Situated at the first provincial park ever established in B.C., Della Falls is a natural marvel worth making a significant trek to see with your own eyes. It’s considered a “moderate” hike there, but the 16 km journey is not for the heights-averse.
The scenic trail takes you past historic sites from the area’s early logging and mining days, as well as the beautiful Love and Della Lakes—though there are plenty of other incredible natural features to explore at this park as well.
The massive, 250,000-hectare park has dramatic landscapes and sweeping views in practically any direction you look, from remarkably deep valleys to rocky mountain peaks.
The region’s geological history can be traced back 380 million years, when ancient volcanoes once erupted on the seafloors, and mountain ranges were sculpted by thick ice sheets that wouldn’t melt until just a few thousand years ago.
If you haven’t yet stepped foot in this remarkable park, this summer is a great time to plan a trip!
One of Canada’s highest waterfalls
Della Falls is known as one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, dropping 440 metres and flowing over three cascades.
Situated in the southern remote section of the park, the trailhead to the falls is accessible by boat or canoe at the northwest end of Great Central Lake. Once you reach it, the trail takes you 16 km along the historic railway up Drinkwater Valley to the base of the falls, where a handful of camping areas await.
Note that the lake-to-trailhead area is susceptible to high winds, so exercise caution when crossing the lake.
Those looking for a less challenging, more accessible hike can opt for the journey to Forbidden Plateau, which takes visitors through vibrant sub-alpine meadows via a boardwalk and gravel trail.
The highest point on Vancouver Island
Strathcona Park is also home to the highest point on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde, which stands at an elevation of 2,200 metres above sea level.
Lake swimming
Prefer to find a lake to dip in this summer? Buttle Lake (near the Buttle Lake and Driftwood Bay campgrounds) is a designated swimming spot. While the water tends to run cold at all of the lakes in this park, you can technically enjoy a dip in any of them in the backcountry, except for Kwai Lake.
BC Parks notes that three roadless tracts exist within the park, including Big Den, Central Strathcona, and Comox Glacier. These have all been designated as nature conservatory areas, with each one protecting the natural environment, undisturbed by humans.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo and drive two hours and 16 minutes to Strathcona Provincial Park via BC-19 N.
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