Check out this HERITAGE AND RECREATION MAP for an overview of historic sites and recreation opportunities in the Village of Cumberland.
Make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots for your visit Cumberland—the area boasts some of the best trails on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll or you’re planning a major expedition into wilderness, Cumberland is the perfect jumping off point for hikers of every age and ability.
Cruise the streets and alleys of Cumberland where sturdy mine workers’ cabins stand next to charming turn-of-the-century heritage homes. Visit Cumberland’s Perseverance Creek Heritage Site and follow the trails along the historic Chinatown Marsh. On the north side of Comox Lake, a short drive or ride from Cumberland, BC Hydro has created an extensive network of multi-use trails that run alongside the Puntledge River. Climb higher and check out a breathtaking view of the Valley from Forbidden Plateau Recreation Area
Nothing beats a cool, refreshing swim on a hot day. Take a dip in the glacial fed waters waters of Comox Lake or paddle out in a canoe or kayak and see amazing views of the Comox Glacier. And you don’t have to go far to see wildlife. Deer are frequent visitors to gardens, and black bears are spotted from spring through to fall. Although they tend to be very shy, the area is also home to cougars and Roosevelt Elk. Bird life is prolific in the Valley, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera. Bald eagles, Great Blue herons, hawks, Trumpeter swans, and countless song and marine birds inhabit or visit the area’s marshes, fields, forests, estuaries and waterways.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CUMBERLAND
In Cumberland there is year-round access to some of the best off-road riding in the world. Known as one of Canada’s top riding sites, an active mountain biking community builds and maintains a wide network of trails for riders of all levels and experience. The extensive mountain biking trail system around Comox Lake and along the Puntledge River is one of the largest on Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley is famous for its gnarly rainforest single-track trails, which take advantage of the distinctive characteristics of this geographic area. These amazing trail systems have been the location for a number of international level competitions such as BC Bike Race and Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race, and also for more local events such as the Perseverance Trail Run , the 12 Hours of Cumberland XC mountain bike endurance competition, and other races in the Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Race Series.
SUMMER AT MT WASHINGTON:
The resort will open for skiing & boarding on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd - 11am-4pm. The cost will be $25 for a lift ticket. Check out the photo to the right taken May 31, 2011! The mountain will determine what lifts will be spinning closer to the event dates. “We received over 19 metres of snow this winter, the deepest winter in resort history, and we still have depths of up to 4 metres mid-mountain,” says resort spokesperson Brent Curtain. Visit the WEBSITE for full details.
Summer Chairlift Rides: From late June through September summer scenic chairlft rides are a perfect afternoon adventure for hikers. For mountain bikers Mount Washington offers 2 high-speed lifts, one four-person and one six-person, that are fully equipped to carry your trusty ride safely and efficiently to the top of the mountain providing quick and easy access the 37 kilometres of trails at Mt Washington’s Bike Park. Please check the website for 2011 summer opening dates.
Paradise Meadows trail-head located at Raven Lodge is an entry point to Strathcona Park’s alpine day hike and back-country camping circuit. Be sure to visit this LINK to check on trail conditions and camping regulations before heading out. This year’s massive snow-pack may mean snow-covered trails at higher elevations until July or August.
WINTER AT MT WASHINGTON:
Cumberland is the perfect base camp for winter or summer adventures at Mount Washington Alpine Resort and the base of the mountain is a short 10 minute drive away. Once ‘up the hill’ you’ll find world class nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The winter season typically runs from the first week of December through mid-April, conditions permitting.
Visit their website for current info.
Winter photos courtesy of Mt Washington Alpine Resort
HIKING & BIKING TRAILS:
Explore the extensive trail systems around Cumberland on foot or by bike…..
Comox Valley Mountain Bike Trail Maps (Including Cumberland and Forbidden Plateau bike trail systems). Pick up a copy of these maps at Riding Fool Hostel, Dodge City Cycles or Cumberland Visitor Centre for $4.
Arrange a guided mountain bike adventure : Island Mountain Rides
Rent a mountain bike at Dodge City Cycles
Puntledge River Trail Info and
Puntledge River Trail Map
Comox District Mountaineering Club
Forbidden Plateau Detail Hiking Trail Map
Strathcona Park Trail Map
ROCK CLIMBING
Experienced climbers can tackle a number of crags at Comox Lake
MOUNTAINEERING:
Those prepared for backcountry camping and equipped with a 4WD vehicle can consider the Comox Glacier Trail .
Arrange a guided alpine climb, hike or ski tour with Island Alpine Guides.
WEATHER & ROAD REPORTS:
Current weather and forecast for Cumberland: Environment Canada
Mount Washington Alpine Resort Weather & Snow Report.
Drive BC Road Report
INDOOR RECREATION
Cumberland Recreational Institute: Fitness Studio, Racket Courts, Fitness Classes, Climbing Wall, Hall & Municipal Park rental information. 2665 Dunsmuir Ave. Call 250 336-2231 for programming information. Click HERE for hours of operation.
Whether you want to scale a glacier, or descend deep into the silence of the lush forest on your mountain bike touch base with a local adventure guide and get the inside scoop to make your Vancouver Island outdoor dream a reality. Many world re-known adventure tours along the rugged coast of British Columbia are accessible from the Comox Valley.
Take a ride on some awesome Cumberland singletrack courtesy of BC Bike Race (2010)....
