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Attention
Visitors - Important Notice!
- There
are no park alerts at this time.
Park
Info:
Situated along the pristine Englishman River north of Nanaimo,
Englishman River Falls Provincial Park features two stunning
waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a
deep canyon.
This picturesque destination, set amid a lush old-growth
and second-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock
and maple, is an ideal location from which to explore and
appreciate
the incredible diversity of south central Vancouver Island,
including nearby Cathedral Grove, the Pacific Rim, and
the sandy shores of Parksville and Qualicum.
The park has
a large day-use area and campground and contains several
hiking trails that meander through the forest and
along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views
along the way, particularly from two bridges that cross
the river
where it plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter
waters below. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear
pool - an ideal swimming hole in the summer when river
levels are low and a great place to view spawning salmon
in the
fall.

Park
Size: 97
hectares
Special
Notes:
- Domestic
animals must be on a leash at all times in the park.
- Domestic
animals are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.
Management
Planning:
Management
Planning Information
Location:
Englishman
River Falls Provincial Park is located 13 km southwest
of Parksville on central Vancouver Island. Take
Errington Road off Highway 4, toward Port Alberni. Directional
signs are posted on main highways. Nearby
communities include: Parksville, Qualicum, Coombs, Errington,
Nanaimo.
Map/Brochure:
Any maps listed are for
information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be
used for navigation.

Nature & Culture:
- Natural Culture - The park was established in 1940 to protect the old-growth Douglas fir forest and the associated plant communities, as well as the area around the river and the waterfalls.According to an old legend, First Nations people in the area found the skeleton of a white man along the river near the waterfall, thus giving the falls its name. Today the park is noted for its natural beauty, which includes a deep crystal clear pool with a small rocky beach downstream from the base of the lower falls, a great fresh water swimming hole and sunbathing area.
- Conservation - Established as a park in 1940 to protect the old growth Douglas-fir forest and the associated plant communities as well as the area around the river and the waterfalls.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Visitor
Safety:
Visitor
Safety Information (park
safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For
parks that accept reservations,
all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover
Camping.
Campsite
Reservations:
Campsite
reservations
are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Explore
Parks: Fees, park listings, what
you should know before you go and other useful links.
Contact
Information:
R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
E-mail address: office@rlcparks.ca
Phone: (250) 474-1336

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This
park offers spacious vehicle accessible campsites
nestled in the mature forest. Campsite
reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served
sites are also available.
Vehicle
Accessible Camping Fee: $19.00 per party / night BC
Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$9.50 per senior's couple/night
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.)
|
April
15 - October 15
(Offseason: Campground is closed - no access or camping allowed)
Visitors may use the day-use area only. |
| Campground
Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
April
15 - October 15
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| Campground
Reservable Dates: |
May
15 - September 8 |
| Total
Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
105 |
| Number
of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
50 |
| 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. |
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Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is not
permitted at this park. There are no winter camping opportunities at this
park. The campground currently closes for the winter
from October 15 to April 15.
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There are no group campsites at this park.
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This
park has a large day-use/picnic area, located past
the campground next to the parking lot. This scenic
location nestled in the forest provides a viewing
platform overlooking the river, as well as access
to park trails. Facilities include a parking area
for approximately 105 vehicles, a picnic shelter,
picnic tables, flush toilets, fresh water and an
information shelter.
Day-use
Area Vehicle Parking Fee:
$1.00 per vehicle / hour to a maximum of $3.00 per vehicle per/day. For information about yearly parking passes, or further information
about parking fees, click
here.
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Some
facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
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Cold water taps are located at the campground and
in the day-use area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
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Pit
toilets are located in convenient locations throughout the park. There
is one flush toilet building, located near the day-use parking lot. |
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There are no showers at this park.
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There are no sani-station/dump facilities. The closest
facility is at Rathtrevor Beach
Provincial Park in
Parksville, approximately 20 minutes away.
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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. Bring
a portable stove for cooking.
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at
this park.
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Three
kilometers of well maintained walking/hiking trails
weave throughout
Englishman River Park. From
the day-use area and campground, trails lead through
the lush second-growth and old-growth forest of Douglas
fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus and maple. The paths follow
the river and lead to the upper and lower falls, providing
vies of the canyon and waterfalls along the way. The
main trail crosses the river in two places, offering
visitors a bird’s eye view as the water plunges
down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below.
The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool -
an ideal swimming hole when river levels are low. Detailed
trail maps are posted at information shelters in the
park. 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.
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There is an adventure playground with swings, slides
and climbing apparatus, located between campsites 26
and 30, in the northeast corner of the campground.
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Swimming is allowed in the river below the lower falls.
This deep crystal-clear pool is an ideal swimming hole
when river levels are low. There are no lifeguards
on duty at provincial parks.
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Kayaking, canoeing or boating is not permitted on
the river in the park..
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This park does not have a boat launch. The closest
fresh water boat launch is at Cameron Lake, off Hwy
#4, approximately 20 minutes away. The closest salt
water boat launch is at French Creek Marina, approximately
20 minutes away.
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Fishing is not permitted at Englishman River Falls
Provincial Park. Anglers can check the current regulations
issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for fishing opportunities
around the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British
Columbia must have an appropriate
licence.
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Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets
are mandatory in BC. .
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No horseback riding.
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Pets/domestic
animals must be on a leash and under control all times. 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.
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A
number of viewing stations in the park offer spectacular views of the forest
and river canyon. 
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No
winter recreation opportunities. |
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No
SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities. |
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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This
park is closed to hunting. |
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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No
cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. |
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