Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island is a protected area featuring diverse forest types and a 25-meter waterfall that plunges into a canyon. The park includes multiple hiking trails at varying difficulty levels, camping zones with facilities, and fishing access near Buttle Lake.

British Columbia established this protected area in 1940 as part of a broader conservation initiative for the region. The decision reflected early efforts to preserve important forest ecosystems on Vancouver Island.

Indigenous peoples held deep ties to these lands, and their understanding of the forest continues to shape how the park is managed and presented to visitors. You can sense this influence in the conservation approach and educational offerings throughout the site.

Be prepared for varying weather conditions throughout the year, as the park remains open and active in all seasons. The trails are well-marked, but sturdy footwear and a map help you navigate the different terrain effectively.

The park holds populations of western redcedar, Douglas fir, and mountain hemlock that sustain black bears and cougars in their natural habitat. These tree species create a layered forest ecosystem that developed over centuries and shapes how wildlife thrives here today.