Books for Nature Watching in the Comox Valley

Sometimes, I’m a little slow off of the block.

For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been running around trying to figure out some new local trails to check out and places to wander, frustrated a bit by my own lack of resources.

Then, I was out at the Lazo Marsh with the tiny people the other day and it occurred to me how we’d originally discovered that lovely walk.

I went home, dug through the cupboard and – BOOM – there it was, the local trails guide I’d been looking for. I’d only had it for a year. Sheesh.

Produced by the Comox Valley Naturalists Society, Nature Viewing Sites in the Comox Valley and Environs is one of those books that, if you are into nature at all, you’ll want to have.

From its lists of local flora and fauna and where to check it all out to maps and tips galore, this book is definitely a great way to inspire the family to get outside.

It points the way to 25 Comox Valley trails, accessible to people of all ages. I think one of the most challenging trails in the book is Seal Bay Nature Park, which our 2-year-old has happily wandered more times than I can count.

I don’t find it the most comprehensive guide I’ve ever come across – nor does it claim to be. The driving directions to trails can be tricky to interpret at times and may need the addition of MapQuest to nail down. I also recommend that, if you are really into a specific type of nature (i.e. tide pool creatures, plants, birds) that you supplement with a picture-reference guide as this book does not actually give you any tools for learning how to spot flora and fauna you’ve never seen before.

But, having a guide like this one that gets you to local places is INVALUABLE.

We picked ours up at Blue Heron Books in downtown Comox. You should also be able to grab a copy at Laughing Oyster Books in downtown Courtenay or the CVNS directly.

Tags: Book Review, Comox Valley, family, Kids, nature, trail guide, walks

Category: ARTS & LITERACY, Rainy Day Book Club