The “Pub to Pub” trail was very popular this past weekend

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

We always love doing the so called “Pub to Pub” trail which is roughly half way between Campbell River and Courtenay in the fall since is a scenic trail with both river and ocean/beach views. We hadn’t done the trail for a few months and so with a sunny forecast we decided to walk on Saturday, April16 with our daughter who was visiting for Easter. The trail gets its name from the fact that 2 pubs were located close to the start and end point of the trail but now these “pubs” are no longer there. Since the trail is just 3.5 km (1 way) it is suited to a variety of options. If you have young children or walkers that would find 7 km too long a hike, you could park a car at each end and just make the 1 way trip. 

 To get there from Courtenay drive north on Highway 19A and keep an eye out for the Oyster River bridge since you want to turn right on the next road (Glenmore Road).  Then travel one roughly 1 block and then turn left on Regent and look for a parking lot with a sign Oyster River Nature Park. The parking lot coordinates are 49. 52.232 N and 125 07.616 W.  On Sunday we got the last parking spot but you can park along the road should the Nature Park lot fill up. Then follow the Ferguson Trail which is well signed and easy to walk on. After about 1 km you reach the ocean and from there you follow the Jack Hames Trail to Salmon Point. You can walk the trail in either direction although we tend to walk it south to north most of the time. And there is plenty of driftwood to sit on for snack overlooking the water.

From there the trail winds along the upper part of the beach and through the trees giving fine views of Georgia Strait and mountains beyond. Sometimes the trail separates into 2 trails and you can also walk the beach as well if you want to.  After about 1 hour we came out to Salmon Point Resort RV Park  and the trail’s end.  We fully recommend this trail since it offers scenic ocean views and can be walked by a wide variety of people. Check it out on your next trip to this area.