Get out into Nature
Spring in the Comox Valley is calling
As the Comox Valley’s green spaces become awash with spring buds and new shoots, it’s one of the best times of the year to enjoy these spaces in relative quiet, before the happy hum of the summer takes hold.
Between the coast and mountains, we invite you to take a wander along meandering river trails, picturesque family-friendly beaches, accessible, paved oceanfront walkways, and into blooming heritage parks. There’s somewhere for everyone to get into the outdoors this spring. Read on for our guide to the Comox Valley’s parks and trail systems, and where to grab a tasty bite to recharge in between!
Family-friendly parks for a picnic and play
Spend a spring vacation or family-focused weekend in the Comox Valley, and you’ll have no shortage of outdoor space to have a picnic, play, beachcomb, or marvel at the intricate details of moss, trees, amphibians, and many other natural wonders.
In Comox, Filberg Park delights adults seeking displays of spring bulbs and blossoms, while a Bunny Trail, craft booth, live music, lawn games, and more light up the 9-acre venue over Easter weekend. Just down the road, Marina Park provides a fantastic perspective of the ocean, estuary, and Island mountain range, accompanied by an on-site playground and lively flower-filled beds. Pick up a baked treat and a hot drink at The Flying Apron, or if you need to satiate hungry tummies, Church St. Taphouse is kid-friendly until 8 pm.
In Courtenay, families head to the amenities and scenic setting of Lewis Park before grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries around 5th Street, like Mignon & kie. Puntledge Park is the perfect riverside spot for a spring picnic, complete with playground and a gently sloping beach. For more of a walk, still close to the community core, the Ruth Masters Greenway swiftly immerses you in forested trails beside the Puntledge River—pop over to the Puntledge River Hatchery afterward to educate curious minds.
Where can I find accessible trails in the Comox Valley?
Many pathways in the Comox Valley are accessible to mobility aids, pushchairs, and those who require smoother, flatter access to appreciate our diverse ecosystems. To the south, the Royston Seaside Trail provides exceptional views of the coast, and is best taken in with a freshly brewed coffee from Royston Roasting Co & Coffee House.
The Courtenay Riverway and Air Park Walk is a flat, paved pathway that parallels the river and loops around the Air Park. It connects from downtown Courtenay, but is also just a short drive to Tin Town, where several eateries can be found amongst creative studios and businesses to refuel. On the outskirts of Comox, Nymph Falls Park is well worth a visit to marvel at the rapids and rush of water over the falls. An Accessible Trail and Access Route that ends in a viewing area.
What beaches can I visit in the Comox Valley?
Our spectacular coast can’t be missed while visiting the Comox Valley, showcased by plenty of beach access. To the northeast of Comox, Kye Bay is vast, sweeping, and sandy, while Kin Beach is pebbly with a playground, campsite, a barbecue hut, and an iconic driftwood heart archway. Closer to the Town of Comox, Goose Spit draws photographers for its sweeping, 360-degree views.
The rural communities in the north of the Comox Valley also have some spectacular beaches tucked away in Seal Bay Nature Park, Kitty Coleman Provincial Park, and Miracle Beach Provincial Park. Some, like Seal Bay, are reached by traversing forest trails to a more rugged, private nook. Others, like Miracle Beach, are known for their accessibility and family-friendly characteristics—from a safe, sloping, sandy beach to a paved pathway, playground, and amenities.
Bring a meal sourced from Comox before you hit the beach, or visit farm stands (and coffee trailers) en route in Merville and Black Creek that showcase the incredible bounty of our fertile valley. Some farms, like Shorewolf Farm and Clever Crow Farm, have an on-site shop that also offers more filling savoury eats and delicious baked treats.
Lake access and rugged forest trails in Cumberland
If you’re feeling adventurous and are prepared to tackle more rugged trails, head for Cumberland. The vast trail system covers some 200 kilometres, with plenty of singletrack, so if you’re on foot, be aware of mountain bikers zipping along in a flow state. Pop into one of the three bike stores if you need advice on where to go, and be sure to download a map of the Cumberland Trail System.
To keep things simpler, you can also stick to the Cumberland Community Forest trail network (which makes up part of the larger system) and is popular with families wanting to get into nature swiftly from the village. The Village Park is also home to a vibrant playground, bike park, and dog park, while Cumberland Lake Park is popular for visitors and locals alike for a day at Comox Lake (or the climbing bluffs around it). Cumberland may be a smaller community, but it has no shortage of delicious places to eat out before or after your time outdoors, from Biblio Taco, COOKS burgers, and Riders Pizza, to Dark Side Chocolates, Love’s Ice Cream, and Laneway Coffee and Kitchen.
