Coastal BC has many Rivers, streams, and creeks, some are big, and some are small. Some are long and some are short. They all are beautiful. We have Rivers to canoe, rivers to raft, and some of the best steelhead Rivers in the world. Some flow down from the mountains through untouched valleys and some are full of big, hard-fighting fish.
Adam River
The Adam River is a nice river where you can always see wildlife and there are many birds who nest in the area. Every time I have been here, I have seen black bears, blacktail deer, herds of elk, cougars, and smaller animals like otters, pine martins and raccoons is also quite numerous and the birdlife here would satisfy any birder who visits. So if you are heading to this river, bring your camera and expect to be amazed. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Amor De Cosmo Creek
The Amour De Cosmo Creek flows out of Grace Lake, on its journey to the ocean it crosses the North Island Highway about 8 km past Roberts Lake. After crossing the Highway it flows into McCreight Lake, after passing through this lake it runs through a number of slow almost pond-like areas of the river before flowing right down to the Pacific, just south of Palmer Bay. Read More….
Artlish River
The Artlish River has some awesome steelhead trout fishing in March and April and in the fall, sea-run cutthroat and coho salmon are in abundance and provide some incredible fishing. This river is very remote but can be accessed through some rough logging roads from Zeballos on the west coast of the Island. Read More….
Ash River
With its headwaters in Strathcona Provincial Park, the Ash River is a beautiful little stream that winds its way through some very pretty lakes, valleys and deep gorges before entering the Stamp River system, northwest of Port Alberni. This is one of the nicest watersheds on the island, I always love visiting it. Read More….
Atluck Creek
The Atluck Creek Canyon runs through the Husan Cave System. There are a number of interesting karst features, including a natural bridge, and a large “cathedral” cave entrance where the creek flows underground for 60 meters. The bridge feature is unique to Vancouver Island. Trails lead you through the area and give you some really nice views of the river. Read More….
Bedwell River
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the absolutely beautiful Bedwell River Valley. This is one of the most awesome places on Vancouver Island and one that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The river runs from Bedwell Lake to Bedwell Sound. The Bedwell River valley was first surveyed in 1856 by John Buttle, who found gold in the valley. Read More….
Benson Creek
Nanaimo has some incredible Rivers, creeks, and waterfalls, all are fairly easy to reach and they are for the most part well worth the hike. A short but very pleasant hike will take you to Benson Creek. The hike in is quite pleasing and you could see deer, raccoons, possible elk or black bears along with any number of birds. Looking down, you might see some of the forest floor creatures like snakes, salamanders, and frogs. At the end of the trail, you will also reach Ammonite Falls. Read More….
Benson River
There is a magical karst system in the area around Benson River, here you can see the Devil’s Bath, a huge cenote that is formed in a very large bowl of rock, its water is constantly filled by an underwater cave that connects to the Benson River. You can also see the disappearing river, this is another beautiful place, where the river flows down a canyon and into a cave that drops down quite a ways. Another two km further along and it reappears again. Read More….
Big Tree Creek
Big Tree Creek flows under the highway just south of Sayward. It’s a very pretty creek that has its headwaters in the Prince Of Wales Mountain Range on Vancouver Island. There are a number of trails that run through these mountains. There is a pretty awesome waterfall just below the highway bridge that is not to hard to get down too, providing you are in shape, it’s steep and quite brushy so take your time and keep your feet under you. Read More….
Black Creek
There is a trail that will take you along the side of Black Creek until it flows into the sea, this is a premier trail. There are some pretty nice views here as this is a very pretty creek and plenty of flowers, wildlife, and birds to see so bring your camera when you visit. Read More…..
Brown River
The Brown River is located on Vancouver Island, in the Comox Valley area. It is an awesome little river with an incredible series of waterfalls called the Medicine Bowl Falls. In the winter, these falls are just wild, but in the summer months, the water flow slows down and you can swim in the bowls that have been carved out by the water, the water gets nice and warm, and it’s great. One of my favourite Rivers. Read More….
