Joe Drinkwater
Della Falls is a waterfall in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island and is among the tallest waterfalls in Canada.
Della Falls is located 60 km (37 mi) from the city of Port Alberni, British Columbia in Strathcona Provincial Park.
The only way to reach Della Falls, other than by helicopter, is by crossing the entire Great Central Lake by boat; the only road access to the lake is at the opposite side from Strathcona Park. After the 35 km (21 mi) crossing, there is a dock that marks the beginning of Strathcona Park, and a camping area which can be used as a base camp before trying the next 15 km (9 mi) ascent to the base of Della Falls. More campsites are available along the trail and near the base of the falls. The hike, part of which follows an old logging railway, takes about seven hours one way and is suitable for intermediate level hikers. It ranks 16th in the world in terms of vertical drop.
In 1899, prospector and trapper Joe Drinkwater discovered Della Falls and named them after his wife. Drinkwater also built a 16 km (10 mi) hiking trail to the falls via Drinkwater Creek. Evidence of his gold mining operation, including an aerial tramway he built, can still be seen near the falls.
With the highest total vertical drop, measured at 440 metres (1443 ft), Della Falls is considered by many to be the highest waterfall in Canada, though several other waterfalls in British Columbia are thought to exceed 600 metres (1969 ft): Alfred Creek Falls, Deserted River Falls, Francis Falls & Gold Creek Falls; this is not in vertical height, so they may not be considered the tallest.
Coordinates: 49°27′16″N 125°32′03″W / 49.45444°N 125.53417°W
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