VANCOUVER ISLAND - Discover Your Next Adventure:
Long exposure photo of a Stocking Creek Waterfall waterfall with ferns and lots of greenery.

Stocking Creek Waterfall

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Ladysmith

Discover Stocking Creek Waterfall: Your 30-Minute Adventure

Activity:
Waterfall
Difficulty:
Easy-Moderate
Location:
Ladysmith
Time:
30min
Distance:
2.5 km (1.5 mi)

Activity:

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Accessibility:

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Where to this weekend, Vancouver Island: Stocking Creek Waterfall

Located just outside Ladysmith, this winter waterfall experience is perfect for anyone in the Cowichan Valley area looking to enjoy a short walk and chase waterfalls.

What to Expect

The narrow trail down before the Stocking Creek Waterfall. The sun is shining through the trees and fall leaves still sit on the forest floor.Looking for a quick escape into nature on Vancouver Island? Stocking Creek Park is your spot. While the park offers a few nice trails and picnic areas, the real highlight is the Stocking Creek Waterfall. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t require a whole day—just 30 to 60 minutes here can leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

The Stocking Creek Waterfall is a simple yet charming feature that adds a little extra sparkle to your visit. It’s perfect for snapping a few photos, enjoying a moment of peace, or just taking a short break from your day.

So, if you’re in the area and have an hour to spare, why not check it out?
In this guide, we’ll give you all the quick tips to make the most of your brief visit to Stocking Creek Park, focusing on the waterfall that’s worth the short trek.

Trail map with parking, lookout location and waterfall location marked for Stocking Creek Park

 

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Seasonal Changes

Visiting Stocking Creek Park is a year-round option, but the experience can vary depending on the season. Here’s a quick rundown:

Winter & Spring: A Serene Creek and Stocking Creek Waterfall

  • The Creek: During the rainy season, Stocking Creek transforms into a serene setting with its flowing creek framed by ferns and evergreens. It’s a peaceful scene that’s perfect for contemplative walks.
  • The Stocking Creek Waterfall: Stairs take you down to a viewing platform, perfect for seeing the waterfall in full winter charm. During winter and spring, as the creek waters rise, cascading over the cliff creates picturesque views of the Stocking Creek Waterfall that make for wonderful photography.

Small falls along a shallow creek surrounded by shrubs

Summer & Fall: A Forest Retreat

  • Just a trickle: In the summer, the creek water flow slows down, causing the waterfall to become a mere ribbon of water.
  • Picnic Tables: Summer is the ideal time for an outdoor meal, and Stocking Creek Park has picnic tables set up for just that. Pack some sandwiches, grab a cold drink, and enjoy!
  • Walking Trail: The park’s walking trail is a great way to escape the summer heat. Nestled in the forest, it offers a cool, shaded path away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • Golden leaves: October and November are great times to enjoy the area as the trail turns yellow and orange as the large maple trees lose their leaves for the winter.

Activities to Enjoy at Stocking Creek Park

  • Hiking
  • Photography
  • Bird Watching
  • Picnicking

Aluminum and cedar walking bridge over small creek in forest

Getting to Stocking Creek Park

Google Map Directions

Getting to Stocking Creek Park is straightforward, making it an easy choice for a quick nature escape. If you’re driving, the park is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, a convenient stop if you’re already exploring the Cowichan Valley.No parking sign and cedar fence at the trail head to Stocking Creek Park. ON the right is a picnic table. A little ways down are trail signs along the path

Simply take the exit for Saltair and follow the signs; you’ll find a parking lot near the entrance where you can leave your car. Unfortunately, public transport options are limited, so driving is the most hassle-free way to get there.

Once you arrive, you’ll find the trailhead near the parking area, leading you directly to the walking paths and, of course, the charming Stocking Creek Waterfall.

Summing up A Stocking Creek Waterfall Visit

Fall leaves on the trailIn a nutshell, Stocking Creek Park is the perfect spot for a quick yet fulfilling nature escape. Whether you’re keen on capturing the beauty of Stocking Creek Waterfall through your lens or simply want to enjoy the sights and sounds, this park has you covered.

From leisurely strolls along forested trails to bird-watching and picnicking, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? You can experience it all in just 30 to 60 minutes.

So, if you find yourself with a free hour and a craving for natural beauty, Stocking Creek Park is the place to be.

Stocking Creek Waterfall in November

Looking across the top of the open air Malahat Skywalk. Two people with backs turned looking out over Saanich Inlet
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Malahat SkyWalk

An easy family experience that won’t be forgotten. The Malahat Skywalk on Vancouver Island will take your breath away with these views!
The Ancient Harris Creek Sitka Spruce tree found just off the road between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan
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Harris Creek Spr...

The Harris Creek Spruce is found halfway between Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew. The giant tree will impress everyone at this 10min stop
49th parallel
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49th parallel

Grab your camera and make your way to Ladysmith’s Aggie Plaza for a photo opportunity on the 49th Parallel

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Original Author:

Modified: October 16, 2023
Last Visit: November 6, 2022
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Wildlife:
Vancouver Island is a land of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Please be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions for personal and wildlife safety.
Black bears, cougars and even wolves are common on Vancouver Island for more on Wildlife Safety Click Here 

Tide and Seasonal Safety:
Changing seasons and tides can have a drastic effect on most locations on Vancouver Island. Please be cautious as the information in this post may vary depending on the time of year and weather. Make sure to check for current weather and tide information before you make your journey!
When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking on the shore during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible. Click here for the tides in your area. Be aware of ocean currents before swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.

Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge the land we appreciate daily within the 50 First Nations that make up the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island .

Disclaimer:
The information on this website should not be taken as accurate, complete or up-to-date. Please check and look into the information yourself. We do not assume any liabilities for the use of this information. It is unreasonable to rely solely upon the information from this website. 

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