When we arrived in Campbell River, we loved to walk every day on the boardwalk, but we wanted to find somewhere quieter and with more scenery, and we found it in Miracle Beach.
Where is Miracle Beach Provincial Park located?
Miracle Beach Provincial Park is located 22 km north of Courtenay and 22 km south of Campbell River off Hwy 19a. From Hwy 19, follow exit #144 (Hamm Road) to Hwy 19a (the Oceanside Route). Head north a short distance to Miracle Beach Drive, then drive 2 km straight into the park.
The address:
1720 Miracle Beach Dr, Black Creek, BC V9J 1J5
History about this park:
Miracle Beach Provincial Park was previously privately owned by Mr. Frank Pottage. In 1950, the BC government purchased 57 hectares of land from Mr. Pottage, and Miracle Beach Class “A” Provincial Park was established. In 1952, a game reserve was created over the foreshore area of the park. Additional lands were purchased and donated over the years until 1972 when the park reached its present size of 135 hectares.
What can you do there?
-Canoeing and kayaking is a great option.
-Bicycles must keep to roadways and are not permitted on park trails. A bike rack is located next to the change house at the south beach day-use area and the shower building in the campground. For information, bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
-There are opportunities for salt water and fresh water fishing at this park. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada before fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license.
-There is about 2 km of walking trails in the park. Trails lead from the campground and day-use parking lots through second-growth and some old-growth forests. The majority of the trails start at the north beach parking lot. Some follow the Black Creek and the Estuary at the northwest end of the park. A dog-walking trail is designated and accessible from the north beach parking lot.
-Beginning on the May Long Weekend, the Nature House will be open every weekend until Labour Day. The Nature House is open daily from late June through Labour Day. Interpretive Programs are regularly available during the summer months at the Nature House or amphitheater.
You can bring your dog during the summer only with a leash all the time and only on designated trails and during the winter months, dogs are allowed on all trails with a leash too, but don’t go in the backcountry areas as there is wildlife and you could face potential problems with bears.
-Wide sandy beaches make for good ocean swimming. The beach has rocky areas with barnacles and shells; footwear is recommended. The most popular swimming area is located at the south beach day-use area. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
-A viewing platform and fish weir located near the BC Parks office at the entrance to the park provides an exciting opportunity to view the Black Creek, particularly in the spring and fall when salmon are spawning. Interpretive signage at this location offers information about the fish weir. Miracle Beach is also a good place for bird watching, and from the beach, visitors have excellent views out over the Strait of Georgia.
Why should you make this park your best spot near Campbell River?
I did love it every time I went there as the colors were never the same, the views on the mountains are really gorgeous (when they are not in fog or under the cloud), and walking under these giant trees is just amazing.
