Beating the Heat in the Puntledge River – Comox Valley’s summertime gem

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

When we moved to the Comox Valley from Newfoundland 6 years ago we had never heard of the Puntledge River. We knew of Mt Washington Ski Resort and knew there was likely good sea kayaking close at hand but didn’t know anything about a river. But the Puntledge River is our go to place to beat the heat and we have been using it alot during the recent heat wave which broke records. The highs of 37 C and 38 C on 2 different days smashed the former hottest day which was 35 C which occurred in July 2009!! Here are some of our favourite places along the Puntledge River to cool off.. Lets start with Nymph Falls. This spot doesn’t offer much in the way of deep water swimming but it does offer pools carved in sandstone to cool down in (see photo below). And it is very scenic with the small waterfalls and exposed sandstone ledges.

Next is Puntledge Park where there is a gravel beach and this is a favourite with families. There is also a rock across the river for jumping off and on a hot day there are a steady stream of teenagers and the young at heart leaping into the cool clear water (see photo below ).This area also offers nice shade trees so that you won’t bake in the sun.  This is also a launching point for tubing the lower part of the river. For those wanting a longer tubing run and more white water you can also put in at the fish hatchery.

 

Lastly we head down very regularly to Lewis Park and the swimming area located there(see photo below) . The river is tidal at this point so sometimes there is a small beach and other times the beach disappears. But there are shade trees and this is a popular take outpoint for tubers. There is a staircase leading into the water. Here the river is wide and deeper and flows more slowly so you can swim here. There are several access points to the river that I have not discussed but these are some of our favourites. Readers can add some other locations in the comment section if they are interested. So head on down to the river if you feel the need to cool off.