Good morning. As the darkness of Fall sets in, so does my urge to lay on the couch and moan. Obviously, this is not a solid use of time to pursue on a daily basis. So, one of the things that we, as a family, focus on with the onset of the rainy season is the intentional use of nature to defer our inherent tendencies to hibernate.

Hibernation is, in fact, quite cool when you think about humans versus large animals. In fact, the rainy season (mid-November until about mid-March) is a great time to get out on the trails and explore the rainforests with a bit less fear of running into bears, as they are headed in the direction of the nearest warm cave for a cozy nap.

I love the rainy months because, while the warmth of Summer makes us all want to run around, the Winter season brings with it an incredible collection of birds that will literally make your head spin in terms of diversity, activity and general awesomeness.

The number of birds that choose Vancouver Island as their Winter home is phenomenal and it is only in the presence of wellies, plastic pants and an excellent, warm rain jacket that you can truly experience Winter in the Comox Valley.

There are some fantastic spots around the region perfect for families with kids at every age. Here are our top picks for beating the rainy-day blues out in nature:

1. Lazo Marsh: If there is one trail in the Valley that we L-O-V-E, it’s the Lazo Marsh loop. Short and sweet, this flat walk is just over 2K, but full of some of the coolest sights any kiddo can imagine. Winter, while so very quiet as the chickadees who make their year-around home there greet you on the path, is packed with amazing explorations of pine cones, mushrooms and funky fungus while Wintering trumpeter swans linger in the marsh. It is a space that, even on the coldest, rainiest day, makes for a sweet outdoor break – protected underneath the heavy canopy of trees above.

2. 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 the thousands, seals are active and the light effect on the clouds as they break is breathtaking.

3. MacDonald Wood Nature Park: Our most favorite Winter hang out spot around town is MacDonald Wood. From the lovely trails inside the forest to the sheltered shoreline and boardwalk down on Croteau beach, this is a hot spot for bird watching, shell collecting and general hanging out. Spectacular.

4. Mack Laing Nature Park: much like its neighbor, MacDonald Wood, has part of the last remaining portion of the Great Komox Midden preserved in it and the land there has an extensive history in terms of its place in the First Nations community and as a part of the life of early settlers. The walks are short – perfect for tiny legs – and there doesn’t seem to be an issue with predatory animals in the area. Once you hit Croteau Beach, the sky is the limit,

5. Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park: During this time of year we generally find ourselves the only humans sharing the path with the resident deer and squirrels. Lately, we’ve also been wowed by a crowd of blue jays, finches and even the occasional humming bird. We have discovered that the earlier we get there, the more of the animal kingdom there tends to be running around.

6. Seal Bay Swamp Loop: This longish loop through the forested areas of Seal Bay is a fantastic Winter locale for slug discovery, puddle jumping and general nature loving. The trail leads to a gorgeous swamp area that is home to woodpeckers and small mammals.

7. Sawchuk Forest and the Fanny Bay Conservation Area: Tucked away, just past trail heads hidden by a bit of overgrowth, is at least a Sunday morning’s worth of exploring art and nature – separately or together depending on what suits you. A walk through the forest around his house reveals George Sawchuk’s sensibility through his art which deals controversially, but not graphically, with religion, politics, war and economics. For young kids it’s a cool exploration of found objects and hidden treasures. With older kids, an opportunity to launch discussions and field questions about a whole range of social issues. Adults will discover provocative pieces of art.

8. Nymph Falls: On the more rustic end of it all, Nymph Falls – along the Puntledge River off of Forbidden Plateau Road – is, in my opinion, at its most breathtaking on a misty, cool day. There are a number of groomed trails out here that accommodate just about any level of fitness and stroller-friendliness. A family adventure on these trails will always require boots when it’s wet. But, wow is it ever lovely wandering through the second-growth forests that look like fairies built them by hand. Just a reminder, this is an area where cougar and bear do hang out. So, being aware and keeping the family close is key to a good time.

9. Willow Creek Conservation Area: One great family-friendly path that we are definitely taking on this month is Campbell River’s Willow Creek Conservation Area with its shady trails, twists and turns, cool creek waters and laid back atmosphere. This relatively short 2km walk is one that offers families a bit of a challenge with some big hills and stairs. Backpacks are recommended for wee ones, as this is not a stroller-friendly path.

10. Morrison Creek: In Puntledge Park, this creek is the perfect viewing spot for the cold-weather salmon runs. It definitely gets super stinky come late November. But, right now, it’s a fantastic spot to get a very intimate salmon run experience. Just a note that kiddos shouldn’t get in the water or poke at the fish – the salmon are very sensitive and need us to steer clear while they do their hard work.