The Nymph Falls Nature Park is a 53 ha (100 acre) park and forest on the north side of the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley - a short drive from Courtenay BC on Vancouver Island. It features nature at its best with spectacular views and several trails for bikers, hikers and just walkers.
The park offers nature sightseeing in a forest wilderness, waterfront, an easy walk to the Nymph Falls, swimming during the summer as wells as horseback riding, hiking and biking trails. There is a picnic area with picnic tables and toilets.
In the summer the waters are calm and quite suitable to swim. However, in the winter it a raging high current river.
The park has well maintained walking, hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. There is a longer loop trail and a shorter loop trail that leads to the fish ladders and the Nymph Falls.
Nymph Falls Nature Park
The park and the Nymph Waterfall is located on Puntledge River. The woods are a second growth forest that is regenerating.
Some 70 years ago blasting was done to create ladders through the falls to allow the spawning salmon to swim upstream. You can expect to see the salmon in fall months of October and November. A good location to view the returning salmon is from benches on an exposed terrace on the rock.
Nymph Falls
The waterfall is absolutely beautiful and fairly easy to access. You can enjoy a cool dip in the nippy waters of the lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall.
Nymph Falls is located along Plateau Road en route to Forbidden Plateau. After you cross the Inland Highway watch for the park about 2 km (1.2 miles) just before the hatchery.
Hiking, Biking & Walking
The park is great for some easy hiking on a sunny afternoon. Except for the sounds of nature, the park is very quiet. Remember to bring drinking water as it can be warm and humid.
For more advanced mountain bikers there are trails noted in red on the map. There are also multi-use trails suitable for beginner bikers and hikers. The pedestrian only trails are noted in green and bikes are not allowed.
Getting to Nymph Falls Nature Park
Travelling north on Highway 19, turn left onto Plateau Road. The park entrance is adjacent to 4478 Plateau Road - about 16 km (10 miles) from Courtenay.
Courtenay Accommodations
There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:
The Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225. This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.
Contact info: BEST WESERN PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Tel: (250) 338-7741 Fax: (250) 338-5442 Email: info@thewesterlyhotel.com
Enjoy all that the Courtenay area has to offer and please tell your friends.
Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.