Nymph Falls Nature Park sits along the Puntledge River just a short 10-minute drive from Courtenay and Comox. This riverside park is known for its series of small waterfalls, clear pools, and easy multi-use trails that work well for families, casual walkers, and anyone who wants a quick escape from town.
It is a popular summer spot for swimming and picnics, and a great place to watch the river change with the seasons. The park protects 61 hectares of second-growth forest on the north side of the Puntledge River.
Well-marked trails wind through second-growth forest to viewpoints, benches, and picnic areas beside the water. Along the way you can take in views of Nymph Falls and Nib Falls, explore sections of the multi-use trail network, or follow the river to quieter stretches where you can sit and listen to the water. In October, this is also a good place to see salmon working their way upstream.
Facilities are simple but thoughtful, with several pit toilets, picnic tables, and signed routes from the two main parking lots. Whether you are visiting for a short walk to the falls, a longer forest loop, or a refreshing swim at Barber’s Hole, Nymph Falls feels like a local favourite that visitors are welcome to share.
What to expect at Nymph Falls
- Driving time: About 10 minutes from Courtenay and Comox.
- Trail experience: Easy, mostly well-graded forest and riverside trails with options for short walks or longer loops.
- Waterfalls and river views: Two main waterfall areas, Nymph Falls and Nib Falls, with rock ledges, fish ladders, and plenty of rushing water in most seasons.
- Swimming spots: Popular summer swimming in the Puntledge River, especially at Barber’s Hole upstream from the main falls area. Watch water levels and currents.
- Family friendly: Benches, picnic tables, and multiple outhouses along the trails make this a good choice for families and mixed-ability groups.
- Multi-use trails: A mix of walking, biking, and horse-approved routes. Pay attention to signs for dogs on-leash or off-leash areas and any bike-specific features.
- Accessibility: Some flatter, wider sections of trail are better suited to strollers and mobility aids, although not every route will be accessible for all visitors.
- Parking: Two main parking lots, one closer to the falls viewpoints and a second that is handy for Barber’s Hole. Both can be busy in summer.
- Seasonal highlights: Summer for swimming and river lounging, and October for salmon spawning at Nib Falls and along the Puntledge River.
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The trail network gives you plenty of ways to explore. You can follow gentle paths through the trees, ride the wider multi-use sections, or wander toward the water for swimming and views of the rushing Puntledge River. Families appreciate how easy it is to spend a full day here, with something for everyone.
Along the way you’ll find benches, three outhouses spaced throughout the trail system, and quiet picnic spots beside the river. One table in particular stands out thanks to the carved faces on its legs, a small detail many visitors look for.
Near the main entrance, a short walk leads to an open picnic area close to the river. This clearing has a surprising bit of history, once serving as a labour camp for conscientious objectors during World War II.
Two Waterfalls at Nymph Falls Nature Park
Nymph Falls
In summer the water calms to reveal a series of exposed bedrock ledges, making it a popular spot to cool off in the heat.
Nib Falls
Nib Falls cascades over man-made fish ladders that were blasted out of the rock in 1977 to help spawning salmon move upstream. October is a good time to watch the salmon leap their way up the falls. You can find viewing and pool access on a rock outcrop 500 metres from the parking lot.
The Puntledge River is an important part of the salmon run that once boasted an abundance of various species of fish. The Puntledge River Hatchery was built downstream to save Chinook salmon from extinction and help rebuild a healthy fish population altogether.
Nib Falls, Viewing Area.
Access to Nib Falls viewing area, the nucleus of the park, is just 500m from the main parking lot and is accessed from the River Trail, where you can scope out the man-made fish ladders and walk out onto the long flat rocks for a spectacular view of the falls (watch out for slippery rocks due to algae deposits). Don’t forget your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the Puntledge River.
Picnic Areas, Walking Trails, and Bike Routes
Nymph Falls offers plenty of places to take a break, with picnic tables placed along the riverside and throughout the forest. The main picnic area near the entrance sits close to the water and is an easy spot for families, while additional tables are spaced out along the trail network for those who prefer quieter corners of the park.
The walking trails vary from gentle riverside paths to wider forest routes, giving you options for short outings or longer loops. Benches appear at key viewpoints, and the routes are well signed, making it easy to explore without planning a specific direction.
Cyclists will find several multi-use trails where bikes are welcome. These wider, shared-use routes connect through the forest and link to viewpoints, side paths, and other sections of the park. Bikes are not permitted on the narrower riverside trails, so keep an eye on signage and respect trail designations for the safety and comfort of all visitors. Riders who stay on the multi-use network will find a smooth, enjoyable forest ride with easy navigation.
Whether you’re packing a picnic, going for a relaxed walk, or heading out for a quick bike ride, the layout at Nymph Falls gives you an easy way to combine a few activities into one visit.
Barber’s Hole: The Nymph Falls Swimming Hole
After the falls, head upstream to Barber’s Hole, the calm blue-green swimming hole that many visitors come to Nymph Falls for. You can park at a small gravel lot on the left just past the main Nymph Falls parking lot, or hike over from the falls on a scenic 2.6 km trail.
The pool sits along a calmer stretch of the Puntledge River and is a popular place to cool off on a hot summer day. A lifesaving ring is kept on site, but the river is unsupervised, so always check the current and water level before getting in.
If you are after sandy beaches to spread out in the sun instead, see our guide to the nicest beaches on Vancouver Island.
Salmon Spawning Season
Nymph Falls is a great place to see salmon making their way up the Puntledge River, especially through October. As the water levels rise and temperatures cool, salmon begin their upstream push toward the spawning grounds.
The fast-moving channels around Nymph Falls and Nib Falls create natural pinch points where you can sometimes watch fish leap through the current.
The best viewing areas are along the riverside trails near the main falls and the fish ladders. You’ll often notice flashes of red or silver in the water, and during peak weeks the river can be alive with movement.
Even if numbers vary year to year, this is one of the more accessible places in the Comox Valley to experience the fall salmon run up close.
Please stay on designated trails and avoid entering the river during spawning season. The fish are working hard to reach their final destination, and giving them space helps protect the habitat.
For photographers and families, this is a memorable and respectful way to see a key part of the coastal ecosystem in action.
Parking & How to Get to Nymph Falls
When you arrive, there are two parking lots to choose from.
#1 The first parking lot is well signed and is ideal for the short hike to the falls viewing point. It’s not a large parking lot, so it fills up quickly in the summer. Parking along the road is also an option. Just make sure you are completely off the pavement. Directions
#2 The second parking lot – is just a little further down the road and hidden in the trees. It’s a longer walk to the falls but much closer if you are looking to go for a swim at Barber’s Hole. Directions
Helpful Tips
- Leashing optional trails
- Please keep your pets near and under control. Always have a leash, collar, dog bag and valid license for your pet.
- Not all technical features on bike trails have ride-a-rounds.
- No alcohol, loud music, camping, fires or ATVs.
- No parking after 11 pm or before 5 am.
- Always park vehicles fully off the pavement if parking on the road shoulder.
Safety: BC Hydro Water Level Changes
The Puntledge River is regulated by BC Hydro, and flows can rise quickly when water is released from the dam at Comox Lake. A loud siren warns that the river is about to rise.
If you hear the siren, leave the riverbed and shoreline immediately and move to higher ground. Avoid lingering on low rock shelves where rising water could cut you off.
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