The tallest waterfall in Canada, Della Falls, is tucked away in one of the lush valleys on Vancouver Island. Undoubtedly, it is stunning, but getting there is difficult as well.
1. Della Falls: Explore the tallest waterfall in Canada
Della Falls, which is situated in Strathcona Provincial Park, might be Canada’s tallest waterfall, but few people are aware of it. This is most probably because only boats or airplanes can access the trailhead. The only options are a kayak, canoe, float plane, or water taxi.
2. History of the waterfall
Prospector and trapper Joe Drinkwater found Della Falls in 1899 and gave it his wife’s name. Long before Drinkwater set foot there, First Nations Peoples were aware of the falls. Additionally, Drinkwater created a 16 km (10 mi) hiking trail that follows Drinkwater Creek to the falls.
3. Hike to Della Falls trail
The first four kilometers are rather flat and wide since they follow an old railroad grade. Before reaching the first campground, the route then gets a little bit narrower, over a few rivers (bridges that were all in good condition during our visit), and gains a tiny bit of height.
Up until the cable car, there is a fairly constant climb.
The Della Falls route descends to the river and over some sizable boulders after the cable car. After that, it gradually rises in altitude until it reaches the main Della Falls campground.
One-way hikes on the path take about 5-7 hours. In general, the route was in excellent shape. There were a few downed trees, one of the bridges had a middle slat that I nearly fell into and other hazards. However, we were hiking in the early part of the season (mid-June).
Due to the Della Falls trail’s proximity to picturesque Drinkwater Creek for nearly the whole length, water is conveniently accessible throughout the entire climb. There are several river crossings, and each one has a bridge or a set of rocks to traverse.
4. Camping near the waterfall
No reservations are necessary at any of the numerous campsites along the Della Falls Trail.
- At least eight easily accessible campsites (plus a few overgrown ones) with tent mats and small benches are available at the Della Falls trailhead campground. In addition to a fire pit, two outhouses, and a canoe rack, this location has a bear cache.
- Around 7.5 kilometers into the trail, next to the river, is where you’ll find the first on-trail campsite. There is a bear cache, an unofficial fire pit, and an outhouse with a throne. Some of the flat areas are appropriate for tents.
- Just before the cable car is the second on-trail camping area. Without an outhouse and a bear cache, it cannot be considered a campground. Right on the route, there are a few flat spaces suitable for tents and an unofficial fire pit.
- About 700 meters farther up the trail is Della Falls View, the last camping. There is space for two to three tents, a bear cache, and an outhouse with a “throne” nearby the base of the falls.
5. Important tips for hiking
- Even though there are only 650 hikers on the Della Falls Trail each summer, weekends and holidays are undoubtedly the busiest times.
- The Della Falls water taxi’s summer schedule runs from 15 May to 15 September; prior to or following these dates, special arrangements must be made. When booking for long weekends, do so in January.
- Before the 2020 season, the cable car bridge underwent a significant overhaul that included new pulley wheels and pull ropes.
- The Della Falls Trail is located in the wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park, where campfires are not permitted. Bring a burner so you can cook.
- Hiking poles are essential on any long walk and have several advantages (balance, impact reduction, endurance, speed).
6. The best time to hike to Della Falls
The optimum month for hiking would be July when it is most likely that the snow at Love Lake has melted and there is still plenty of run-offs. The waterfall appears to be a little less magnificent in August because of some drying up.
7. How to get to the Della Falls Trail
The majority of hikers who are going to the Della Falls Trail do so from Ark Resort, which is 32 kilometers east of the trailhead. Depending on the number of people, the price starts at $160 per person for a party of two. It takes about 40 minutes to get there.
As an alternative, you can canoe or kayak to the Della Falls trailhead. The two primary starting places for paddlers are Scout Beach Recreational Site, located about 8 kilometers farther west along the lake, or Ark Resort. There is a $5 launching fee and a parking cost at Ark Resort.
