SEAL BAY NATURE PARK�e 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 !

Recreational west coast trails meander through tall Douglas-�r forests, skirt deep ravines, wrap around wet- lands and descend to a rocky beach. Here on the shore of Seal Bay there are vast ocean views and nearly 1km of

Seal Bay NAT U R E PA R K

PARK ACTIVITIESParks 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.

For those looking for a workout there are �ve marked loops thanks to the Comox Valley Road Runners. �ese

RECREATIONAL TRAILS Trails in the park are well-liked for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dog walking. �ey 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.

�e best maintained trails are the Coupland, Swamp and Horse/Bike loops. Expect some rocks, wet spots and roots on other trails. �e 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.

�e Don Apps Trail leads hikers past fern-laden ravines down to the beach. �e 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.

Comox Valley Regional District600 Comox Road Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6250-334-6000 or 1-800-331-6007communityservices@comoxvalleyrd.cawww.comoxvalleyrd.ca

Contact the regional district or visit comoxvalleyrd.ca/gi�s to sponsor a bench, sign or tree planting at Seal Bay or other parks.

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July 2016. Cover photos: Dog walkers by Amy Thede. Deer by Shirley Engerer

�e Horse/Bike Loop circles around the park and is identi�ed 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.

coastline to explore. Be on the lookout for marine life, birds, seals and sea lions. �e months of October through April provide the best seabird viewing opportunities.

A NATURE EXPERIENCEDeer, owls, ducks, squirrels, beavers and many birds depend on the park for food and shelter. Park users spot cougars and bears on occasion. �e forest is part of their territory, perhaps even a home base for one bear seen o�en on the west side of the park.

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.

loops vary from 3 to 10 kilometres with their own coloured arrows and distance markers. �ese 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.

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. �ere is usually a 7km run every �ursday morning and some Saturdays.

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.

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. O�-leash dogs are the number one complaint from park users, followed by horses and bikes straying from the Horse/Bike Loop.

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Seal Bay Park R E C R E A T I O N A LT R A I L S

Wet, not maintainedMulti-use (follow yellow markers)Pedestrian only (follow orange markers)StreamOther CVRD Parks & Greenways

Leash dogs in these areasApril 1 to June 30Leash dogs in these areas at all timesNo bikes or horses allowed

LEASH DOGS:

DESIGNATED TRAIL USE:Park entrance number

Entrance with parking lot

Toilets

Trail sign with map

Viewing stand

Horse trailer parking

Assembly point – if lost orinjured call from one of these pointsJuly, 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.

TRAIL DISTANCES:

Coupland LoopSeal Flipper LoopBeach via Don AppsBridgesSwamp LoopHappy FaceTwin Flower LaneCatch Up LoopHorse Bike LoopExtended Horse BikeMitchell Grade

LEGEND

1.7 km1.8 km920 metres365 metres3.1 km900 metres2 km1.9 km7 km10.8 km2.7 km

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Give wildlifetheir own space. Observe nature

from trails.

Bikes & horseson multi-use

trails only

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Expect deeron all island

roads

Scan for running loops