A Visit to Merville, BC
Travels where I live
I am staying for a few days in Merville, which is a small community (also described as a hamlet) between Campbell River and Courtenay on Vancouver Island, in the beautiful Comox Valley. The population is just a couple of thousand people and there isn’t much in the way of stores or shopping if that’s what you are looking for. But it is indeed worth a visit.
It was named for a place in France where Canadian soldiers serving there in the First World War had one of their first field headquarters. Those who returned and were the first settlers in the area named it Merville, after that French town.
There is a long beach at the foot of Williams Beach Road in Merville that is lovely. A mixture of sand and rock provides an ideal place for children to play as the tide sneaks in along the shore. Birds are abundant as well as a variety of sea life. If you are lucky you might get to see a whale or more swim by a little way out. It is rarely crowded being a little out of the way and dogs are welcome which is not the case in many of the provincial parks in the summertime.
At the other end of Williams Beach Road is the MARS Wildlife Rescue. They offer guided tours of their facility and are an opportunity to see some owls, albino crows, and eagles and learn about the work they do as well as lots of interesting facts about these birds and others. The tours are free although donations towards their work are welcome.
Williams Beach Road is also home to an easy half-hour trail walk of about 2 km through the forest. Great for kids and dogs, but not so for those who have difficulty with uneven terrain. And there are many other trails nearby for those who like biking, running, or just walking in nature.
If you were to visit Merville in the winter time you could take a 30-minute trip up to a winter wonderland at Mount Washington, the local ski resort. Here you can participate in cross country or downhill skiing, tubing, or snowshoeing. I tried the latter for the first time last year and loved it.
Merville is home to many farms and sources of locally raised produce and meat products. In early summer you can begin to purchase local berries and produce at roadside stands and in the spring you can arrange to visit one of the nearby barns full of newly born lambs.
If you have kids (or adults ) who would like an experience with horses the nearby Wholehearted Equine offers the chance for a personally catered lesson or session. You and/or your child can get the chance to learn about the care of horses, have a hands-on experience, and even get to trot around the ring if you are so inclined. Two of my grandchildren had an amazing time there last summer on a visit to the area.
If you are interested in fishing you are in the right spot. Several local companies offer charters to take you out on the water to catch a fish, or just for a short voyage. While beaches are beautiful, getting out on the ocean offers a special experience. I was fortunate enough to have family members who could take me on a trip fishing here last winter. We didn’t catch anything that day, but the views were beautiful.
Saratoga Speedway is just down the road if you are looking for a different kind of excitement. It’s in our plans to go there with some grandkids this summer. So if your visit needs a little excitement like some fast and/or noisy vehicles here is your opportunity.
And if you are looking for a place to stay in the area there are many Airbnbs as well as some cabins (the Alders) right on the beach at the foot of Williams Beach Road. We have stayed at the Alders Beach resort as well as one of the Airbnbs and have found both to be great places to stay while visiting.
I am fortunate to have many great places so close to home that offer such versatile opportunities.
Since I love photography and especially nature, I appreciate that the vistas are abundant with birds and other creatures. If this is your kind of holiday you might enjoy it too.
