Della Falls is a spectacular 440-meter (1,440 ft) waterfall located in the remote wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, often cited among Canada’s tallest. Accessible only via boat/water taxi across Great Central Lake followed by a 15km hike (30km return), this multi-day backpacking trip features old-growth forests, a cable car river crossing, and rugged mountain scenery.

At 440m, it is the second-tallest on Vancouver Island and the 16th tallest in Canada. It is found deep within Strathcona Provincial Park, accessible from Port Alberni via Great Central Lake.

The trailhead is on the western edge of Great Central Lake. Adventurers must take a private boat, water taxi, or canoe/kayak to reach it, often taking a 35-45km journey across the lake.

The trail is a 30-32 km return, considered intermediate in difficulty. It follows an old mining road, passing through forested, mountainous terrain along Drinkwater Creek, featuring a cable car crossing.

Camping: Wild camping is available at the base of the falls and along the trail at Margaret Creek and Drinkwater Creek. No fees or permits are required.

Best Views: While the base offers a powerful view, hiking further up to Love Lake provides a panoramic view of the entire falls.

History: Discovered in 1899 by prospector Joe Drinkwater, who named it after his wife. Old mining remnants, including an aerial tramway, can still be found.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early summer is best to avoid low water levels, though early season may have high bugs and high water, requiring caution on the trail.

To get to Della Falls, you must first reach the east end of Great Central Lake near Port Alberni, BC, then cross the lake by booking a water taxi (recommended) or paddling a canoe/kayak to the trailhead, followed by a hike into the valley to reach the falls. There are no roads to the falls; it's a boat trip across the long lake, then a challenging hike through the wilderness.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Get to Port Alberni, BC:

   This is your gateway to Great Central Lake, located on Vancouver Island.

2. Head to Great Central Lake:

   Drive to the end of Great Central Lake Road, where you'll find the RV resort and marina, the departure point for most visitors.

3. Cross Great Central Lake (The Main Challenge):

   • Water Taxi: Book in advance with Della Falls Water Taxi (dellafallswatertaxi.com) for a shuttle across the 35km lake to the trailhead.

   • Paddle: Canoe or kayak across the lake yourself, a significant undertaking.

4. Hike to the Falls:

   From the trailhead at the end of the lake, it's a hike (often a 2-3 day backpacking trip) through the rainforest to reach Della Falls.

Key Things to Know:

• Booking is Essential! Especially for the water taxi, book well ahead.

• Season: The trail is typically accessible from June to October due to snow.

• Difficulty: The hike is considered challenging, with river crossings and varied terrain.