Cameron River
The Cameron River starts at Labour Day Lake and after running through the Cameron River Canyon it flows into Cameron Lake, Cameron Lake is located on the Port Alberni Highway. You will find a picnic area and boat launch at the east end of Cameron Lake and the beginning of Cathedral Grove Forest at the west end, you can see some very impressive trees in this park. Macmillan Provincial Park runs along the south side of the lake. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Campbell River
The Campbell River is only 5 km long but in its short run is some of the best fishing on the Island. I have fished this river for more than 55 years and still love it. Along its banks, you will find some great fishing spots, but in the fall you will need to share this river with others, they come here to fish for pinks. The pink fishery is incredible and the river fills with them, and the river shore fills with fishermen looking to hook into some. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Caycuse River
The Caycuse River flows into Nitinat Lake. The river offers summer and winter runs of steelhead. The river is open only to fly fishing above Hatton Creek. This is a really pretty river, with lots of areas to fish. The fly fishing on this river is quite exciting and when you hook into a big one, it’s a real thrill. We like to release all that we catch in this river. Read More….
Cluxwe River
The small Cluxwe River flows into Broughton Strait just north of Port McNeill on the east coast of North Vancouver Island. Despite its relatively short length, the Clux’we River supports a sizeable run of winter steelhead and a few sea-run cutthroats. The stocking of cutthroat trout has been initiated in the hope of developing the fishery for this species. Read More….
Coleman Creek
Coleman Creek flows out of Darlington Lake, located on Bamfield Road just west of the old Franklin Camp Site. The creek is a great little fishing spot where you can catch some nice-sized cutthroat trout and a few big dollies as well. There are winter and summer runs of steelhead here and the salmon runs are awesome to watch at the lower end. Read More….
Consort Creek
To get to Consort Creek and Stewart Lake, just drive to the Sayward Valley turn-off, but turn left here off the highway and follow the white river main for about 30 km. You will go to the white river park where there are many big trees and Rivers, it’s a nice place to stop. Continue up the White River Mainline until you come to Stewart Lake rd, follow this road until you get to the lake. Read More….
Conuma River
Conuma River is located on the road to Tahsis and is quite the river. The Conuma Gorge that is found just off the road is incredible. If you turn right just past the Conuma River bridge and drive up maybe a km, you can view this creek in all its glory, but be careful, if you slip into this gorge, you could disappear forever. I wonder if this creek has ever been kayaked before or even if it would be possible.The Conuma Rivers power is incredible. Read More….
Cowichan River
The famous Cowichan River is one of those Rivers that fishing shows love to highlight, l recently watched a fishing show on TV about this river and it sure got me going, the brown trout they were catching were incredible. The beautiful scenery and awesome fishing bring anglers from all over the world to try their luck at the Cowichan. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Davie River
Schoen Lake and the Davie River give you access to wilderness hiking, fishing and camping, the lake and its outflow river is in one of the most beautiful areas on Vancouver Island. Schoen Lake Park is located northwest of Campbell River in the Nimpkish Valley, the park is a little more primitive than some parks, but the chance to view nature in all its glory more than makes up for the lack of modern amenities. This is a nice lake with breathtaking beauty all around it. Read More….
Elk Creek
Elk Creek starts up in the New Castle Mountain Range and is a fairly active stream until you reach the valley floor. It crosses the highway first close to Keta Lake and then runs through a canyon, it then levels out and crosses the highway again just past the Elk Creek campground. This is a small, shady site next to the creek. An open forest makes for easy exploration. Read More….
Elk River
The Elk River is a very pretty little river located just outside Gold River, the fishing is awesome and the wildlife viewing is out of this world. Then there is the Elk River trail, one of the highlights of the North Island. The Elk River Trail is a very pleasant and popular trail through a forested valley with some very big trees, the trail is suitable for family hikes. The trail was once an old elk trail that has been improved over the years. Read More….
