Englishman River Falls Park sits along the Englishman River north of Nanaimo and 13 kilometres southwest of Parksville. BC Parks highlights two waterfalls cascading through a descending riverbed into a deep canyon.
The park has a large day-use area, a campground, and trails through old-growth and second-growth forest.
Englishman River Falls is a strong Vancouver Island stop for waterfall viewing, camping, forest walking, swimming in season, and short canyon photography. Trails meander through Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus, and maple forest along the river.
BC Parks lists three kilometres of well-maintained walking and hiking trails. From the day-use area and campground, paths lead to the upper and lower falls and cross the river in two places, giving visitors a high view as the water drops through the narrow rock canyon toward quieter water below.
The lower falls end in a deep, clear pool that is used as a swimming hole in summer when river levels are low. The same area is also a place to view spawning salmon in fall. Fishing, however, is not permitted in Englishman River Falls Park.
Plan around frontcountry camping, waterfall viewpoints, river canyon bridges, forest walking, lower-falls swimming during low water, fall salmon viewing, viewing stations, Discover Parks programs, roadway and designated-trail cycling, and signed e-biking.
Reserve camping when needed, keep pets leashed and out of beach areas and buildings, obey posted trail signs, use posted trail maps, and remember that fishing is not allowed in the park.
