It was an enjoyable short hike with a little elevation. So most can enjoy this walk. We had a three year old and she was fine. They liked the bridges over the waterfall and getting down to water level.
A little bit of a hike to the lower falls but an easy one! People swimming, jumping off rocks...a little cold! Lots of people, lots of dogs on a hot day!
There is a short, flat walk from the carpark to the bridge to view the Upper Falls. Once we crossed the first bridge we turned left and competed the 3km round trip to the Lower Falls, through old growth forest and beside steep canyon cliffs. The walk starts out flat, and descends with steps and switch backs to reach the lower falls. There is like a little pebble beach at the bottom if you wanted to swim in the rock pool. You start the climb back up, crossing over the bridge at the Lower Falls, this section going back has no steps, but again there is a steep incline with switch backs to the top. Watching the force and hearing the roar of the water at the Upper Falls and the calm and peaceful Lower Falls was well worth the drive and walk. Very pretty. It took us around 90 minutes to do the round trip. Make sure when using your GPS you select the Falls Park not the Regional Park, I am glad I researched this prior to our travels.
Great place - absolutely free to visit so no reason not to stop by! Large parking area and toilets, great place to bring a picnic too with ample seating. We stopped here on the same day as Little Qualicum Falls and we also enjoyed that a lot, but definitely preferred these. The spectacular falls are the upper falls, just a couple of minutes' walk from the car park, but it's worth following the path round to the right after you cross the bridge to see the full extent of the main falls. The lower falls are not dramatic in the same way, but the colours and clarity of the water there were unforgettable.
Saw the sign when we were on our way to the ferry and decided to call in as we had time. Well worth it. Two viewing points both within easy reach of the car pack and both had fabulous views of the falls. The bridge over the upper falls is quite high and made me a little queasy!
