Strathcona Provincial Park Travel Guide: Lakeside Camping and Hidden Waterfalls on Vancouver Island
Myra Falls Strathcona Provincial Park
If you are road-tripping through Vancouver Island and love wild landscapes, dense forest, and peaceful alpine lakes, Strathcona Provincial Park should be at the top of your list. Located in the central part of the island, this park is often overlooked in favor of the coast, but it offers some of the most rewarding scenery and free camping options anywhere on the island.
Strathcona is raw, quiet, and incredibly beautiful. From misty lakes to tucked-away waterfalls, it’s one of those places where time slows down and the landscape really gets under your skin.
Camp sites Strathcona Provincial Park
Random Camping in Strathcona: Some of the Best Spots on the Island
If you are traveling in a truck, van, or SUV with camping gear, Strathcona is paradise. There are loads of places to random camp, especially if you explore the back roads and pullouts along Highway 28 toward Gold River.
The best part of our stay was the area around Upper Campbell Lake. We found lakeside pullouts with million-dollar views, total silence, and just the occasional loon or eagle for company. These spots were some of the most beautiful of our entire trip. Sunset and sunrise over the lake were both incredible, and the water was calm enough for a quiet paddle or a refreshing swim.
Pro tip: Some of the gravel roads around the lake lead to lesser-used access points that are perfect for an overnight stay. Always pack out what you bring in, and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep these areas pristine.
Random Camp site
Top Hikes and Waterfalls in Strathcona
Strathcona is filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, and alpine viewpoints. Even if you’re not into multi-day hikes, there are a few easy and rewarding trails you absolutely should not miss:
Lady Falls
Just off the main highway, Lady Falls is a short hike through dense forest that leads to a powerful, narrow waterfall plunging down a mossy rock face. It is an easy trail with a big payoff, especially in spring or after rain when the falls are at their peak.
Lady Falls
Myra Falls
One of the crown jewels of the park, Myra Falls is a layered cascade that feels straight out of a fantasy film. The lower falls are accessible via a short trail and offer a stunning backdrop for photography, especially in soft morning or late afternoon light. The turquoise pool below the falls makes for a dreamy photo op. This is definitely one of the best waterfall stops on Vancouver Island.
If you have time and the energy for more adventure, the Crest Mountain Trail or Elk River Trail are also worth checking out for more challenging hikes and elevated views. But even just sticking to the lakes and waterfalls is enough to give you a full experience of the park’s beauty.
Myra Falls Strathcona Provincial Park
When to Visit and What to Expect
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall. The park is open year-round, but snow can affect access to higher trails. Summer offers the most reliable weather and is ideal for lakeside camping.
Wildlife: This is true wilderness. Expect to see bears, eagles, and possibly elk. Keep your food stored properly and always be bear-aware, even when camping roadside.
Gear tip: Bring bug spray, a rain shell, and something warm for nights, even in summer. The weather can shift quickly in this part of the island.
Final Thoughts
Strathcona Provincial Park was one of the most unexpected highlights of our Vancouver Island road trip. It does not have the hype of Tofino or the beaches of the west coast, but what it lacks in crowds, it makes up for with tranquility, raw beauty, and some of the best random camping spots I have ever experienced.
If you are looking for a true escape into nature with easy access to waterfalls, quiet forests, and peaceful lakes, Strathcona delivers. And if you find yourself at Upper Campbell Lake on a still evening, trust me—just stay. You will not regret it.
