Fishing, Hiking, Boating and More at Comox Lake British Columbia

Comox Lake is a large glacier-fed lake near Cumberland, BC on Vancouver Island that offers excellent freshwater fishing. The lake, in the middle of a forested wilderness, offers great times in addition to fishing including hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, biking and huge amounts of relaxation.

It is a great place for families to spend a vacation, watch local wildlife or just enjoy the natural beauty and quiet of nature. Comox Lake is close to Strathcona Provincial Park, Mt. Washington and the Courtenay-Comox area.

Fishing on Comox Lake

On Comox Lake there are lots of opportunities to fish for Kokanee salmon, Dolly Varden, Char, as well as my favorite, Rainbow trout. Fishing on Comox Lake is considered to be the best during the spring and fall. The boat launch costs $6.00 a day or $47.25 for a seasons pass and it is located at the west end of Comox Lake road. Remember that you need a fishing license to fish in BC.

For up-to-date fishing regulations for Comox Lake Reservoir the Puntledge River contact the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection in Campbell River at 250-286-7630.

Fishing on Punteldge River

The Puntledge River flows from Comox Lake in a northeast direction. It joins the Tsolum River which eventually becomes the Courtenay River and ultimately empties into the Gulf of Georgia at Comox Harbour on Vancouver Island’s east coast.

There are Steelhead, Salmon and Rainbow trout present and there isn’t much competition except the seals.

Comox Lake Hiking

In addition to the gorgeous views of the forests and foothills, you will find a variety of hiking trails. These are the main hiking trails:

• River Trail West is a 1 to 2 hour hike along a easy trail along the Puntledge River west side. Great river views. You can get there from the upper Puntledge Hatchery or from the Comox Dam picnic area.

• River Trail East is a 3/4 hour to 1 1/2 hour hike along the east side of the Puntledge River. You can access it from the Comox Lake Hostel or the Comox Lake Dam.

• Twin Lakes Trail is a short trail going past a couple of small lakes. It starts at the Comox Lake Dam Picnic area.

Comox Lake Dam Picnic Area

The Comox Lake Dam picnic spot is located at the outlet of the Comox Lake Reservoir on the Puntledge River. There is information displays, beach and picnic area. Overnight camping and fires are not permitted in the Recreation Area.

Comox Lake Biking

There are a variety of mountain biking and multiuse trails in the Comox Valley area. There is a group of trails around Comox Lake and the Puntledge River (runs out from Comox Lake) know as the Comox Lake-Puntledge River Trails. The trails with different degrees of difficulty begin at the dam on Comox Lake.

• Bear Bait Trail – (you are not the bear bait) runs along the west side of Puntledge River and will take about half an hour. It begins at the Comox Lake Picnic area with connections to the trails in Nymph Falls Regional Park.

• Bevan Trail – the trail starts at the Comox Lake Dam and ends at the Puntledge Diversion Dam.

• Comox Glacier Trail – An alpine trail for experienced bikers that leads to the Comox Glacier. Allow 7 hours.

Getting to Comox Lake

The closest town is Cumberland which is about an hours drive north of Nanaimo and just a few minutes from Courtenay going south on Island Highway 19. There are signs to Comox Lake from Highway 19.

Take Exit 117 to Cumberland and turn left onto Comox Valley Pkwy S/Cumberland Rd S, Continue to follow Cumberland Rd S, take the 2nd right onto Bevan Rd, turn left onto Comox Logging road.

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