There are places where water feels alive. Not merely moving, not merely reflecting the sky, but alive in the sense that it speaks, it teaches, it remembers. Ammonite Falls, one of Vancouver Island’s hidden gems, is such a place. Tucked in the lush forests near Port Alberni, the falls are named for the fossilized ammonites embedded in the cliffs — ancient reminders that life is a layered story, carved by time and movement.
Standing beneath the cascade, the roar of water reminds you: life flows, reshapes, and endures. Each drop is a fragment of history, a teacher in patience, transformation, and resilience. The falls embody feminine power — the gentle, persistent force that reshapes the land without demanding attention. This is the kind of quiet strength that women carry within themselves, often unnoticed, yet profoundly powerful.
Water as Symbol
Water is one of the oldest symbols in myth and ritual. Across cultures, water has represented:
Cleansing – the washing away of old patterns
Emotional depth – the reflection of the unconscious
Transformation – the flow from one state of being to another
Connection – linking all life through shared currents
The ammonites fossilized in the falls themselves are symbols of endurance. They remind us that transformation is slow, patient, and often invisible until the results emerge — just like personal growth, grief processing, or the soft courage needed in life transitions.
A Personal Reflection
Visiting Ammonite Falls in the early morning, I felt the energy of the water almost like a pulse beneath my feet. The mist brushed my face, and I noticed the leaves glistening, the moss saturated with life, the constant murmur of the river. I thought about how water teaches us to surrender — to trust flow rather than force.
For women visiting Moonstone Sanctuary or taking part in Vancouver Island retreats, standing beside a waterfall like this becomes a meditation. It reminds us of our own resilience: that we too can carve paths through solid rock, adapt to changing circumstances, and move forward while remaining gentle.
Ritual for Reflection
Here’s a ritual inspired by water and the energy of the falls, which you can do at home or in nature:
Gather Water: Collect a small bowl of water, or use a natural source if safe.
Set an Intention: Hold the water and ask: What do I wish to release? What story am I ready to honor?
Meditate: Sit quietly, focusing on the water’s movement, imagining it carrying away resistance or stagnation.
Use it to Bless: Pour the water over a plant, your hands, or an object in your home to infuse the intention.
Even the smallest gestures, when repeated, become powerful reminders of resilience and flow.
Vancouver Island Connection
Vancouver Island is a land of water — rivers, lakes, and waterfalls that teach us subtle, enduring truths. Ammonite Falls is just one of many sacred spots: Cathedral Grove, Englishman River Falls, and the serene ocean beaches all offer similar invitations to reflect and restore. Incorporating visits to these places into a retreat, or even a weekend day trip, allows for immersive reflection and connection.
The Mythic Dimension
Water has always been central to women’s ritual across the globe. From the sacred baths of Greek goddesses to Japanese Shinto purification ceremonies, water represents transition, initiation, and rebirth. At Moonstone Sanctuary retreats, water-based meditation or reflection is often incorporated, allowing women to honor transitions in their lives — letting go of what no longer serves, and flowing toward what does.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ammonite Falls
Access: The trail is accessible from Highway 4 near Port Alberni. It is a 15–20 minute walk from the parking area.
Timing: Early morning is best for quiet reflection and photography.
Attire: Wear waterproof shoes; the area can be slippery and misty.
Journaling: Bring a notebook to capture reflections inspired by the water.
Safety: Respect natural hazards — strong currents and slippery rocks require caution.
Closing Reflection
Water teaches us patience, resilience, surrender, and quiet courage. By standing beside the falls, listening to the water’s story, and reflecting inwardly, we can reconnect with the flow of our own lives. The lessons of Ammonite Falls — endurance, transformation, and the wisdom of slow persistence — are ones we carry long after leaving the forest.
Whether you visit in person or honor its spirit from home, water becomes a sacred ally on the journey of self-discovery. And for those attending Vancouver Island retreats, it is a reminder that the land itself holds wisdom, ready to guide us home to ourselves.