Englishman River
Located in the Errington, Coombs area, the Englishman River is just north of Nanaimo, the river flows into the sea at the south end of Parksville. The River Falls Provincial Park features two incredible beautiful waterfalls that descend down to the river flowing in an awesome canyon below. These waterfalls and canyon are set in a wet and lush West Coast rain forest Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar trees and are a great area from which to explore the incredible diversity of Vancouver Island. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Eve River
Fishing is improving in the Eve River and one of the best places to fish is at the junction pool, where the Eve joins Adam River. It’s such a beautiful spot located where the two Rivers join, the fish can get pretty big here. The spot is so nice that l never really care if I get a bite, it’s nice to just be here. The Steelhead Society’s habitat restoration corporation has done some incredible work in both these Rivers as well in the Kunnum, Montague, and Tlatlos Creeks. Read More….
French Creek
The small community of French Creek, on Highway 19A, can be found just north of Parksville. French Creek is a well-protected harbour and is the base of a large commercial fishing fleet along with many tourist-orientated charter operations that take guests on a variety of wildlife adventures. The marina is well used by the yachting and boating communities from the local areas and from many other locations around the world. Read More….
Gold River
The Gold River flows through the town of Gold River and empties into Muchalat Inlet, 14 km below the town. If you don’t mind cold, really cold water, you can take a dip in the clean, clear waters of the Glacier River. You can also take a trip down the rapids in a tube. A popular swimming spot in town is the Heber River Canyon or the more adventurous can leap from the cliffs at Peppercorn Park. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Goodspeed River
The Goodspeed River is located in Holberg. The wildlife here is awesome and you can expect to see black bears, Roosevelt elk, blacktail deer, wolves, cougars and any number of the smaller guys like raccoons, pine martins, squirrels or mink. The birds here come in huge numbers and variety and if you look out to see, you can see otters, seals and just maybe a whale or two. Read More….
Gordon River
The Gordon River is a river fed by rain, there really is no spring melt so the best time to put in is during the heavy fall and winter rainstorms. The extent of the watershed allows the Middle Gordon to keep up a high flow for at least a week after a good rainstorm. The river runs alongside the Gordon River FSR which is accessible from both Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan. The beginning of Middle Gordon begins just below Loup Creek, you can put in below the bridge. Read More….
Harris Creek
Harris Creek joins the San Juan River, south of the bridge, close to the town of Port Renfrew on southern Vancouver Island. The creek is quite long and has varying types of flow, everything from raging canyon drops, to calm lowland flows at the San Juan Joining. The upper Harris Creek is a wild raging stream that has many drops, rapids, and falls while the lower stream is much calmer. Read More….
Jordan River
The Jordon River flows into the Pacific at the town of Jordan River, the river has some good fishing and some awesome scenery, but the best part of the area is the surfing at the sea. Jordon River is one of those surf areas you like to be at on windy days. The beach itself has sandy patches but is mostly big, round, worn boulders. The River is located in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, along the west coast road about 60 km up from Victoria. Read More….
Koksilah River
The Koksilah River Provincial Park is 7 km west of Shawnigan Lake on southern Vancouver Island. The Koksilah Trestle is located here. This park is undeveloped. It is located in the Vancouver Island Forest Reserve and offers good hiking, fishing, swimming and a nice place for picnicking all in the scenic surroundings of the Koksilah River and canyon. The river has a 6 km whitewater kayak run above the burnt bridge, one of the best whitewater runs on southern Vancouver Island. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Leiner River
There are several great hiking trails that run alongside the leiner river, one is called the bouldering trail and it runs through, under and over some enormous boulders and gives you some great views of the river as it tumbles down from the mountains. Then there is the Leiner River boardwalk trail that runs from the trailhead just outside of town right down to the salt flats. Read More….
Little Qualicum River
A favourite destination on Vancouver Island is the Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, which straddles the Little Qualicum River and incorporates Cameron Lake. There are plenty of trails, picnic areas, and 93 maintained campsites. Waterfalls tumble down rocky canyons in a rainforest setting framed by giant first-growth trees at this park, one of the prettiest parks on Vancouver Island. Read More….
