Elk Falls Canyon Trail is located near Campbell River in North Central Vancouver Island. The main trail follows the Campbell River from Moose Falls to Elk Falls, providing a beautiful walk through an area with gigantic Douglas-fir and cedar trees, some of which are 800 years old, and views of the numerous pools along the river course.

The lookout provides a scenic view of Elk Falls, where the water falls some 50m into Elk Falls canyon. This trail is approximately 2 km long, is quite steep in some sections and can be slippery during rainy periods. It takes 45 minutes for a round trip.

The trail that follows the south side of the canyon is more difficult, with drops along this part of the canyon edge of almost 100 m, and no guardrails. Not suitable for young children.

This series of trails is accessible from Elk Falls Provincial Park, located about 7 km from Campbell River on Highway 28 to Gold River.

Turn off the highway at the top of "General Hill", cross a wooden bridge (the road to the left provides a view of the dam) to a fork in the road. The road to the right has a parking lot that overlooks the falls; the road on the left features groves of big timber.

Click for companies that offer Hiking & Backpacking services, or visit our Recreation section for more information on Hiking and Backpacking in British Columbia.

Trail information for Vancouver Island is provided in three superb Hiking Trails guides by the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society.