The Best Swimming Holes on Vancouver Island

If you live on Vancouver Island, have visited Vancouver Island or have maybe only seen pictures of Vancouver Island, there is no denying that it is a beautiful place!

Summer is arguably the best time of year on Vancouver Island. We have put together a list of our favorite swimming holes. Read on to see what they offer, where to find them and get started on your summer bucket list!

Nymph Falls

Nymph falls is located in the Comox Valley. It is a 20 min drive from Comox, an hour and 10 min from Nanaimo and let me tell you it is worth every minute of that drive. In the summer months the water runs calm and clear over the smooth rocks. Waterfalls run into various sized plunge pool and protected forest surrounds you. Yes it is glacier fed and yes it is cold however on a hot summer day it is the perfect place to relax. Most importantly it is dog friendly! That’s right, you and your best bud can spend all day exploring, swimming and soaking up that hot summer sun!

How to get there from Nanaimo? Click here for directions.

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the wall is located to your left just as you enter Port Alberni, it is an hour drive from Nanaimo and an easy 10 min hike in. It gets it’s name from a large man made hole in the shale cliff. Originally created for a large pipe which was once a short cut for the cities water line in the 1960’s.  Now a picturesque swimming hole with a beautiful waterfall cascading through the cliffs opening.

Want Directions from Nanaimo? Click here 

Myra Falls

Myra falls in one of the most breathtaking waterfalls on Vancouver Island. It is located within the spectacular Strathcona Park therefore making this a must see spot this summer. There is an upper falls and lower falls both are swim-able during the summer months. The lower falls are absolutely gorgeous, the water is a beautiful turquoise green that allows you to see all the way to the bottom of the lake.

It is a an hour drive from Campbell River along the Gold River Highway and a 3 hr, 20 min drive from Nanaimo therefore we suggest making this one a weekend getaway. Elk Falls is a beautiful camp site but we would advise making reservations in advance. Strathcona Park Lodge is also a great option with various sized cabins for rent on Buttle Lake.

Need directions from Nanaimo? Click Here 

Stotan Falls

This place is one of a kind and it is not known to many outside of the local area. With plenty of waterfalls to duck in and out of, pot holes to plunge into and cliffs to dive off of you can easily spend your summer days in this magical place. The current is mild and the water is cold.

It is located just outside of Courtenay and is a 1 hr and 12 min drive from Nanaimo. Stotan Falls is privately owned land so please keep that in mind when visiting and be respectful. Pack out everything you packed in, including compostable items. Last we heard the owners do charge $5 a person and $10 a family, there are also no washrooms and no water fountains so come prepared!

You must check this spot out, you will feel like you have been dropped into another world!

Click here for directions from Nanaimo!

Nanaimo River

Nanaimo River has plenty of various areas to swim. You can always find a great spot to set up camp for the day. The water here is clear, calm and deep enough to jump from the cliffs in most areas but always check depth before jumping.  You can spend the day soaking up the sun on the flat rock bluffs or floating down the river in your inner tube. There are lots of shallow calm areas that are great for families and pets are allowed too! There’s a favorite Nanaimo River spot for everyone!

For directions from Nanaimo, click here.

What are you waiting for!? START THE CAR!!!