Suspension Bridge in Elk Falls Provincial Park – A unique view!

In Elk Falls Provincial Park a suspension bridge swings gently across the canyon of the Campbell River Canyon. We discover the Suspension Bridge, the suspension bridge, more or less by chance and from there enjoy a great view of the roaring waterfall that plunges down into the canyon.

Not far from Campbell River, Elk Falls Provincial Park is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Right in the middle of the park you’ll find the Suspension Bridge, which during our visit hangs over the gorge in a fine drizzle. Fortunately, we have our rain gear with us. That is worth its weight in gold on this trip!

Elk Falls Provincial Park

On the way to the Suspension Bridge you walk past beautiful green vegetation. Between the metre-high trees lie fallen trunks covered in moss and ferns.

After a short walk (about 1 kilometre) you reach the bridge. At a height of 60 metres it hangs above the flowing water in the gorge and offers a good view of the waterfall. There are also two viewing platforms here, from which you likewise get a very good view of Elk Falls. The 64-metre-long Suspension Bridge sways very gently as you cross it. Compared to the hike to the Trestle Bridge, an old railway bridge, the height here doesn’t bother me at all.

From the suspension bridge, other hiking trails lead across Elk Falls Provincial Park. You can see the trails on this map. Behind the viewing platforms runs the "Old Growth Loop Trail". On this hiking trail you pass through a Douglas fir primeval forest. This section of forest is actually still original.

Most of the forest areas in the park fell victim to the saw at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1929 the forest in what is now the park area had been almost completely cleared. At that time the timber could be easily transported away via the Campbell River. The forest area on the Old Growth Loop Trail was spared, however, and is therefore still untouched.

We combined the trip to the Suspension Bridge with an attempt to observe American black bears. In our article on bear watching on Vancouver Island we write about two very good viewing spots.

Getting there

Elk Falls Provincial Park lies on the east coast of Vancouver Island. From Campbell River to the provincial park it is only a stone’s throw. It’s about 5 kilometres from downtown Campbell River. A sign on the highway shows the correct exit and leads to the car park. From here you reach the suspension bridge via a very easy and well-signposted hiking trail.

Have you already been to Canada or are you planning your first trip? Tell us about it in the comments.