A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
A favourite destination on Vancouver Island is Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, which straddles the Little Qualicum River and incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake.
Impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forested setting bordered by steep mountain peaks at this park, one of the most beautiful parks on central Vancouver Island. The falls, lake swimming, shaded riverside trails and picnic facilities make Little Qualicum Falls a very popular family recreation destination. A number of walking trails are available in and around the park, offering picturesque views of the river and providing access to the upper and lower falls.
Cameron Lake is an ideal spot for swimming and fishing, as well as sail boarding, due to a wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains. The Cameron Lake and Beaufort day-use areas are located 10 minutes west of the campground on Highway 4.
Park Size: 440 hectares
Special Notes:
75 meters above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge is closed to swimming. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use, located 10 minutes west on Hwy #14.
Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. Sections o f this river contain waterfalls, strong currents and other hazards. Boating is not recommended. Jumping from bridges or cliffs is prohibited.
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.)
May 1- September 30
(Offseason: Day use only - No winter camping)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 -
September 30
Campground
Reservable Dates:>
May 15 - September
8
Total
Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
95
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.
General Visitor Information
Swimming Closure: 75 meters above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge is closed to swimming. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use, located 10 minutes west on Hwy #14.
The Little Qualicum Falls campground and day-use area is located 19 km west of Parksville on central Vancouver Island, on Highway 4. The Cameron Lake day-use area is located 23 km west of Parksville on Highway 4. The Beaufort day-use area is located 25 km west of Parksville on Hwy 4. Nearby communities include: Coombs, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni
Nature & Culture
History – 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.
Ample opportunities for fresh water canoeing or kayaking exist on Cameron Lake, which can be accessed via the Cameron Lake day-use area and the Beaufort day-use area.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British
Columbia.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in Cameron Lake. Cameron Lake is one of a few lakes in British Columbia known to have brown trout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are 6 km of walking trails throughout the park. Trails leave from the campground and Little Qualicum Falls day-use area, meandering though old-growth and second-growth forest along the Little Qualicum River. For an easy walk, hikers can leave from the day-use area and follow a loop trail to view the lower and upper waterfalls. A lookout point is located along this trail, offering spectacular views of the river and upper falls.
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.
Interpretive Programs
Every Saturday, throughout the summer, join a Park Naturalist for a Jerry's Rangers program at 3:00pm for children ages 5-11 and at 7:30pm for an all ages program or guided hike. Check with the Park Host for program locations. Click here to view a list of summer visitor interpretation programs.
In addition, campers and day users should check on notice boards, and with the Park Hosts for information on additional programs being offered during their stay as well as keep their eyes open for the friendly Park Naturalists in green shirts roving the Park..
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.
Scuba Diving
There are opportunities for fresh water scuba diving on Cameron Lake.
Swimming
Swimming Closure:
75 meters above the Middle Falls Bridge to the downstream park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge is closed to swimming. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use, located 10 minutes west on Hwy #14.
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
There are opportunities for waterskiing on Cameron Lake.
Windsurfing
A wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains makes Cameron Lake a popular windsurfing destination.
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. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located at the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area and the campground. Taps are shut off during the off-season. There is no drinking water provided at the Cameron Lake and Beaufort day-use areas.
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.
This park has three day-use/picnic areas all located within a few kilometers of each other.
Little Qualicum Falls day-use area provides picnic tables, a picnic shelter, flush toilets and fresh water. Picnicking in the campground is not permitted.
Cameron Lake day-use area provides the best swimming opportunity in the park. There are picnic tables and pit toilets provided off a small parking lot at the southern end of the lake. Fires are prohibited in the day-use area and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on beach areas.
Beaufort day-use area is a small site located along Highway 4, approximately 6 km past Little Qualicum Falls Park. It provides swimming and fishing opportunities. This small area has 2 picnic tables, 1 pit toilet and limited parking. Fires are prohibited in the day-use area and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on beach areas.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are located throughout the park at all day-use areas, locations along the trails and in the campground. Flush toilet buildings are located in the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area and in the upper campground.Pit toilets are located throughout the park at all day-use areas, locations along the trails and in the campground. Flush toilet buildings are located in the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area and in the upper campground.
Playground
There is an adventure playground at this park, located adjacent to the upper campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park has vehicle accessible campsites in two separate campgrounds,
the Upper Campground and the Lower Campground. 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
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair accessible.
