10 of the Best Hikes near Courtenay, BC
The valley surrounding Courtenay has a multitude of trails, ranging from intense hikes in the mountains to forested covered trails and leisurely walks along the ocean. You do not need to drive far to find yourself within forests of Douglas Fir, Maple and other species of vegetation.
The neighbouring area known as Comox is home to Canadian Forces Air Base Squadron 19 Wing, so you may want to keep your eyes peeled upwards during your hikes for a glimpse of aircrafts conducting search and rescue training operations while you are exploring the area.
1. Nymph Falls Nature Park
Length: 0.5 to 6 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Only a 10-minute drive from Courtenay, Nymph Falls Nature Park is perhaps the most well-known and diversified park in the area. With 61 hectares of walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails and paths along the Puntledge River, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Those looking to cool off in the summer months can hop into the water via Barber’s Hole, or if you are looking for a more leisurely stroll, the trail to view the falls is less than one kilometer and accessible to those using mobility devices.
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2. Morrison Creek Greenway
Length: 2 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Get lost in a forested escape within the city limits on the Morrison Creek Greenway in one of Courtenay’s many parks. With multiple access points to begin your hike, this easy trail lined with wood chips is wheelchair-friendly and follows a stream providing scenic views throughout the walk.
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3. Riverway Heritage Walk
Length: 5 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
For those looking for a cultural and historic experience at the same time, this self-guided tour along the riverway follows one of British Columbia’s most picturesque greenways. The walk takes you to 16 points of significance exploring the development of the Comox Valley, and also passes by Courtenay’s Estuary, home to all sorts of wildlife.
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4. Mount Becher
Length: 11.7 km
Elevation Gain: 648 m
Bring your hiking poles for this hike of Strathcona Provincial Park’s most eastern peak. Beginning at the top of the Forbidden Plateau, only a 15-minute drive from Courtenay, the hike to Mount Becher is an alpine trek that will treat you to views over the Comox Glacier and of Mount Albert Edwards in the distance. Part of the hike follows a decommissioned chairlift from the time when Mount Becher was an active ski hill.
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5. Roystan Seaside Trail
Length: 1.6 km
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Treat yourself to views of Baynes Sound and beyond on the Roystan Seaside Trail, an accessible beachside trail with prevalent First Nations history (the First Nations used this area to dry smoked herring and herring roe). Check the tide chart before you go as the trail includes 600 metres of “low-tide” beach trail.
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6. Paradise Meadows
Length: 3 to 21 km
Elevation Gain: Varies
Appropriately named, Paradise Meadows is only a 30-minute drive from Courtenay, but feels like your own little slice of wilderness paradise. The network of trails leads to scenic lookouts, beautiful lakes and can be used as a starting point for larger mountain summits such as Mt. Albert Edwards, Castle Crag and Frink Mountain. The Centennial Loop is a shorter, wheelchair-friendly beginner loop that contains boardwalks and hard-packed gravel.
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7. Old Orchard Park Loop
Length: 19 km
Elevation Gain: 270 m
While Cumberland’s Community Forest (about a 20-minute drive from Courtenay) is primarily known for its mountain biking trails, the Old Orchard Park loop is a well-loved path amongst hikers and takes you through the best parts of the forest, including interesting rock formations below Sykes Bridge Crossing.
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8. Seal Bay Regional Nature Park
Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Slightly north of Courtenay, along the oceanfront, lies a nature park with numerous trails, including some that are bike- and horse-friendly. The best is the one-kilometre trail leading down to the ocean beach, although be prepared for a gradual incline the whole way back.
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9. Goose Spit Walk & Viewpoint
Length: Varies
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Head over to Goose Spit (or Pelxqikw, meaning “round on point”) to walk along the beach and take in the views of the Strait of Georgia looking over to Texada Island and the Sunshine Coast. This unique landform is what creates Comox Harbour and is popular with dog-walkers, hikers, beachgoers and even kiteboarders in the winter months. After your walk along the beach is complete, take the stairs up where the beach first starts to see a panoramic view from above.
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10. Mount Albert Edwards
Length: 39.9 km
Elevation Gain: 1,723 m
While most people organize a trip to summit Mount Albert Edwards over the course of a few days, ambitious hikers can attempt the peak in one day of hiking. For the best chance of succeeding in hitting the summit and returning in one day, begin your hike early in the morning and check the snow conditions for the peak prior to leaving.
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