Elk Falls Park is one of Vancouver Island's most popular provincial parks, just north of Campbell River. BC Parks highlights a thundering waterfall, year-round salmon fishing, forest trails, nearby Quinsam salmon hatchery, and spawning salmon in the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers in fall.
Quinsam Campground is three kilometres north of Campbell River on Highway 28, while Elk Falls day-use areas are three kilometres west of the campground.
Elk Falls is a high-value base for waterfall walks, river camping, fishing, and forest trail time near the Salmon Capital of the World. The day-use area includes easy walking trails and the plunging 25 metre waterfall that gives the park its name.
BC Parks lists an extensive six kilometre trail system, with short access to old-growth Douglas fir forest and trails to Elk, Moose, and Deer Falls along the Campbell River. Viewing platforms near the falls and along the Canyon View Trail offer views of deep rock canyons and waterfalls.
Fishing options include Quinsam and Campbell River freshwater fishing, plus saltwater and ocean fishing near Campbell River. Cycling is allowed on roadways, and mountain bike opportunities exist on the pumphouse trails connecting toward the Snowden demonstration forest trail network.
Plan around Quinsam camping, waterfall walks, old-growth forest trails, salmon and trout fishing, spawning-salmon timing, viewing platforms, swimming holes near the falls, roadway cycling, pumphouse mountain biking, and signed e-biking.
Reserve frontcountry camping when needed, follow posted trail signs, keep pets leashed, check fishing regulations, and use detailed park maps for trail and parking locations around the day-use areas and campground.
