Weiner Falls is flipping gorgeous. This is the first time we’ve found a waterfall with such a lovely plunge pool that you can swim right up and wet your hair like an old timotei advert. This relatively short but adventurous rope-assisted hike includes the impressive plunging waterfall, a secluded grotto-like pool, and lush forest. Plus, if you visit at the weekend, you can even get tasty tacos near the trailhead. I would go as far as to say this was my favourite waterfall on our road trip to Tofino.

Weiner Falls trail map

Weiner Falls – The basics

Distance: 4.5 km
Cumulative Elevation gain: 150m
Highest Point: 120m
Time: 2 hours (we recorded just over 1 hour moving time on strava)
What to bring: The 10 Essentials and swimming things.
Facilities: There is a cafe (and a taco truck) on the opposite side of the highway.
Dogs: Great for dogs, but you should keep them under control.
How hard is it? Intermediate. The hike in is easy, but you need to scramble down a steep slope (with a rope) to reach the falls. That makes it feel adventurous for such a short trip.
Extra note: Weiner Falls is named after Nils Weiner, who was a Swedish pioneer who lived at Sproat Lake for 30 years who died in mysterious (explosive) circumstances.

Getting started – Weiner Falls

We parked just off highway 4 at the junction with Kimola road and Weiner Creek Main. There was a handwritten sign saying “weiner falls” so we knew we were on the right track. However it seemed like lots of cars drive up the FSR and park at the next junction. It was a beautiful day, so we didn’t mind hiking the extra kilometer.

You need to hike for 800m down the FSR, then turn right and head up a hill for a further 800m. Watch out for some cairns/piles of rocks that show where to turn left into the forest. There are ribbons marking the trail to the top of Weiner Falls from there.

Above Weiner Falls

You can’t quite tell from this photo, but you can stand right above the falls, looking down into the pool below. The plunge is about 10m. Be super careful here, especially on wet days!

Climb Down to the Lower Falls

If you are feeling adventurous, it’s possible to climb down the rooty cliff to get up close to the waterfall. Marc was the bravest in our group and tested out the ropes. I found it easier to climb up the cliffs than down, but it’s not as scary as it looks from above. Having said that, this will be a challenge to anyone who is not keen on heights.

Waterfall Details

This is the reward for your effort – the beautiful Weiner Falls. It has a lovely plunge pool that allows visitors to swim right up to the base of the falls.
Waterfall Type: One main plunge, plus a split section with a horsetail to one side
Total Height: 10m-ish (we didn’t measure it, but I guessed from the elevation change)
Stream: Weiner Creek (?)

Swimming at Weiner Falls

I should warn you that the water is COLD. I am trying to be less of a wimp when it comes to swimming in beautiful places, so I did have a quick dip. It is seriously cool to be able to swim right up to the base of the waterfall.

Heading back

From the faded map (and from the strava heatmap) it looks like you can follow a loop via the Upper Falls. We could not find the trail that way, so we returned the way we came, back to Sproat Lake Landing.

Dellas Cafe and Gift Shop

If the hike or swim left you hungry, I am very happy to recommend crossing the road to Dellas Cafe. They have coffee, ice-cream, sandwiches and treats like pastries. If you visit at the weekend, you can also purchase some tasty tacos from the food truck in their picnic area.

Dellas: Open 7 days a week: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Tacos: Friday – Sunday: 11:30am – 4:00pm

More amazing waterfalls

As you might be able to guess, I LOVE visiting waterfalls. On our trip to Tofino, I was limited to 3 waterfalls per day (rules imposed by my husband and friends.) I’ve made a map so you can find amazing waterfalls in BC. Green means you don’t have to walk, Blue is for waterfalls with easy walks and Dark Blue means you’ll need to do a slightly longer/harder walk to reach them.

I have a few more waterfalls to add from Vancouver Island, but near Weiner Falls, you can find:

• Little Qualicum Falls – Far right photo below
• The Hole in the wall (not a natural waterfall, but it is still cool!)
• Stamp River Falls – Far right photo below
• Kennedy Falls at Wally Creek – Middle photo below.
• Englishman Falls

Weiner Falls may not have been quite as gushing as the other waterfalls we visited above, but it is such a gorgeous location that it is still my favourite. I liked that it was a challenge to reach and that that you can swim in that beautiful blue plunge pool. What do you think? Would you make the effort to hike in to swim at Weiner Falls?