Mahatta River
The Mahatta River flows westwards from O’Connell Lake into Quatsino Sound on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Access to the Mahatta River is over rough logging roads from the northern town of Port Alice. Camping facilities are available at recreation sites on the river and at O’Connell Lake, there is a boat launch at the Mahatta River Logging Camp. Read More….
Marble River
Hike down the Marble River trail to watch the salmon spawning in the fall, there is an awesome salmon spawning viewing area near the trailhead and also at bear falls. There is a fish ladder located at bear falls. Black bears use the park, especially during the salmon spawning season, so please be bear-aware. There is also the chance you might see other animals along this river corridor. Read More….
Menzies Creek
Menzies Creek along with its estuary is located in Menzies Bay. This is a very beautiful creek and one that l have always enjoyed hiking along. The creek is such a beautiful, slow running and shaded place with such big trees along its banks, almost prehistoric. It always gives me such a good feeling to just sit and watch the birds and little creatures that abound here as they move about under and in the giant trees. The creek empties into Menzies Bay. Read More….
Miller Creek
Miller Creek is a great place to go fishing, have a picnic or spend a few days enjoying the great outdoors. The creek starts its journey in Upper Quinsam Lake, goes through Wokas Lake, Gooseneck Lake, and Snakehead Lake before finally entering the miller creek lagoon on Lower Campbell Lake. The wildlife is plentiful and you could see black bears, elk, deer, beavers, otters and a variety of birds. Read More….
Millstone River
The Millstone River flows from Brannen Lake, through Bowen Park and the City of Nanaimo before entering the sea. There is a birding conservation area called the Buttertubs Marsh, This marsh is a man-made estuary on the Millstone River. There are some wonderful walking trails, leading to viewing platforms, sitting benches, and picnic tables and at over 2.4 km of trails, it’s a great place to get some exercise while enjoying nature. Read More….
Mohun Creek
Mohun Creek flows from Mohun Lake through Morton Lake on its way to Menzies Bay. There is a great campground at Morton Lake. Mohun Lake was named after Charles Mohun, who came to B.C. in 1863, Mr. Mohun worked as a land surveyor throughout B.C. and finished his career in Victoria working in the planning department. He passed away in 1927. Mohun Lake was named after him in 1945. Read More….
Nahmint River
The Nahmint River is a fast-flowing piece of water that runs through Nahmint Lake, tumbling down a number of waterfalls and rapids until it reaches the Port Alberni Inlet. The river drains into Alberni Inlet. This is a beautiful river with very nice forests and mountains along it, the bird and wildlife in the area are incredible and the lake is great for camping. Bring your camera and have a nice time. Read More….
Nahwitti River
There is excellent cutthroat and sea-run dolly fishing in the Nahwitti River, and during the late winter, and early spring months, there is a run of steelhead. The lower portion of the watershed is hard to reach, you can get there by boat or just fight your way through the brush. There is a trail that runs from Shushartie Bay that crosses the river by cable car, there is some access here. Read More….
Nanaimo River
The Nanaimo River runs through the Nanaimo lakes chain and crosses Highway 1 approximately 14km south of Nanaimo city. There are many trails around the river that will take you on adventures, the Nanaimo Fish Hatchery is an incredible place to visit and there are miles of trails here, you could hike around all day and not even come close to seeing them all. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Nesook River
The Nesook River flows into Nesook Bay, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is a relatively short but full river. The fishing is great here and it has the potential to be a great canoeing river. If you’re driving to this river, you will want to take Tahsis Road from the town of Gold River and follow the signs. Turn onto Galiano Road to get to Nesook Bay. Read More….
Nimkish River
Vancouver Islands Nimpkish River Valley is a beautiful, incredibly rugged and remote watershed. From its headwaters in the mountains near Gold River, it winds its way towards the northeast island, past Woss Lake, growing as numerous streams and creeks join it until it flows into Nimpkish Lake. From there, a short stretch of wild river leads to the ocean, where the river empties into the sea between Telegraph Cove and Port McNeil. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Nitinat River
Located in a west coast rain forest of douglas fir and western hemlock, the beautiful Nitinat River Provincial Park offers excellent adventures in wilderness hiking and camping, as well as some of the best fishing on the west side of the Island. The river eventually flows into Nitinat Lake, at the Ditidaht reserve, you can drive through the community and find a great rec site on the lake. There are plenty of spots to set up wilderness camps along the length of the river. Read More….
