Nymph Falls Nature Park: A Nice Photo Hike

Nymph Falls Nature Trail

Nymph Falls Nature Trail is a children-friendly nature attraction located in Comox Valley, British Columbia. Nymph Waterfall is on the Puntledge River. In the fall months of October and November, you can expect to see salmon in the river. The park is maintained through the efforts of volunteers from the Plateau Road Residents Association.

Location of Nymph Falls Nature Trail

The Nymph Falls Nature Trail is located near Courtenay, BC. The Nymph Falls Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile hike that starts from the parking lot.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It should take about 30 minutes to complete the round trip.

How to get to the trail

The trail is located on Forbidden Plateau Road which is a 16 km (10 mile) drive from Courtenay, BC. The entrance to the trail is adjacent to 4478 Plateau Road – about 16 km (10 miles) from Courtenay. The trail can be accessed by turning left onto Plateau Road from Peircy RD off of Highway 19.

The price of the nature park is free. You can download a PDF of the trail map clicking here.

Parking

There is a large parking lot next to the Nymph Falls hike trailhead. Visitors usually park along the south side of Forbidden Plateau Road once the parking lot is filled. Please do not park on the North Side of Forbidden Plateau Road; this will block access for emergency vehicles.

What the trail is like

The Nymph Falls Nature Trail is a great trail for those looking for a leisurely walk. The trails at the park are well-maintained and provide beautiful views of the surrounding nature. However, some trails are meant for cyclists only, which can make it difficult for pedestrians to enjoy the full experience of the trail. Additionally, while the falls are lovely to look at, they are worthy of your camera. So be sure to bring yours.

Tips for your visit to Nymph Falls

Are dogs allowed at Nymph Falls Nature Park?

Dogs are permitted at Nymph Falls Nature Trail. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and in the river. We ask you to keep your dogs leached when close to the Falls. The Puntledge River’s rapids are quite uneven, although the water is shallow. However, there are many deep-hole pools with abrupt depth declines. Dog bags are available at the beginning of the trail in dispensers.

Is Nymph Falls Hiking Trail Accessible or Stroller-Friendly?

Yes, the trails all around Nymph Falls Nature Park are wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly hikes. The park has a few different routes you can take, all of which are well-maintained. To get to the water and access swimming holes, however, is a short downhill or a flight of stairs.

Can you swim at Nymph Falls?

The Puntledge River is an unregulated swimming area. Despite the shallow waters, there are several dangerous rapids. The river pools at Nymph Falls are definitely places where you want to keep your kids near. Children should use life jackets before entering the river.

When wet, the rocks near the river’s edge are slick. Some have pointed edges as well. Water shoes are advised for both adults and children.

Activities and Hiking at Nymph Falls Nature Trail

Nymph Falls Nature Park has that rainforest atmosphere. A 53 hectare (100 acre) park and woodland on the bank of the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley. The park has horseback riding, hiking, biking. The park is a popular swimming area in summer. During the winter months, it is favoured by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. A popular nature and sightseeing area in all seasons.

The park has well-maintained walking, hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The picnic area has picnic tables and toilets.

Also, popular with travellers and photographers.

Nymph Falls Nature Park is also popular with visitors to the Comox Valley. Other places that are close to Nymph falls are Brown River Falls, which is a popular swimming hole, and the Medicine Bowls

How to photograph Nymph Falls

On this trip I had a photo already in my mind. My focus was a panoramic, which included the fish ladders. Arriving early, before any other cars were in the parking lot.

By using the tool called Photo Ephemeris I knew the sun would be at my back. Shooting with my camera on a tripod. Why a tripod? The photo required a slow shutter speed to get that silky-white flowing water-look coming down the fish ladder. Using my wide-angle lens and a polarizer to cut down on reflections on the rocks and saturate the green in the trees. I was ready to take the shot.

For more about how to photograph waterfalls, check out our comprehensive guide on how to photograph waterfalls 

Waterfalls, Hiking Biking Trails

The Nymph Falls Nature Trail is a great place for a day of photography. Plus with it being close to Courtenay BC on Vancouver Island. There are a few trails that lead to the falls, and the falls are located near a zigzagging trail and a ridge developed for mountain bikes.