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 Sunday, Sept 29. 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.
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The first part of the trail winds in part along the Oyster River |
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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.
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Take time to explore the beach and have a snack |
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. There are even some
picnic tables along the way for anyone wanting a scenic place to have lunch.
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.
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Bring your camera since there is lots of driftwood "art" to check out |
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