By Keith
and Heather Nicol
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| We pulled into the Parksville Visitor Centre to get maps |
On
Monday , August 10 six cyclists from the Comox Valley headed to the Qualicum –
Nanoose area on a cycling tour. The main route involved starting at Ravensong
Aquatic Centre in Qualicum and then following the PQ cycling “trail” which follows
quiet roads and trails to Rathtrevor Park. It makes sense to pick up a visitor map of this area which has the route marked in. The last portion does have some
squeeze points and traffic through Parksville but it is generally a relaxing
cycling route. From Rathtrevor Park we headed along Northwest Bay Road to
Stewart Road and then down to Moorecroft
Regional Park. From Ravensong Aquatic Centre this is a trip of about 25 plus km one way and the last
portion along Northwest Bay Road certainly has some hills. Moorecroft Park has
several places to have a picnic and we opted for some logs along the small bay.
We also cycled around to Vesper Point which has some more picnic tables and a pleasant
garry oak meadow overlooking the ocean. .
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| Cycling at Vester Point in Moorecroft Regional Park |
We then headed by car to check out a hike
that had been on our radar for some time – Notch Hill
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| Hiking at Notch Hill Park |
on the Nanoose Peninsula -
while the rest of the group returned by bike via the same route to Ravensong
Aquatic Centre. Notch Hill Park was just a few kilometers from Moorecroft Park
and it provides great vistas of Nanoose Harbour. Just be aware that the parking
area for Notch Hill is not sign posted-we happened to see a pull out and found
it by accident. Also the initial trail markings are unclear and we ended up
going up a trail to the right just in front of the gate. We eventually found
the route to the top but it is much better to head around the gate and continue
on the path past the water towers to the top. The garry oak- arbutus tree
meadows plus the vistas make this a fine hike for just about everyone. It is
just 1.5 km one way (although steep in places) and you can take a loop if you
like. Be sure to check it out.
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| The views of Nanoose Harbour and beyond are impressive |
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