Puntledge River (Lower), aka Courtenay River

17th Street Bridge

Heading out of the public boat launch, turn left and you will immediately see the first of two bridges you will need to paddle beneath.

A closer view of the 17th Street Bridge

A Calm, Quiet, and Green River

Beyond the 17th Street Bridge, the Puntledge River is already calm and quiet, even though downtown Courtenay is just blocks away.

Fifth Street Bridge and Simms Park

So, here we approach downtown Courtenay. It's almost all trees on the river's edge. A large, treed park is on the right bank, Simms Millennium Park.

North of Fifth Street

it just keeps getting greener and more remote!

A Rope Swing

There is fun around every corner. Pull over and grab a rope swing on a hot day.

Beach at the Tsolum/Puntledge Junction

It gets shallow on the west side of the Puntledge as you approach the confluence with the Tsolum River entering from the north. There is a nice beach here that is somewhat accessible by land as well.

The Current Increases

With a 12-foot tide (with a usual range of 3-15 feet), this is as far as a decent paddler can go. The river current is now truly challenging.

Downstream

Turning downstream, the paddling is much easier now with the roughly 2-3 kmph, 1-2 knot current behind you. Notice how green the banks are. Downtown Courtenay is barely a kilometer away.

Returning to the Fifth Street Bridge

To the east of the river and on the north side of the bridge is Lewis Park. There is access from this park to the river's edge.

Courtenay Marine Park Boat Launch

At 20th Street and Cliff Avenue, the public Boat Launch has parking for about 20 cars (no fee) and a great boat rental outfit called Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes (comoxvalleykayaks.com) and there is a nice little cafe, Park Cafe, right at the marina (open summers only).