Vancouver Island Waterfalls (Part One)

Goldstream Falls

Goldstream Provincial Park is an easy stop for photographers looking to capture old-growth forests, wildlife, and waterfalls. Niagara Falls is the most well-known waterfall in the area, with easy year-round access and a prime location along the route to the trestle. But if you're willing to venture a little farther into the park, you’ll find quieter, lesser-known waterfalls—like Goldstream Falls.

Tucked into the southwest corner of the campground, Goldstream Falls feels like a hidden retreat. A well-maintained set of stairs leads down into a cool, shaded valley where mist clings to fern-covered rock walls. The river pours into a deep basin before continuing its journey through the park. In the summer, this spot doubles as a natural swimming hole—a favorite for campers looking to cool off before settling in for an evening around the fire.

From a photography perspective, the shallow river it feeds into is a huge advantage. You can walk across it, set up a tripod right in the riverbed, and shoot from nearly any angle. Unlike many waterfalls on the island, Goldstream Falls holds water year-round, meaning you won’t have to worry about showing up in mid-August to find nothing but a damp rock face.

Mary Vine Falls

Sooke Potholes is a summer favorite of any young, lower island local. Lack of classic beach area tends to keep away older patrons less willing to stake out harder to reach areas on the rocks. Plenty of cliffs for jumping keeps thrill seekers amused and without the patrols you get in similar areas such as Thetis Lake, people are generally more willing to crack a bevy with friends. It’s a beautiful area, but for photographers it’s not always the easiest place to shoot. The fast-moving water and steep cliffs make finding a good (and safe) angle tricky.

Luckily, Mary Vine Falls offers a nearby alternative. This unmarked waterfall is just a 10-minute walk from Parking Lot 2/Galloping Goose Trail, yet it remains surprisingly quiet. The waterfall itself is a wide, multi-tiered cascade, making it incredibly versatile to shoot. You can frame it as one grand waterfall or zoom in on the small pools it filters down into. The terrain lets you get up extremely close and set up gear just about anywhere. The route it’s on is not a popular hiking trail so the last three visits I had it all to myself for over an hour.

Little Qualicum Falls

Not so little. Little Qualicum Falls is a series of powerful cascades that carve through a rocky gorge, set against a backdrop of classic West Coast forest. Even in the middle of summer, the water flow is strong, making it one of the more reliable waterfalls for year-round photography.

The park is designed for easy access, with riverside trails, multiple bridge crossings, and viewpoints that make it simple to explore. If you’re headed west towards Pacific Rim National Park, this is a perfect stop to stretch your legs. You can hear the waterfalls from the parking lot, so even a quick visit is worth it—but if you have extra time, there are plenty of swim-friendly spots downstream.

For those looking to extend their stay, the campground is solid, though winter camping is restricted.