Comox Valley Kids

This may seem like a silly topic on such a GEEEEEEEOOOOOOOORRRRRRGeous day.

But, I’ve had a whack of requests lately to pull together a single list of family-friendly walks that are do-able in all sorts of weather.

So, here it is.

9. The Courtenay Riverwalk including the Courtenay Estuary Loop: This is by far one of the most family-friendly walks in the Valley, particularly since the entire route is paved, you can start at a number of points from Lewis Park to Mansfield Road and it is compatible for the variety of tastes most family has (bikes, skates, walking and running are all common uses here). We really like the estuary loop when Mother Nature is in a foul mood as the colours and light over the water make just about any gloomy day a bit brighter and opportunities to do some serious puddle jumping are plentiful.

8. Nymph Falls: On the way more rustic end of it all, Nymph Falls – along the Puntledge River off of Forbidden Plateau Road – is, in my opinion, at its most breathtaking on a misty, cool day. There are a number of groomed trails out here that accommodate just about any level of fitness and stroller-friendliness. A family adventure on these trails will always require boots when it’s wet. But, wow is it ever lovely wandering through the second-growth forests that look like fairies built them by hand. Just a reminder, this is an area where cougar and bear do hang out. So, being aware and keeping the family close is key to a good time.

7. Campbell River Sea Wall: No matter what point you start at (there are so many. Basically, you can stop at any major turn off in or near Campbell River and get walking on the Sea Wall), you will have a flat, stroller-friendly, paved walk right along the ocean for many a kilometer. This is another one of those walks that accommodates all kinds of versions of fun (bikes, wagons, strollers, skates) and it’s a lovely way to “hit the beach” on a chilly day without actually getting all sandy and mucked up.

6. One-Spot Trail: This old logging rail line running from Condensory Road to the Tsolum River is a lovely family walk any time of the year. The colours and smells during the Fall make the 8K walk a treat and it is well-loved by mountain bikers, horseback riders as well as hikers. It’s a rustic hike that I recommend boots and water-resistant pants for when it’s wet out. When there are salmon in the river, bear are not too far away. So, keep that in mind.

5. Mack Laing Nature Park: With the trail head at the end of Comox Avenue, Mack Laing is one of the most easily accessed and perfectly do-able walks for families with tiny people who have little legs. This can be a short wander through the lovely forest along Brooklyn Creek and out to the waterfront or – when the tide is out – you can turn it into an hour’s walk that leads all the way to The Filberg. This is a fun walk when you just HAVE to get out of the house, but don’t want to spend the day in the mountains. There is a bit of a ravine to be concerned about if you head off of the main path to the upper trails. But, the main path is very safe.

4. MacDonald Woods Nature Park: Right next door to Mack Laing is MacDonald Woods (trail head at Balmoral and Croteau). Similar in flora and fauna, MacDonald Woods offers a series of flat trails that lead to a gorgeous boardwalk out to the waterfront. There is a great history here, as the last remnants of the Great Comox Midden are underfoot, and you often find unusual flower, berries and other fun. You can also turn this into a longer walk to the Filberg or, for a more circular route, you can walk along the waterfront to the entrance into Mack Laing, head through the woods there and up the Brooklyn Creek trail, up the stairs that come out on Balmoral for the short walk back to the MacDonals Woods trail head.

3. Lazo Marsh: Really, this one is #1 in our book. The tiny person and I L-O-V-E the 30 minute wander through this gorgeous, well-maintained marsh area, hitting it at least once a week. Summer is all about frogs, dragonflies and cooling off on hot days. Fall and winter are truly when this marsh comes alive. While the colours of the area are a bit more subdued on wet, chilly days, the birds and other creatures are in amazing form and we have had chances to see some amazing things out there. Early last Spring I even had the luck to be shown the elusive calypso orchid that lives out there. This is an ecosystem that is ever-changing and I cannot recommend it more highly. Boots and rain gear are a must in the rainy months as the trails rarely dry out. Strollers are doable for sure.

2. Seal Bay Nature Park – Main Beach Trail: I think one of the best parts of the rainy season is the shifting landscape you discover when hitting places that are normally only associated with summer. The Main Beach Trail at Seal Bay Nature Park is one of those spots. The beach at the end of the trail is one of our all-time favourites as it is one seriously amazing tide-pooling spot and I kid you not the colours and light there are spectacular. This trail is super fun during the rainy months as you can almost always be guaranteed to spot tons of slugs and worms, ferns and other lush plant life(not to mention puddles). It is a bit of a hike back up the hill AFTER hitting the beach. So, I recommend a stroller or back pack for tiny people who might hate you for making them walk. Full rain gear is a must as it is SOOOOOOO not fun to try to change a tiny person’s wet clothes on the beach when it’s cold. But, there’s no way to avoid a good round of running through the water and digging in the chilly sand.

And for CVKs top family walk:

1. Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park: As far as family walks go, Paradise Meadows can’t be beat any time of year. The loop, that is mostly boardwalk, takes my breath away every time we go. It’s never the same and so vast that you can be sure the setting will change constantly. The rainy months bring a lush and hyper-saturated meadow full of creatures and minus one very big summer-time deterrent – mosquitoes. This is a GREAT way to spend any afternoon, with Raven Lodge or the lodge at Mt. Washington right there with hot chocolate, food and flush toilets with change tables (major bonus). Strollers or backpacks are a must here with tinier people as they may tucker out fast. Boots and rain gear are a good plan as the parts that aren’t boardwalk tend to take on a marshy type of consistency. Not deep, just mucky(good times!).