Oyster River
The oyster river is a small stream with its headwaters at pearl lake (near Buttle Lake) and crosses Highway 19 halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River on central Vancouver Island, about half ways to either town, before entering the ocean just past the crossing. If you drive down the Comox Logging Road until you reach the river, you can hike around a great canyon on the lower side and hike up along the shore on either side of the upper river. Read More….
Perry River
The perry river is a stream located just 2.4 miles from Tahsis and joins up with the leiner river just above the rec site. There are camping and a boat launch at the rec site. There are many trails on these rivers within a short distance of the rec site. The Perry River headwaters are at Peters Lake on the side of Mt Alava, the river flows from here into Alava Lake and then down to perry lake. It’s all the way to the leiner river after that. Read More….
Puntledge River
The moderately sized Puntledge River flows northeast from Comox Lake. The river is a wild river, great for kayaking before being joined by the Browns River, then it mellows out before joining up with the Tsolum River to become the Courtenay River. The Courtenay River flows through Courtenay and empties into Comox Harbor on the east coast of central Vancouver Island. Read More….
Qualicum River
The Qualicum River is a beautiful small river that runs from Horne Lake down to its mouth at Qualicum Beach on the east coast of Vancouver Island. I have always enjoyed walking along this river in the fall, seeing black bears, blacktail deer, roosevelt elk along with plenty of smaller animals like raccoons, pine martins and squirrels, the river is beautiful in the fall when the trees turn colour. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Quatse River
The Quatse River is a beautiful little river that flows from Quatse Lake into Hardy Bay at Port Hardy on the north end of Vancouver Island. There are many hiking and biking trails in the area and a fine rec site that is located in a large stand of old-growth rainforest. The river has a very nice trail that runs alongside it where you can get to see the salmon run, please watch for bears as there can be quite a few there. Read More….
Quinsam River
The Quinsam River is a small river with its headwaters at Middle Quinsam Lake. It then flows through lower Quinsam Lake before entering the Campbell River near the town of Campbell River on the east coast of central Vancouver Island. This is an area where you can see lots of wildlife, you could see black bears, blacktail deer, elk, cougars, wolves, and many other smaller animals and birds, so bring your camera when you head this way. Read More….
Ralph River
Ralph River is located in Strathcona Park and flows into Buttle Lake. There is a very nice campground at the river mouth with 85 vehicle-accessible sites. These sites are non-serviced but do have pit toilets and a hand-pumped water supply along with a boat launch. There are many animals here in the park and you have a good chance to see black bears, roosevelt elk, blacktail deer, wolves, and cougars. There are a lot of cougars so please look after your small pets. Read More….
Rogers Creek
In the city of Port Alberni, there flows a wonderful little stream called rogers creek, it runs through Rogers Creek Park. To get to the park, turn left off Johnston Road on Adelaide Road, the park has a sheltered picnic area beneath some beautiful west coast trees. The creek is one of the few island creeks that allow you to fish with bait. But Rogers Creek can only be fished by those who are under 16 or over the age of 65. Read More….
Salmon River
The Salmon River flows north from Heber Mountain in Strathcona Park and enters Johnstone Strait at Kelsey Bay on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The lower river runs through Sayward, to reach the lower Salmon River, drive east along Hwy 19 towards Sayward and Kelsey Bay. Just past the point where the White River joins up, turn right onto Sayward Road. This road crosses the Salmon River at several points. Read More….
San Josef River
The San Josef River is best known as the starting point for hikes into Cape Scott Park. The 2.8 km of River from the Cape Scott Park trailhead to San Josef Bay is quite beautiful. The trail from the parking lot leads to one of the most beautiful beaches on Vancouver Island. This trail is well-maintained and flat enough to accommodate wheelchairs and is only a 45-minute walk to the bay. Read More….
