Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park

Perhaps the most magnificent park on Vancouver Island, Little Qualicum Falls incorporates the entire southern shore of Cameron Lake, adjacent to MacMillan Provincial Park and the awesome Cathedral Grove Rainforest. Cameron Lake is bordered by steep mountains: Mt. Wesley to the north and Mt. Arrowsmith to the south.

This magnificent 440-hectare park is a popular family recreation area. On hot summer days the Little Qualicum River offers a number of cool, clear pools, great for a refreshing dip. Shaded riverside trails and picnic facilities along Cameron Lake make Little Qualicum a favoured destination.

Numerous walking and hiking trails are available in and adjacent to the park. Loop trails on both sides of the Little Qualicum River provide access to numerous swimming holes and the upper and lower falls. The Wesley Ridge trail originates in the park, taking hikers on a 5 to 6 hour round trip hike up Wesley Ridge.

Refreshing dip in the Little Qualicum River

Swimming and fishing in the river and in Cameron Lake are both quite special, and sailboarding is excellent due to winds funnelled by the surrounding mountains. The Little Qualicum River is one of the few rivers in British Columbia known to have brown trout.

Facilities in the park include an adventure playground, a 105-campsite campground and scenic hiking trails.

Parking fees will be in effect at the Little Qualicum Falls, Cameron Lake and Beaufort day use areas. Fees are collected for services from April 15 to October 15. There is no winter camping although in the off-season you will have access to the day-use areas:

Little Qualicum Falls day-use area provides picnic tables, a picnic shelter, flush toilets and fresh water. Picnicking in the campground is not permitted.

Cameron Lake day-use area provides the best swimming opportunity in the park. There are picnic tables and pit toilets provided off a small parking lot at the southern end of the lake. Fires are prohibited in the day-use area and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on beach areas.