Campbell River’s Canyon View Trail

/ Dave Ingram

Campbell River’s Canyon View Trail (accessed via parking areas at the old BC Hydro powerhouse and at the logging bridge at Woodburn Road) is a moderate 6 km loop that is excellent for wildflowers in the early spring. The rich soil of the Campbell River flood plain is perfect for both white and pink fawn lilies (Erythronium sp.) and the display can be spectacular. I try to do the loop at least once every spring and this year managed two trips (so far), one with the kids and a second with the Comox Valley Camera Club. The challenge is in trying to photograph the flowers from a different perspective to show a different aspect of the habitat or the plant.

Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanum)
I love the shape and form of Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americium), but it is tricky to get just the right amount of the flower in focus.
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) is a classic spring woodland flower on Vancouver Island, BC.
Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
A miniature forest of Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) along the edge of the trail.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
New fronds of Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum).
Pink Fawn Lily (Erythronium revolutum)
Pink Fawn Lilies (Erythronium revolutum) grow thick and lush close to the river’s edge.

The wildflower bloom is spectacular on the Canyon View Trail right now – make sure to get out and enjoy it!