Elk Falls Provincial Park, located just a few kilometers from Campbell River, is known for its waterfall, campground, and premier year-round salmon fishing.
Elk Falls Visitor Info
Elk Falls Campground
Officially known as the Quinsam Campground (but often referred to as the “Elk Falls Campground”) is a favorite of both locals and visitors. It’s only about 10 minutes from Campbell River, making it a very convenient, family-friendly spot.
Note: The official name is “Quinsam Campground”, but most folks refer to is as the “Elk Falls Campground”.
It’s a great base for exploring our area, and also nearby day-trips to Gold River, Sayward Forest, and Quadra and Cortes Islands.
Tip: Reservations go fast, but the park maintains about 50 campsites that are first-come, first-serve. (and all sites are first-come / first-serve in the winter.
Suspension Bridge
The Elk Falls day-use area, 3 kilometers from the campground, features walking trails and the park’s namesake 25-meter waterfall & famous suspension bridge. Additional hiking trails lead to other parts of the park, which houses a significant stand of old-growth Douglas fir.
Fishing
The park’s riverside camping offers easy-access to our well-known fishing opportunities. Fish such as steelhead pass by the campsite along the Quinsam River from November to March, while our nearby stocked lakes offer rainbow, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden trout.
In the fall, visitors can see spawning salmon in the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers.
During late spring and summer, anglers often try the tidal waters for chinook or coho salmon.
Elk Falls Address & Directions
It can be confusing for tourists, as Elk Falls Provincial Park is split into two main areas: the Quinsam Campground and the day-use area, which features the park’s iconic waterfall.
The Quinsam Campground (aka Elk Falls Campground) is situated 3 kilometers north of Campbell River along Highway 28, in the direction of Gold River. This area provides a convenient camping spot close to prime fishing waters and a base for nearby excursions, including the falls.
The day-use area, located 3 kilometers west of the campground also off Highway 28, offers visitors access to Elk Falls waterfall and suspension bridge and a popular spot for picnicking & hiking.
The park is interwoven with a network of trails that connect these distinct areas and explore the surrounding forest, for lots of opportunities for hiking and observing local wildlife.
Notice: Canyon View Trail Closure 2025
Canyon View Trail will be temporarily closed during specific times for essential maintenance and safety work.
- May 27 to June 20, 2025: A closure will be in effect for the south side trail along the highway above the Quinsam River to the BC Hydro Property. This is necessary for the safe removal and reconstruction of damaged retaining walls and trail sections.
- The affected area stretches from the Quinsam River confluence parking area to the BC Hydro Property parking area.
Other sections of Canyon View Trail remain open, along with the Millennium Trail, Suspension Bridge, and the Ridge/Water Tower trails in Elk Falls Park. Please follow all closure signs and measures for your safety and the safety of the trail crews.
See the Canyon View Trail closure map or this BCparks page for more details, closures, and other advisories.