San Juan River
The San Juan River is a small stream with a big river fishery, flowing eastward on southern Vancouver Island, it empties into Port San Juan. This is a beautiful little river and Port San Juan is awesome with great beaches and lots of wildlife. You can access the river from Highway 14 which goes to Port Renfrew or the Red Creek Main logging road. Read More….
Somas River
The Somas River is one of Vancouver Island’s largest river systems. The River is created by the joining of the Ash, Sproat, and Stamp river systems. Great Central and Sproat Lakes are the headwaters of these river systems. The Somas River begins where the Sproat and Stamp Rivers join up. Then flows into the Alberni Inlet, 6 km later. The Sproat River system has a variety of recreational uses, with lots of trails, both hiking and biking, as well as some incredible wildlife viewing. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting. Read More….
Sooke River
The Sooke River is a small stream flowing south from Sooke Lake into Sooke Basin on the Juan De Fuca Strait on southern Vancouver Island. The River crosses Highway 14 approximately 30km southwest of Victoria. The River starts where Leech River, Wolf Creek and Council Creek all come together, where they join is at an old town, it’s now a ghost town, called Leechtown, there are great trails here and a nice park. Read More….
Tahsis River
The Tahsis River forms the headwaters of the long and narrow Tahsis inlet. There are many hiking and biking trails in the area and, to me anyway, the best is the Woss Lake Grease Trail. This ancient trail was a trade route that was used by the First peoples and takes one across Vancouver Island from Tahsis to Woss Lake. Read More….
Tlupana River
The Tlupana River is a great place to fish, hike or just visit. You can also get in some awesome kayaking in the Tlupana River Canyon. The River Canyon route is a relatively easy route through a narrow gorge. The canyon is bordered by a very impressive old-growth forest. One section of the route flows between overhanging walls that are only a few meters apart. Kayaking this canyon should only be attempted during the low water period of late summer. Read More….
White River
The River runs through an awesome park of the same name, the White River Provincial Park. It is on northern Vancouver Island and is a small wilderness area of incredible beauty that protects an old-growth forest and important Roosevelt elk and black bear habitat. The River flows into the Salmon River near Highway 19, at Sayward on the east coast of Vancouver Island. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
Woodhus Creek
Woodhus Creek is located between the Comox Valley and Campbell River, there is a very popular walking trail at the lower end of the creek, at the Woodhus Slough. Further up the creek, you will find some great hiking along a wonderful little creek. There are no trails here so you need to bushwhack it but it’s worth it as you will see some awesome vistas here. Read More….
Zeballos River
This lovely little river flows down to the estuary at the end of Zeballos Inlet. There is a wildlife viewing platform located in the center of town and the estuary is easily accessed to view birds and sea life. Fall, winter, and spring are the best viewing times for waterfowl, which include many kinds of seabirds and ducks. In the fall, back bears come to feed on the spawning salmon and many other birds and animals use the area throughout the year. This is one of those Rivers worth visiting Read More….
We have some of the most beautiful Rivers in the world. They are full of fish and dotted with incredible waterfalls, most have trails that allow easy access. So come on, take a hike along one of our Rivers and see for yourself.
A healthy river system is created when all aspects of plants and animals are part of the plan. For example, if salmon disappear from a river system, the system breaks down. The plant life does not get the nutrients that are provided when various animals move the dead fish up the river banks, The bears move on to other food sources, and deer that rely on vigorous plant reproduction find less feed. The health of our river systems is vitally important to all animals and plants within the watershed.
Rivers also provide a wildlife corridor between the natural habitats and feeding areas located within rural farm areas. Animals have always used river paths as a means to get from the wilderness to feeding areas. Bears are one of the animals most commonly found travelling the river shores, heading to areas where they have traditionally fished for thousands of years. It is quite important to ensure they will always be able to use these corridors and any future usability studies must include the needs of bears and the other animals that use these river corridors.