Best waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park are situated near Campbell River on Vancouver Island, featuring accessible trails and old-growth forest. The park is home to multiple waterfalls, including Elk Falls, Moose Falls, and Deer Falls, each offering distinct characteristics. These natural features are integrated into a landscape shaped by the Campbell River and the John Hart Dam. The area provides opportunities to observe various waterfall types within a provincial park setting.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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Deer Falls is the middle of three waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park. The drop over the basalt outcrop is minimal, about 1 Meter. Deer Falls probably only became visible after the Campbell River was dammed and the water flow in the river decreased significantly. https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Deer-Falls-1909 While walking along the Riverside Loop Trail you have a good view of Deer Falls – be careful, the rocks are in the danger zone.
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Moose Falls is the uppermost of three waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park on the Campbell River below the John Hart Reservoir. The water flows from the reservoir over Moose Falls into Dolphin Pool. https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Moose-Falls-1908 Walking along the Riverside Loop Trail, you have a good view of Moose Falls and Dolphin Pool with the John Hart Dam in the background - be careful, the rocks are in the danger zone.
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The 27-meter-high Elk Falls are located in Elk Falls Provincial Park near the town of Campbell River. Since 1948, the waters of the river of the same name have been dammed by John Hart Reservoir and largely diverted for hydroelectric power generation. The waterfall maintains a constant flow year-round, although this flow never reaches its original levels. https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Elk-Falls-1910 The Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Discovery Centre/Museum at Campbell River displays a photo from December 2016, when BC Hydro released large amounts of water from John Hart Lake to reduce flood risk, plunging it over Elk Falls into the gorge.
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Elk Falls Provincial Park is home to several impressive waterfalls. The most prominent is Elk Falls, known for its dramatic 25-meter drop and suspension bridge. You can also find Moose Falls, the uppermost waterfall, and Deer Falls, which is visible along the Riverside Loop Trail.
Yes, the 60-meter suspension bridge at Elk Falls is a major highlight, offering breathtaking views 64 meters above the canyon. The path to Elk Falls is an easy 1 km forest walk from the parking lot, with a portion being wheelchair-accessible to a viewing platform. Stairs lead down to the suspension bridge and additional viewing platforms.
Yes, the trail to Elk Falls is considered easy and mostly flat, making it suitable for families. A portion of this trail is even wheelchair-accessible to a viewing platform. The park generally offers accessible and scenic natural settings for all ages.
The waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park, particularly Elk Falls, maintain a consistent flow year-round due to the John Hart Dam. However, for the most powerful display, visiting after heavy rains or during spring snowmelt can be spectacular. The lush old-growth forest surrounding the falls is beautiful in all seasons.
Beyond the waterfalls, you'll experience a stunning old-growth forest with towering Douglas firs. The park also features deep rock canyons, the Campbell River, and Dolphin Pool near Moose Falls. Various viewpoints offer perspectives of these natural monuments and the river.
Absolutely! Elk Falls Provincial Park offers extensive hiking opportunities. You can explore routes like the "Elk Falls via Millennium Trail loop" or the longer "Elk Falls – Elk Falls Suspension Bridge loop." For more options, check out the Waterfall hikes in Elk Falls Provincial Park guide.
Yes, the park and surrounding areas offer cycling routes. You can find options like the "Rotary Seawalk – Graffiti Rock loop" or explore various forest singletrack trails. For detailed routes, refer to the Cycling in Elk Falls Provincial Park guide.
Visitors frequently highlight the awe-inspiring power of Elk Falls and the exhilarating experience of walking across the suspension bridge. The easy access to stunning natural beauty, the old-growth forest, and the well-maintained trails are also highly praised, making it a true hiking highlight.
Both Moose Falls and Deer Falls can be viewed while walking along the Riverside Loop Trail. This trail offers good perspectives of these waterfalls, with the John Hart Dam visible in the background near Moose Falls.
Yes, between the outlet at John Hart Reservoir and the larger Elk Falls, there are several smaller waterfalls. One notable rocky outcrop at the outlet of Dolphin Lake features a small, unnamed waterfall that adds to the park's natural charm.
Yes, for those seeking a quieter cycling experience, there are traffic-free bike rides. Options include the "Loveland Bay Provincial Park loop from Elk Falls Protected Area" and various forest singletrack trails. You can find more details in the Traffic-free bike rides in Elk Falls Provincial Park guide.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park: