Seal Bay park brochure

SEAL BAY NATURE PARK
PARK ACTIVITIES
The K’ómox First Nation call the park Xwee Xwhy Luq,
(pronounced Zway Why Luck) meaning “a place of
serenity and beauty.” Come and discover its splendor for
yourself !
For those looking for a workout there are five marked
loops thanks to the Comox Valley Road Runners. These
loops vary from 3 to 10
kilometres with their own
coloured arrows and distance
markers. These loops are shown
on the covered kiosk at the Bates
Road entrance at the beginning
of Coupland Loop. Download a marked loop map from
the regional district website under the Trail Maps tab.
Recreational west coast trails meander through tall
Douglas-fir forests, skirt deep ravines, wrap around wetlands and descend to a rocky beach. Here on the shore of
Seal Bay there are vast ocean views and nearly 1km of
coastline to explore. Be on the
lookout for marine life, birds,
seals and sea lions. The months
of October through April
provide the best seabird viewing
opportunities.
Comox Valley Regional District
600 Comox Road Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6
250-334-6000 or 1-800-331-6007
communityservices@comoxvalleyrd.ca
www.comoxvalleyrd.ca
Contact the regional district or visit comoxvalleyrd.ca/gifts to
sponsor a bench, sign or tree planting at Seal Bay or other parks.
July 2016. Cover photos: Dog walkers by Amy Thede. Deer by Shirley Engerer
A NATURE EXPERIENCE
Seal Bay
NAT U R E PA R K
Deer, owls, ducks, squirrels, beavers and many birds
depend on the park for food and shelter. Park users spot
cougars and bears on occasion. The forest is part of their
territory, perhaps even a home base for one bear seen
often on the west side of the park.
The best maintained trails are
the Coupland, Swamp and
Horse/Bike loops. Expect
some rocks, wet spots and roots
on other trails. The west side of
Bates Road is level and fairly
easy walking or riding. Paths on
the water side are a bit more
strenuous since there are steep
climbs back up from the beach.
If your experience with wildlife causes you to believe there
is a risk to public safety, contact the wildlife call centre
any time at 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on Telus mobiles.
Report animals unafraid of people or getting into human
food sources.
Make noise to avoid surprising animals and triggering an
attack. Understand wildlife that ignores you, looks calm,
or appears friendly may suddenly and without warning
charge or strike out.
Bear encounters: Slowly back away talking in a quiet,
monotone voice. Allow a clear escape route for the bear.
Act as a group when hiking
with others. Do not run,
climb a tree, scream, turn
your back, kneel down or
make direct eye contact.
If the bear keeps advancing,
stand your ground. When
within seven metres (20’) use bear spray or anything else
nearby to threaten or distract the bear. Fight back if
attacked.
The Don Apps Trail leads hikers past fern-laden ravines
down to the beach. The Beach Loop is a somewhat
challenging 3.2km hike that combines parts of the
Coupland, Don Apps and Seal Flipper trails and
includes 350m along tideline of the beach. It is this
stretch along the beach and the climb back up to the
parking lot that will burn extra calories on your walk.
AMY THEDE
Dog walkers will get a big
thank you from other trail users
when they keep pets under
control and, where required,
leashed. Leashing is mandatory
on all trails east of Bates Road
(the trails to the beaches) as
well as on the Swamp Loop.
During fawn and nesting
season from April 1 to June 30,
leashing is mandatory on all trails. Off-leash dogs are the
number one complaint from park users, followed by horses
and bikes straying from the Horse/Bike Loop.
RECREATIONAL TRAILS
Trails in the park are well-liked for hiking, mountain
biking, horseback riding and dog walking. They are also
known as one of the best places to trail run in the area.
Maps of the marked running loops, as well as leashing
optional trails for pet owners, and horse and bike trails are
available for download from the regional district website
or Smartphone scans like the one on the brochure map
and park signs.
CATHERINE HUFNAGEL
CHUCK RUSSELL
For an organized workout or tour contact ELM Fitness
250-338-8998 or Island Joy Rides: Boutique Cycling Tours
1-855-830-8522. Both lead fun outdoor adventures in Seal
Bay and other parks. Check also with Extreme Runners in
Courtenay for group runs at Seal Bay. There is usually a
7km run every Thursday morning and some Saturdays.
GEORGE BOWRON
Parks user surveys reveal most park visitors venture down
a trail to get exercise and enjoy an opportunity to destress.
Hiking is the most popular activity, followed by walking
dogs, running, horse rides and then cycling.
The Horse/Bike Loop circles
around the park and is
identified by yellow markers.
Please note that horses and
bicycles are not permitted on
the Swamp Loop or trails east
of Bates Road. Orange markers
indicate walking only trails.
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Scan for running loops
LARCH RD
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Coupland Loop
Seal Flipper Loop
Beach via Don Apps
Bridges
Swamp Loop
Happy Face
Twin Flower Lane
Catch Up Loop
Horse Bike Loop
Extended Horse Bike
Mitchell Grade
1.7 km
1.8 km
920 metres
365 metres
3.1 km
900 metres
2 km
1.9 km
7 km
10.8 km
2.7 km
TRAIL DISTANCES:
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Don Apps Trail
SEAL
BAY
Bates Beach (camping & rentals)
Perrey’s Beach (tide pools)
Swamp Loop
SB10
RD
Assembly point – if lost or
injured call from one of these points
Horse trailer parking
Viewing stand
Trail sign with map
Toilets
Entrance with parking lot
RD
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COOPER PL
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Park entrance number
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July, 2016. This map is not a legal document. This map is a composite of different data sets that were
developed from different methods and dates. This map should be used with caution. The CVRD and its
partners are not responsible for any damages resulting from any omissions, deletions or errrors.
AW
Leash dogs in these areas
April 1 to June 30
Leash dogs in these areas at all times
No bikes or horses allowed
SH
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LEASH DOGS:
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Wet, not maintained
Multi-use (follow yellow markers)
Pedestrian only (follow orange markers)
Stream
Other CVRD Parks & Greenways
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DESIGNATED TRAIL USE:
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MARINER RD
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Bikes & horses
on multi-use
trails only
Give wildlife
their own space.
Observe nature
from trails.
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Expect deer
on all island
roads
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