Over the years I’ve been exploring trails near Englishman river. Those within riding distance of my parent’s place.

A good half day is getting dropped at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Cycling back via quiet back roads and trails.

The Missing Link was too technical for me. But I proceeded anyway, with caution, until I happened upon a dog on the trail. 
It was a bear. The first I’d ever seen near Parksville.

Bear aware, I did the right thing. Looked around for mama. Happily, there was no mother bear. Unhappily the young one sprinted out of sight before I could snap a photo.

 

One time I needed to haul my bike up from the river, lift it over this railing.

These are some fantastic trails. This is temperate rain forest. But the best you find randomly dispersed. There’s a master plan, but cycling trails are not all connected.

Best case scenario the local train tracks will be converted to trail some day. Everything else linked.

In the meantime, the Englishman River Regional Park is recommended.  Very few people as road access is limited. You’ll find me in there most days.