At Seal Bay Nature Park, the diversity of the landscape is tangible: across 642 hectares, the park protects biodiversity and valuable wildlife habitats. These include a restored second-growth forest, wetlands and rare plant communities. The variety of habitats gives the park more than one scenic focus and makes it a versatile destination for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can hike, mountain bike, ride horses and walk dogs in the park. Three trails lead to the shore: Ravine/saʔpɛt, Don Apps and Eagle/q̓ayk̓ʷ. The trail signs include Coast Salish names in the traditional language of ʔayajuθəm, recognizing the park’s cultural and historical significance to the K’ómoks First Nation. Alongside the habitats, the cultural significance and names of the region also come into view. The activities offer different ways to experience the park, while the three trails also identify specific destinations along the shore.
Forest Landscapes and Trails
On Hornby Island, Mount Geoffrey rises to 330 metres, making it the island’s highest point. In Mt. Geoffrey Nature Park, the landscape ranges from a very dry Arbutus-covered slope to a rainforest-like Sitka spruce forest at the foot of the slope. This contrast illustrates the park’s ecological range: a dry hillside and a forest that feels more humid are part of the same landscape. Six trails within the multi-use network are open to horseback riding.
On the north shore of the Puntledge River, Nymph Falls Nature Park protects 61 hectares of second-growth forest. The cascade flows over fish ladders installed in 1977 to enable spawning salmon to travel upstream. The watercourse and fish ladders give the site a distinctive connection between forest scenery and salmon migration. An easy, 0.5-kilometre trail leads from the parking lot to the cascade. It is wide, gentle and wheelchair accessible; designated parking spaces are available at the trailhead. Check access conditions locally before setting out.
Coastal Views and Industrial History
There are also different ways to experience the landscape and history along the coast. The section of the Royston Seaside Trail between the parking lot on Hilton Road and Chinook Road is accessible to people with limited mobility. The southern half of the trail runs along Marine Drive, which offers views across Comox Harbour. Check local conditions before your visit.
The Royston to Cumberland Railway Trail preserves the corridor of the former Wellington Colliery Railway. From 1888 until the 1950s, the railway transported coal from Cumberland through Royston to the docks at Union Bay. Today, an open canopy and shrubs, along with young alders, maples, cedars and poplars, characterize the area beside the trail. Access points are on Baden Road and Trent Road; local conditions may affect access.
Another distinctive landform is Goose Spit Park: the shifting sand spit is fed by the Willemar Bluffs and, together with Gartley Point, forms Comox Harbour. At the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, meanwhile, events take centre stage, including equestrian events, dog shows, curling bonspiels, community festivals and music events. The range spans sports and animal shows as well as festivals and music.
Comox Valley is also one of the main access points to Strathcona Park. For visitor information, Experience Comox Valley is the tourism service of the Comox Valley Regional District.
Discover more destinations: Mount Washington, East Kootenay, Powell River, Strathcona, Central Kootenay, Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver, Squamish-Lillooet.
For the main travel overview: British Columbia.
