Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park is located 2 km from downtown Campbell River on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.The park was established in 1940 to protect the waterfall and canyon. The thundering falls and some of the finest year-round salmon fishing in Canada are just two of the reasons Elk Falls is one of the most popular provincial parks on Vancouver Island.

Site Review:

There are 122 campsites at Elk Falls. Some are first-come, first-served (FCFS), but most can be reserved online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. All campsites are vehicle-accessible.

The Campsites

No Services – All sites are non-electric

• Each site has a picnic table and fire pit.

• Sites are mostly level and require minimal adjustment.

• Site pads are packed dirt and gravel.

• All sites offer good privacy.

• There are 25 sites located along the Quinsam River; most (though not all) provide river access.

• All sites are set in a forested environment with ample undergrowth and trees between campsites, making each one feel quite private.

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Toilets

All toilets are pit toilets (outhouses), except for one flush toilet located near the trailer sanitation dump station.There are no showers or hot running water available.

Trailer Sanitation Dump Station

There is a $5 fee to use the dump station. Charging for trailer waste dumping is common in BC Parks. We encountered the same setup at Shuswap Provincial Park on the mainland. Potable water is available free of charge.

Activities:

Elk Falls Provincial Park stretches across a large area and offers an extensive network of forest trails.

Hiking

There are approximately 6 km of hiking trails within the park. Popular options include the Canyon View Trail and the Millennium Trail, both of which lead to Elk Falls and the suspension bridge.

Millenium Trail

If you prefer an easier hike, you can drive 3 km up Gold River Highway to Elk Falls Park Road (on the right). Follow the signs to a large parking lot. From there, take the Millennium Trail. You’ll cross a bridge, enter the forest, and head downhill toward the falls. The trail is wide, flat, and easy to follow, with about 1 km of walking from the parking lot. Metal steps lead down to the viewing platform and suspension bridge.

The Canyon Trail

The Canyon Trail, located across the road from the campground entrance, is a lovely out-and-back option if you have more time.

Elk Falls and the Suspension Bridge

The park added the suspension bridge in 2015 to mark its 75th anniversary. It stands 64 metres above the river and is the highest suspension bridge on Vancouver Island. If you’re hiking with a dog, be aware that the stairs and bridge are made of a bumpy steel grid with holes. Many dogs are uncomfortable walking on this surface. I have a Cocker Spaniel and wouldn’t have him attempt it. When we visited, my husband waited at the top of the stairs with our dog while I went down to the lookout, and then we switched. Murphy (my dog) didn’t see the falls, but he did enjoy the rest before we continued our hike.

Continuing to More Waterfalls

Most visitors explore the main Elk Falls area and then head back. However, you can continue along the trail to alternative viewpoints of the falls—and even two additional waterfalls. Simply follow the signs to the right as the path curves along the Campbell River.

Other Trails

You can access additional trails, such as the Beaver Pond Trail, right from the campground, and they meander along the Quinsam River.

Fishing:

Anglers call Campbell River the Salmon Fishing Capital of the World. It is a major migration route for all five species of Pacific salmon: Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, and Sockeye.

Head across the road from the campground entrance to reach a small fishing landing, or walk down the riverbank to claim your own quiet spot. A handful of campsites offer direct access to the Quinsam River, making it easy to cast a line close to camp. You can also reach the river via the Beaver Pond Trail, or from the path by the playground. Be sure to obtain the appropriate fishing licence before casting your line.

Biking:

You can ride your bike on the campground roads, but the park does not allow bikes on the trails. It’s a short ride into Campbell River along Highway 28, and while there is a paved shoulder, large transport and logging trucks frequently use this route. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend it as a family-friendly ride into town.

Campbell River:

Campbell River feels built for adventure. The sheer number of hotels, inns, and waterfront resorts tells you this is more than a pass-through town—it’s a destination. From salmon fishing to wildlife tours, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the wild side of the coast.

While staying at Elk Falls Provincial Park, we booked a whale watching tour—and it easily ranked as one of the highlights of our stay.

Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. More than 350 orcas inhabit the surrounding waters, and over 500 humpback whales return to feed here each year. In fact, estimates suggest more than 800 humpbacks travel through the broader British Columbia coast. With that kind of population, heading out on the water feels less like a gamble and more like a matter of when—not if—you’ll see something remarkable.

Adventure Quest Whale Watching Tour:

1. You must keep pets and domestic animals on a leash at all times.

2. Owners are responsible for their pets’ behaviour and must properly dispose of waste.

3. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife concerns, including the potential for bear encounters.

4. Elk Falls Provincial Park makes a great base for exploring everything Campbell River has to offer.

5. The campground has one flush toilet; all other washrooms are outhouses, and there are no showers.

6. The trailer dump station costs $5 per use and accepts loonies and toonies only—no bills, and no change machine on site.

7. This is bear country. The park posts plenty of signage and provides clear instructions on how to properly bear-proof your campsite.

8. Cougars also roam the area. An estimated 600 to 800 cougars live on Vancouver Island, giving it the highest cougar density in North America. While cougars tend to avoid people, you should stay alert—especially when hiking in forested areas.

IMO:

I enjoyed staying at Elk Falls Provincial Park. The campsites are spacious, and staff keep the campground well maintained. Campbell River offers plenty to see and do, and I would have happily stayed longer to explore places like Quadra Island, Miracle Beach Provincial Park, and Strathcona Provincial Park—or even book a scenic flight over the area. As a basecamp, Elk Falls is perfectly located.

As a standalone destination, though, the park feels less compelling. I prefer campgrounds with services, and this park offers none. With only one flush toilet and outhouses scattered throughout, hot days can bring a noticeable smell. The hikes are scenic and worth doing, but unless you’re visiting during fishing season, the park itself doesn’t offer a wide range of activities.

I’d recommend Elk Falls Provincial Park for a short RV stay while you explore Campbell River and the surrounding area. If I return, I’d be more inclined to stay at Miracle Beach or Strathcona, both of which offer a broader park experience.