Oyster River

Oyster River Nature Trails

The Oyster River Nature Park is a wilderness park on the Oyster River located south of Saratoga Beach and north of the community of Courtenay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The 5 hectare (12 acre) park is a hiking, swimming, birdwatching, mountain biking, picnicking, horseback riding and sightseeing destination.

The parkland includes a small network of recreation trails. The well maintained trails explore the region's forests, sandy beaches, river banks, dykes, flood plains and ponds. Some of the trails in the Oyster River Nature Park include the Fisherman's Trail, Ridge Trail and the Jack Hames Trail.

The trails are considered easy grade walking routes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. However the conditions of the single track and double wide trails vary during the seasons being that most of the trails follow along an old dried up riverbed. Water levels change causing flooding and muddy conditions during the spring and fall seasons.

The park is heavily forested. Most of the forest found in the park includes Western Hemlock and Douglas Fir trees. The forested trails in the park lead to the mouth of the Oyster River. A spawning river for salmon and a feeding river for trout. At the mouth of the river are sandy beaches and some great views of the ocean.

The Oyster River Nature Park also connects to the Pub to Pub Trail via the Jack Hames Trail. The Pub to Pub Trail links Fisherman's Pub to the Salmon Point Pub near Courtenay. From the park, it is 1.8 kilometres to the Salmon Point Pub. The trail crosses some private land so be respectful.

How to Get to the Oyster River Nature Trails

First travel along Hwy #1 to the Comox Valley located south of Campbell River and north of Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada. From the community of Courtenay in the Comox Valley travel north on the the Inland Hwy (Oceanside Route) turn east onto Regent Road. Continue to the parking lot.