The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Upper Puntledge River Woodlands

The Puntledge River Trail is a fantastic way to explore the banks of the Puntledge River and Bevan City ruins. This area has bears, so be bear aware, and don't leave food in parked cars. The trail itself is really flat and well-maintained and passes through tall second growth forests with wonderful river viewpoints and a few swimming holes along the way.

The Puntledge River flows 48 kilometres from Comox Lake until reaching the Strait of Georgia. This river is teeming with life, with massive salmon runs as well as great swimming, tubing and hiking opportunities. Be careful when taking a dip as many areas have strong currents, so choose designated swimming holes in calm parts of the river.

Here, and scattered through Puntledge Forest, are ruins of old coal industrial infrastructure. What remains of this once busy industry are intakes, flumes, penstocks, cement foundations, scattered bricks, and remnants of chimneys from the original 20th-century coal mining settlement. Be careful while exploring for unstable structures, glass and more.

Stretching roughly 800 kilometres from Victoria in the south to Cape Scott in the north, the Vancouver Island Trail links existing paths and forestry roads through forests, mountains, and coastline. Near Cumberland, the trail follows forested terrain along Comox Lake, offering peaceful views and access to lakeside rest spots. It’s part of Canada’s national trail network, designed for experienced hikers looking to explore Vancouver Island’s diverse landscapes.

Located on the eastern shore of Comox Lake, Cumberland Lake Park is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The park features a sandy beach, designated swimming area, and a small campground surrounded by forested hills. It’s a great place to cool off after hiking or to spend a relaxed afternoon by the water.

A glacier-fed reservoir near Cumberland, Comox Lake stretches over 16 square kilometres and reaches depths of more than 100 metres. Its clear blue water and mountain backdrop make it a scenic stop along the Vancouver Island Trail, with quiet shoreline spots ideal for a break or photo stop. Anglers can fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout, but should check current local regulations before casting a line.

Nymph Falls is a popular waterfall on the Puntledge River. The water cascades downstream below Comox Lake. Most of the Puntledge River's water is diverted above the falls for hydroelectric power generation, so the river's volume decreases during the summer months. Access to Nymph Falls Nature Park is via Forbidden Plateau Road. The number of sites in the forest parking lot is limited. There is no space for large RVs. https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/parks-recreation/comox-valley-parks-trails/nymph-falls-nature-park https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Nymph-Falls-1898

Comox Lake is a freshwater lake on Vancouver Island, near Courtenay and Cumberland. It is ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing for rainbow trout and salmon. There are camping areas with basic services and picnic areas with tables and grills. The trails around the lake are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, connecting to Cumberland's trail network. Bird watching and wildlife such as deer and bear are common. Facilities include bathrooms and boat ramps. The best time to visit is spring and summer. Camping reservations are recommended during peak season and follow safety recommendations for water activities and hiking.