Spring Wildflowers in their prime along the Tsolum River in Courtenay

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

   On Friday , April 1 we decided to check out the fawn lilies (see purple-white flowers below) and other wildflowers along the Tsolum River in Courtenay. With the cooler and wetter than normal weather of late we were sure what to expect but we weren’t disappointed! 

 There were carpets of fawn lilies and trilliums in bloom along the trails which really brightened up our walk. These trails are located behind the Exhibition Grounds off of Headquarters Road in Courtenay and there is lots of parking. Take the main access trail (really a road) toward the river and we found many clusters of fawn lilies on the trails to the right. You don’t need to walk very far before you see the flowers in bloom along the trail and under the trees.

 We are not sure how long they will last but if like early spring flowers check out this area and don’t forget to bring your camera. If you are into pictures you might want to bring a tripod and something to kneel on since the carpets of flowers are best photographed low to the ground and the ground can be wet. This year there seemed to be many more trilliums (see white flower above) than we have seen in the past.This is one of our favourite early April activities and we fully recommend it.