A Cumberland day trip from Comox can combine a walk through the historic village with time on local trails or at a lakeside park. Cumberland is part of the Comox Valley, and its non-motorized, multi-use network includes community forest, watershed and privately managed forest lands.
- Getting around: Cumberland is served by regional bus routes.
- Trail network: The Village manages trails in the Community Forest Park and Watershed Lands; United Riders of Cumberland manages trails on private forest lands.
- Park option: Cumberland Lake Park sits on Comox Lake and has beaches, a swimming float, a boat launch and hiking trails.
- Water awareness: The trail network is in a drinking-water supply area for Cumberland and much of the Comox Valley Regional District.
Port Augusta rooms in Comox are one accommodation option for planning a regional outing.
Getting from Comox to Cumberland
BC Transit serves Cumberland on routes connecting communities across the Comox Valley. Route 2, Cumberland / Anfield Centre, and Route 20, Cumberland via Royston, are among the Comox Valley routes.
Transit schedules can vary, so check the official site before you go. BC Transit operates the service day to day under contract with Keolis Canada, in partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District.
If you are planning more than one outing, a day in Courtenay from Comox offers another way to explore the valley.
Walking through the historic village
Cumberland’s historic sites give a village walk a local-history focus. The Chinatown and No. 1 Japanese Town Historic Sites are part of the area’s heritage landscape.
For a walk that continues into green space, Cumberland Village Park connects to the South Wellington Colliery Railway trail from the BMX parking lot and from the foot of Sixth Street. The park also has year-round washrooms with seasonal hours, and its off-leash dog park is accessed at the foot of Sixth Street.
Comox itself has a town centre to explore before or after a village outing; this practical Comox town-centre guide covers that part of the trip.
Choosing a trail or outdoor stop
Cumberland’s trail network spans the Cumberland Community Forest Park, Cumberland Watershed Lands and privately managed forest lands. The Village of Cumberland manages trails in the first two areas, while United Riders of Cumberland manages trails on private forest lands through an access agreement with forestry companies.
The network lies in the drinking-water supply area for Cumberland and much of the Comox Valley Regional District. Perseverance Creek and the Comox Lake watershed are part of that supply area, so follow posted guidance and take care around waterways.
For a different kind of outdoor stop, Cumberland Lake Park covers 24 hectares on Comox Lake. It has sandy beaches, a swimming float, a concession, a boat launch, a dock and hiking trails. Its campground includes serviced and unserviced sites as well as a group campsite.
Checking access, conditions and services
Trail access and conditions can change, so check local updates before choosing a route. Pay particular attention to creek crossings, where high water or unstable ground can affect safe passage.
Cumberland Village Park’s washrooms are open year-round, but their hours vary by season. Cumberland Recreation is beside the mountain-bike trails and has a fitness studio, gymnasium, squash courts, climbing wall and multipurpose rooms.
FAQs
Can you take transit to Cumberland?
Yes. Cumberland has regional bus service. Check the current BC Transit schedule before travelling.
Where can you connect to the South Wellington Colliery Railway trail?
In Cumberland Village Park, access is available from the BMX parking lot and from the foot of Sixth Street.
What is Cumberland Lake Park like?
It is a 24-hectare park on Comox Lake with sandy beaches, a swimming float, a concession, a boat launch, a dock and hiking trails.