Guided Walks and Excursions
Being in nature feels incredible at any time, but most importantly, when you are on a health program. Nature and beach walks will give your body healthy oxygen and accelerate healing. These outings are one of our guest’s favourite activities.
All meeting rooms and the dining area overlook the ocean and the Desolation Sound. The sea is ever-changing, and you never get tired of watching it change hues and views. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot whales or seals at a distance at certain times of the year. Check out sand dollars, rarely found in other parts of the world, watch giant red jellyfish and bull kelp on the beach and collect oyster shells. Campbell River is considered one of the world’s highest marine life places. Many species not found elsewhere live here.
Enjoy the Island’s beauty and pristine clean air. Summers are warm at +20 C, and winters with an average of +5 C. In fall and winter, it is essential to bring waterproof shoes (runners and rubber shoes), an umbrella, a pair of woollen socks, and a warm jacket. It is rarely cold here. There may be an occasional light frost and snow from December to February, but these are infrequent.
Walks/Excursions Routes (sample)
Salmon Point Walk: The closest daily independent walking route to the marina. Enjoy beautiful trails and evergreen grass. Watch residential eagles living on top of the mature trees right above your head. Listen to the ocean waves while walking or sitting near the beach. Approx walking time: 45-60 minutes.- Guided Nature Walk to Oyster River Park: Along this walk, there is everything: beautiful trees in the park, river and ocean side. Total walk time: 1.5 hrs, though it may take longer if you want to walk further into the garden. If you like walking, it is a great walk you can continue for your everyday routine, on your own or with a buddy.
- Hike to Bear Creek Nature Park: This close hike offers a perfect sampling of BC’s primitive coastal rainforest, with a mix of easy terrain. The trails work through natural hillside terraces, forests, swamps, and flood plains. The approximate walking time is about 1 hour; the driving time is 10 minutes each way. There are several trails in Bear Creek and other parts of the park.
- Miracle Beach Walk: Easy ground, with some pebbles on the beach. Beautiful Provincial Park with temperate forest areas and endless gorgeous beaches. The park also has a Nature House that hosts family interpretive programs during the peak summer.
- Saratoga Beach: Located at the north end of the Comox Valley, at the mouth of the Oyster River, Saratoga Beach is considered by many as the ultimate stretch of shimmering sand on the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island.
- Guided Nature Walk-Excursion to Seal Bay Park: a place of “serenity and beauty,” Seal Bay Park is one of the guests’ favourites, with a series of easy, looping trails and a variety of mild terrain. Sometimes we guide two walks to this location because the area is so large, and the tracks look entirely different. =Approx. We are walking time: 1 hrs. 20 min, driving time 20-30 min each way. Total walk time: 2.5 hrs
- Guided Nature Walk to Elk Falls and Suspension Bridge: This walk has beautiful views of Elk Waterfalls, especially in winter. There are many walk routes at the Falls, in different parts of the park. FromFrom late October to December, you may see eagles and bears catching the returning Pacific salmon spawning, a fascinating view unique to only a few places. Approx. Walking time: 1 hr., driving time 20-30 min each way. Total walk time: 2 hrs
- Drive to Painters Lodge (available in the summer season only): Neighboring Vancouver Island’s Campbell River community, on the banks of Discovery Passage, stands the legendary Painter’s Lodge – a fishing resort welcoming international visitors since 1929. You’ll find what you’re looking for at this world-famous resort in beautiful British Columbia. We’ll take the free boat from Painters Lodge to April Point Resort. April Point Resort & Spa’s history is deeply rooted in the local salmon fishing traditions of Discovery Passage. While the other fishing resorts catered to tourists, April Point operated as a camp for commercial fishermen in the 1940s. It is now a world-recognized Hotel.
Note:
Each guided walk is offered on the scheduled date only. All walks and excursions are subject to cancellations due to weather and potential route closures.
How Long Are the Guided Nature Walks?
The usual walking time for the routes is 1 to 1 1/4 hours. The total time (including driving) for most walks is 1.5 hours, with some long weekend trips.
What if I Cannot Walk Far?
For those who have mobility issues and cannot walk for an extended period, walking around the property or in its proximity at a comfortable pace is an option. We’ll show you a simple route and give you the walking map. Get into the routine: it will enhance your flexibility, lift your spirits, and improve your well-being.
What Will I See on the Walks?
The nature here is stunning! Feel free to check the Area Tour.
Natural Facilities
The Ocean Resort, hosting Fresh Start retreats, is an eco-friendly facility. This means completely smoke-free buildings, mostly laminate floors, hypoallergenic duvets, eco-paints and carpets, and natural body care amenities. Unique driftwood and stone elements are prominent in the tasteful design. When you walk around the resort, you have a feeling of natural beauty and simplicity that is relaxing, uncluttered and soothing. Additionally, the Fresh Start staff use eco-friendly cleaning and laundry detergents wherever possible.