Little Qualicum Falls: An Easy Waterfall Walk Near Qualicum Beach

Little Qualicum Falls is a provincial park on Highway 4, 19 km west of Parksville, where waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in old-growth forest. An easy loop trail from the day-use area takes you past the lower and upper falls, with a lookout over the river and the upper falls. It's a small park, and for us it is a must-stop in the area: astonishing waterfalls with easy hiking.

Where is Little Qualicum Falls?

The falls are in Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, on Highway 4 between Coombs and Port Alberni, 19 km west of Parksville. The park follows the Little Qualicum River and also takes in the south shore of Cameron Lake further west.

From Five Gables it is about 13 km as the crow flies; the drive is longer.

How long is the Little Qualicum Falls hike?

The waterfall loop is a short, easy walk from the day-use area; the whole park has about 6 km of trails. The trails wind through old-growth and second-growth forest along the Little Qualicum River, so you can make the visit as short or as long as you like.

How hard is the trail?

BC Parks describes the falls loop as an easy walk. Riverbanks can be very slippery, so stay away from cliffs and the edges of the gorge, and keep to the signed trails.

Can you swim at Little Qualicum Falls?

Not near the falls. The river is closed to swimming from 75 metres above the Middle Falls Bridge down to the park boundary below the Lower Falls Bridge, and other areas may close in high water. Jumping from bridges or cliffs is prohibited.

For a swim, BC Parks points you to the Cameron Lake day-use area, 10 minutes west on Highway 4, with picnic tables and pit toilets. Fires are not allowed there, and dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Can you bring a dog?

Yes, on a leash at all times, but not on beaches or in park buildings. Pick up after your dog.

Where do you park, and what's there?

Park at the Little Qualicum Falls day-use area, where the loop starts. It has picnic tables, a picnic shelter, flush toilets and cold-water taps. The taps are shut off in the off-season, so bring water in winter.

BC Parks lists no day-use pass for the park. The gate has set hours in summer only; in winter it stays open unless the park is snowed in.

The park also has two campgrounds if you want to stay overnight in a tent or camper.

When is the best time to see the falls?

Any time of year works, but check the swimming and trail notices at the park's information shelters before you go. Water levels change with the seasons, and BC Parks may close extra areas in high water.

What to bring

• Shoes with good grip for wet rock and roots near the river.
• Water in winter, when the taps are off.
• A picnic: the day-use area has tables and a shelter.

What can you combine with Little Qualicum Falls?

Continue west on Highway 4 to Cathedral Grove, where the old-growth Douglas firs are more than 800 years old. The two make an easy half-day from Qualicum Beach, with Cameron Lake in between for a summer swim.

Coombs, home of the famous goats on the roof, is one of the park's nearest communities.

For quieter walks nearer the suite, try the Hamilton Marsh Loop, or browse our favourite beaches, parks and trails.

Staying nearby

Five Gables is a one-suite B&B in Qualicum Beach, a short drive from the falls, so you can be on the trail in the morning and back in the private hot tub by the afternoon. You can check dates and book directly with us: no platform fees, and you talk to us, the hosts.