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Elk Falls Provincial Park

Top 4 Waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park

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.

Best waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park

  • The most popular waterfall is Elk Falls, a waterfall that plunges 27 meters into a gorge. A suspension bridge offers views directly into the canyon and of the falls below.
  • Another must-see spot is Small Waterfall at the Outlet of Dolphin Lake, a waterfall located between the John Hart Reservoir and Elk Falls. This waterfall is one of several smaller cascades in the area.
  • Visitors also love Deer Falls, a waterfall with a minimal drop of about 1 meter over a basalt outcrop. It can be viewed while walking along the Riverside Loop Trail.
  • Elk Falls Provincial Park is known for its plunging waterfalls, tiered cascades, and smaller drops over basalt outcrops. Visitors can explore a variety of waterfall formations within the park.
  • The waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with 132 upvotes and 79 photos shared for the highlights.

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Elk Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

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.
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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Deer Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

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.
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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Between the outlet at John Hart Reservoir and the large Elk Falls lie several small waterfalls. The rocky outcrop at the outlet of Dolphin Lake remains unnamed.

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Moose Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

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.
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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Tips from the Community

Hubert Trapp
July 2, 2025, Deer Falls

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.

2

0

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.

2

0

Between the outlet at John Hart Reservoir and the large Elk Falls lie several small waterfalls. The rocky outcrop at the outlet of Dolphin Lake remains unnamed.

2

0

Hubert Trapp
July 2, 2025, Elk Falls

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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Christoph
August 6, 2022, Elk Falls

Highlight of the hike

Translated by Google

2

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Ramon
June 17, 2022, Elk Falls

A true hiking highlight! A visit is definitely worthwhile.

Translated by Google

4

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main waterfalls to see in Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

Is the suspension bridge at Elk Falls accessible to visitors?

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.

Are there family-friendly trails to the waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

What is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see besides the waterfalls?

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.

Are there hiking trails near the waterfalls in Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

Can I go cycling in Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about Elk Falls Provincial Park?

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.

Where can I view Moose Falls and Deer Falls?

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.

Is there a small, unnamed waterfall in the park?

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.

Are there any traffic-free bike rides available in the area?

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.

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

Rocky MountainsCoast MountainsArea A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)Vancouver IslandArea A (Wells Gray Country)Cariboo MountainsWells Gray Provincial ParkElectoral Area AMonashee MountainsArea C (Arrowsmith-Benson)Yoho National ParkArea C (Pemberton Valley/Mount Currie/D'Arcy)Area H (Canim Lake/Forest Grove)Area D (Oyster Bay/Buttle Lake)Area A (Kyuquot/Nootka/Sayward)Area D (Elaho/Garibaldi)NanaimoArea G (Forster Creek/Mount Assiniboine)Selkirk MountainsArea A (Upper Flathead/Elk Valley)Area F (McConnell Creek/Hatzic Prairie)Pitt MeadowsPurcell MountainsMaple RidgeArea B (Discovery Islands/Mainland Inlets)Area H (Lighthouse Country)Kootenay National ParkArea F (Columbia Lake/Windermere Lake)Area D (Kiskatinaw Valley)Area F (Alberni Highway)

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