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Little Qualicum River Falls Provincial Park
Welcome
This park 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. This is 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.
location
The Little Qualicum Falls campground and day-use area is located 19 km west of Parksville. The Cameron Lake and Beaufort day-use areas are located 10 minutes west of the campground on Highway 4.
- Region: Central Vancouver Island - near Coombs, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni.
- Driving time from city centre: Under 2.5 hours from Victoria.
- For a regional map of the park's location, click here.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking:
There are 6 km of walking trails throughout the park. Trails leave from the campground and Little Qualicum Falls day-use area, meandering through the 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.
Day-Use/Picnicking:
There are three day-use/picnic areas all located within a few kilometers of each other:
1. Little Qualicum Falls day-use area: provides picnic tables, a picnic shelter, flush toilets and fresh water.
2. Cameron Lake day-use area: provides the best swimming in the park. There are picnic tables off a small parking lot at the southern end of the lake.
3. Beaufort day-use area: 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 and limited parking.
Swimming:
Swimming is allowed anywhere above the 75 meter mark past the Middle Bridge to the Upper Bridge. This area of the river is slow moving and safe for swimming. Excellent swimming opportunities also exist within the park at Cameron Lake and Beaufort Lake, northwest of the Little Qualicum Falls campground and day-use area on Hwy #4.
Canoeing and Kayaking:
Cameron Lake is an ideal spot and can be accessed via the Cameron Lake and the Beaufort day-use areas.
Viewing Opportunities:
There are wonderful viewing opportunities of the falls throughout this park.
Other Recreation:
A wind funnel created by the surrounding mountains makes Cameron Lake a popular windsurfing destination. Fishing (with the appropriate licence) and scuba diving (at Cameron Lake) are possible.
Camping opportunities
Group Sites:
There are no group campsites at this park.
Vehicle Accessible/Frontcountry Walk-in Sites:
Vehicle accessible campsites - $17.00 per party / night.
Backcountry Sites:
There are no backcountry campsites at this park.
interpretive programs
There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
Additional fees
Click here to view BC Park's General Fee Information website.
- Day-use Area Vehicle Parking Fee: $3.00 per vehicle / day or $1.00 per vehicle for the first hour.
safety and other important notes
Be sure to read our more general park safety information page.
- The river is closed to swimming from the upper bridge down to the park boundary. For safety reasons, swimming is not recommended in any of the other river pools. Those wanting to swim should visit the Cameron Lake day-use, located 10 minutes west on Hwy #14. Other areas in the park may be closed to swimming during high water periods. Check the park information shelters for swimming closure information.
- Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. Sections of this river contain waterfalls, strong currents and other hazards. Boating is not recommended.
- Jumping from bridges or cliffs is prohibited.
- Picnicking in the campground is not permitted.
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.
Toilets/Showers:
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.Wheelchair Accessibility:
Some facilities are wheelchair accessible. Contact the Park Facility Operator for detailed information.
In addition to this information, Project G.O.! recommends reviewing the BC Parks website for little qualicum river falls Provincial Park for important updates and detailed information before visiting this park.
R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
E-mail address: office@rlcenterprize.com
Phone: (250) 474-1336
other service providers at this park
There are no other listed service providers operating in this park.