Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Upper Day-Use Area - Parking / Trails
Click here for a map with important information regarding trail improvements. [PDF 2.55MB]
Caution:
May 16 to May 30, 2012
BC Hydro is conducting a ground water drill hole monitoring program within the area of the lower parking area (right turn off) under authorization from BC Parks.
Visitors with larger RV type vehicles are strongly encouraged to use the larger capacity upper parking area (left turn off). All parking and trails are still accessible.
Please adhere to directions provided by the on-site attendant, closures around equipment, and watch for heavy trucks.
Caution:
May 22 to June 15, 2012
Park visitors need to take great caution while in the park, particularly the area above Elk Falls and all river side areas. It is recommended that park visitors do not venture out on the rocks at areas above Elk Falls but if you do: Please stay away from the waters edge, wear appropriate footwear, walk slowly and deliberately.
In an effort to improve public safety and increase hazard awareness - improvements are being scheduled for construction this spring.
Elk Falls Park - Park Wide Storm Event:
Click here for a map with important information regarding trail improvements. [PDF 2.55MB]
Caution:
May 16 to May 30, 2012
BC Hydro is conducting a ground water drill hole monitoring program within the area of the lower parking area (right turn off) under authorization from BC Parks.
Visitors with larger RV type vehicles are strongly encouraged to use the larger capacity upper parking area (left turn off). All parking and trails are still accessible.
Please adhere to directions provided by the on-site attendant, closures around equipment, and watch for heavy trucks.
Caution:
May 22 to June 15, 2012
Park visitors need to take great caution while in the park, particularly the area above Elk Falls and all river side areas. It is recommended that park visitors do not venture out on the rocks at areas above Elk Falls but if you do: Please stay away from the waters edge, wear appropriate footwear, walk slowly and deliberately.
In an effort to improve public safety and increase hazard awareness - improvements are being scheduled for construction this spring.
Elk Falls Park - Park Wide Storm Event:
March 12, 2012
Caution: As a result of severe weather experienced in the region some hazards may be present throughout the park.
- Water Hazards: A large entrapment hazard ( tree sweeper ) is located on the Campbell River, just above the Catalyst Pump House. It poses a serious hazard to river navigation. All river users are advise to put in below it.
- Park Facility Areas: All campgrounds and day-use areas are open, some storm debris is located in adjacent areas and on some trail locations, please use caution and stay on designated trails.
About This Park
A thundering waterfall 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. Add to that the extensive network of forest trails, the nearby Quinsam salmon hatchery and, in the fall, the sight of spawning salmon in the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers, and it’s easy to see why this provincial park is considered one of the best campground accommodations in the “Salmon Capital of the World”.This convenient location - just 2 kilometres from downtown Campbell River on central Vancouver Island - provides quiet riverside camping in the heart of a world-renowned fishing area. And you don’t have to go far to find fish — from November to March, the Steelhead run right by the campsites on the Quinsam River. As spring progresses, lakes in the area — many of which have been stocked — ripple with rainbow, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout. During late spring and through the summer, fishermen head to the tidal waters to fish for Chinook or coho salmon.
After a morning fishing, pack a picnic lunch and take a cool stroll to the Elk Falls day-use area. Just 3 km from the campground, this picnic area contains easy walking trails and the plunging 25-metre waterfall that gives this park its name. Hiking trails also lead to other areas in the park, which is home to the only significant stand of old-growth Douglas fir north of MacMillan Provincial Park.
The large campground at Elk Falls Provincial Park provides a convenient base camp for day tripping. Gold River, destinations in the Sayward Forest, Kelsey Bay, Rock Bay, and the parks of Quadra and Cortes Islands are within easy reach.
Park Size: 1,087 hectares
| Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
|
|---|---|
| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Open year round |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 1 – October 15 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 15 – September 2 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 122 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
48 |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
Reservations
Reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Location and Maps
The Quinsam campground at Elk Falls Provincial Park is located 3 km north of Campbell River on central Vancouver Island on Hwy 28 toward Gold River. The Elk Falls day-use areas are located 3 km west of the campground off Hwy 28.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Park Brochure [PDF 72KB]
- Park Map [PDF 87KB]
Nature and Culture
- In the campground, each of the campsite posts identifies a tree, shrub or flower growing adjacent to the post or near the campsite. Here is a Guide [PDF 15KB] explaining the plant names and additional comments.
- Wildlife - Wildlife in Elk Falls Park includes a variety of small mammals and birds. Great blue herons, killdeer, Glaucous-winged gulls, crows, Chestnut-backed chickadees, Golden-crowned kinglets and starlings are the most abundant resident bird species. Mammals include deer, bears and cougars, as well as shrews, squirrels, voles, raccoons, mink, river otters, muskrat and beaver. A beaver dam and pond are located west of the campground. Roosevelt elk also utilize portions of the park for winter range. Fish species include steelhead, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout, Three Spine Stickleback, fresh water Sculpin and Chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye salmon.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Online Management planning information is available in pdf format for this park.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Cycling is permitted on roadways in the park and mountain bike opportunities exist on the Pumphouse Trails, which connect to the Snowden Demonstration Forest trail network. The Pumphouse Trail network is best accessed from near the water tower uphill of the logging road bridge over the Campbell River. Click here to view a detailed trail map. [PDF 4.05MB] Trail and stunt construction is prohibited.
Fishing
Fresh water fishing in Quinsam and Campbell River, as well as, saltwater/ocean fishing near the town of Campbell River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
An extensive 6 km trail system offers a variety of hiking opportunities within Elk Falls Provincial Park. Click Here to View Detailed Trail Information.
In the day-use area there is a short trail to the magnificent old growth Douglas fir forest. Another system of trails will take you to Elk, Moose and Deer Falls, found along this portion of the Campbell River. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
In the day-use area there is a short trail to the magnificent old growth Douglas fir forest. Another system of trails will take you to Elk, Moose and Deer Falls, found along this portion of the Campbell River. Detailed trail maps are located at the day-use areas and in the campground.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There are swimming holes near the falls at the day-use area of the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing platforms are located at the day-use area near the falls, as well as along the Canyon View Trail. These sites offers spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and waterfalls.
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite.
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located in the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use area, located 3 km west of the campground off Hwy 28. The area has 2 parking lots - one adjacent to a viewpoint and the other with picnic tables, pit toilets, and an information shelter. Trails link the parking lots. This area also offers opportunities for picnicking on the rocks near the river.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are located throughout the campground and day-use area. Flush toilets are located at the sani-station in the campground.
Playground
There is an adventure playground and sports field at the campground at this park.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is located in the campground and is available during the collecting season.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 122 vehicle accessible campsites. Approximately 25 of these sites border the Quinsam River; the rest are set in a second-growth forest. The Quinsam Campground entrance is located on the west side of the Quinsam Bridge. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
Winter Camping
Winter Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $11.00 per party / night
