Good Morning. Hopefully, the strange fog that’s been dominating our days is headed in a different direction as we look forwarded to a bit of sunshine. But, in the mean time, checking out the cool effects of light and clouds – all while getting a front-row seat to hang out with some of the most interesting overwintering creatures in the Valley – is done at no better place than along the Courtenay Riverway.

Winter is truly one of the most amazing and spectacular times of year on the Courtenay River and Estuary as birds flock there by literally the thousands, seals are active and the lights effect on the clouds as they break is breathtaking.

You can start this walk at a number of places – some of the best being right behind Courtenay City Hall on Cliffe Avenue and the Courtenay Air Park at Cliffe and 21st Street.

The first will take you along the Courtenay River while mergansers, Canadian geese and other water fowl fish and bathe in the waterway. The second is a lovely loop that you can extend in either direction – one I consider one of the premiere Winter nature walks in the Valley.

It’s not tough to see why when – particularly in the early morning or later afternoon – the eagles collect in the snags to visit while heron fish in the bogs and swans continue their Winter pairing rituals in the estuary. We’ve often caught a glimpse of seals, what we suspect are otters and of course all kinds of small water birds like kingfisher getting in on the action.

The loop is made more fun by high and low viewing points that take you above it all for a panoramic view of the Valley or right close to the water to see swans and heron close up (not too close).

I love this path because it’s paved, meaning super family-friendly for strollers, bikes and tiny feet that need to stretch. Know that this trail, because of its excellent access and condition, is a VERY busy one and an active dog area. There are also washrooms in the 21st Street parking lot at the Air Park.

My favourite part of this walk is, after hitting the Air Park loop, heading south down the trail for a more quiet jaunt closer to the water and a stop off for a raw smoothy at the new Raw Realm at Warriors Realm studio, which can’t be missed just across the street from the trail on Mansfield Drive. Or you could stop for a warm comfort food treat at The Park Café in the 21st Street lot.

Parking at every trail head is rather limited. So, knowing your options is key. You can park in the City Hall lot for that start. At the Air Park you can park in the lot at 21st and Clife and, if that is full, try gravel parking along Mansfield off of Cliffe. There’s also another larger, paved lot past the gravel parking off of Mansfield.

It’s a Winter Wonderland out there!

Have a great time!