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.(Kayak rentals available at Cumberland Lake Park Campground - NEW for summer 2010!) 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.
Cyclists in Cumberland have 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.
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. In the 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.
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.
Hiking & Biking:
Explore the trails on foot or by bike.
Puntledge River Trail Info and
Puntledge River Trail Map
Comox Valley Mountain Bike Trail Maps (Including Cumberland and Forbidden Plateau bike trail systems)
Comox District Mountaineering Club
Forbidden Plateau Detail Hiking Trail Map
Strathcona Park Trail Map
Check out Strathcona Park’s current trail conditions and advisories before you head out!
Pick up a copy of Cumberland and/or Forbidden Plateau Bike Trail 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 or a kayak at Comox Lake through Pathways
Rock Climbers can tackle a number of crags at Comox Lake
Experienced Mountaineers prepared for backcountry camping and equipped with a 4WD vehicle can consider the Comox Glacier Trail .
Heritage Walking Tours :
Explore the rich and colourful past with this self guided tour of the historic buildings and houses of Cumberland.
Cumberland Heritage Walking Tour
