialect of Halkomelem. The name means “dog salmon” and refers to the river’s salmon which spawn below the major waterfall in the park. Various accounts identify the discovery of a white settler’s body in the river below the falls as the source of the English name Englishman River. George Tranfield recounts a less dramatic origin of the name in a Times Colonist article (May 8, 1977). According to Tranfield, the name is simply a reference to a white man named Hirst who settled near the river. Hirst was known as “that Englishman by the river.”

A Pleasant Walk through Temperate Rainforest

The 1.5 km long “Falls Loop” takes walkers on an easy hike through lush temperate rainforest. The trail makes its way downstream on the far side of the upper falls bridge, passing through towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock trees. In late summer the forest can be quite dry. Botanists who are interested in wildflowers should plan to visit earlier in the spring. Mushroom hunters will be rewarded in the late fall and early winter once the the rain returns. Enjoy the plants and mushrooms in this provincial park but remember that collecting and harvesting is prohibited.

Trees and moss
Fallen trees are covered by moss and slowly break down returning nutrients to the forest ecosystem.

The park’s old growth forest and river habitat support a rich diversity of plants. Trailside, sword fern and vanilla leaf are common. More unusual plants can be discovered if one is looking for them at the right time of year. While there are some changes in elevation over the course of the loop trail, this is definitely suitable for families with young children. The wide gravel trails are also stroller friendly.

Trail to the lower falls
The trail descends down to the bridge crossing the Englishman River at the lower falls.
Fallen trees
Fallen trees covered in moss and sword fern are visible from the trail.

Lower Falls

The upper falls are the main attraction at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park but the lower falls are beautiful as well. In the summer, water flows under a large boulder that blocks the river into a deep, downstream pool. Below this point is an access point to a pool that is popular with swimmers during the hot months of July and August. The water is cold and refreshing! When winter rainfall causes the Englishman River to swell in volume, water flows over top of the boulder creating a small but dramatic waterfall.

Lower Falls
Lower falls on the Englishman River.

Worth the Visit

This hidden gem of a provincial park is well worth the visit. If you’re exploring the Parksville/Qualicum area make sure to add this dramatic waterfall to your list. Consider combining it with a stop at the nearby Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park or Triple Falls for a wonderful, waterfall day. Englishman River Falls also makes for a great picnics stop on the longer journey to the west coast destinations of Tofino and Ucluelet.

Getting There

From Highway 4A (between Parksville and Coombs), watch for the signs for Errington Road and Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Turn onto Errington Road and follow signage to the parking area. Note that there is also a BC Parks campsite as well as the day use area in this provincial park.

2245 Errington Rd, Errington, BC V0R 1V0, Canada