Elk Falls Provincial Park, located just 2 kilometers from downtown Campbell River on Vancouver Island, is known for its waterfall and premier year-round salmon fishing.
The park provides access to a network of forest trails and is close to the Quinsam salmon hatchery. In the fall, visitors can observe spawning salmon in the Quinsam and Campbell Rivers.
The park’s riverside camping offers proximity to a well-known fishing region. Fish such as steelhead pass by the campsite along the Quinsam River from November to March, while nearby stocked lakes offer rainbow, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden trout.
During late spring and summer, anglers often try the tidal waters for chinook or coho salmon.
The Elk Falls day-use area, 3 kilometers from the campground, features walking trails and the park’s namesake 25-meter waterfall. Additional hiking trails lead to other parts of the park, which houses a significant stand of old-growth Douglas fir.
The campground serves as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Gold River, Sayward Forest, and the parks on Quadra and Cortes Islands.
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 is situated 3 kilometers north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island along Highway 28, in the direction of Gold River. This area provides a convenient camping spot close to prime fishing waters and serves as a base for nearby excursions.
The day-use area, located 3 kilometers west of the campground also off Highway 28, offers visitors easy access to Elk Falls waterfall and suspension bridge and serves as a great spot for picnicking.
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 7 and 8, 2025: The trail above the Quinsam River to the BC Hydro Property will be closed for danger tree removal.
- May 27 to June 18, 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.
Canyon View Trail closure map available for more details.