Saratoga Beach, BC : Arthur Mayse Trail
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Arthur Mayse Trail

The Arthur Mayse Hiking Trail is located along the shores of a channel on the banks of the Oyster River in Saratoga Beach, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The loop trail visits a fish breeding pond and explores along a 575 metre long waterway called the Arthur Mayes Side Channel. The side channel is part of a network of channels looping into and out of the Oyster River.

The dirt hiking trail is well maintained and popular. Ease of access, ease of use and the forest cover (protection from the sun) are a few reasons why the trail is widely used. The easy grade trail is great for families and all fitness levels.

The activities enjoyed on the hiking route include walking, jogging, sightseeing and dog walking. The loop trail extends from east to west, bridge to bridge. The Oyster River Bridge on the Highway is the west end of the trail. The east end is at the bridge crossing the Oyster River on Regency Road in Saratoga Beach.

The Oyster River region has long been a spawning region for salmon and trout. Over time the region has been developed, managed and protected by the Oyster River Enhancement Society. The society stepped it up in 1983 in an effort to rescue the river from neglect and return the river back into a spawning river. Today it is a successful salmon and trout feeding and breeding recovery program.

Along the Arthur Mayse Side Channel hiking trail are opportunities to visit a fish hatchery, a breeding pond, a dyke, viewing areas and fish ladders. The side channel is only one of many in the area. Other channels include the Raven, Connolly and Rippengale. Nearby is the Oyster River Regional Park and more hiking trails.

How to Get to Arthur Mayse Trail

Travel along Hwy #1 to the Comox Valley located south of Campbell River and north of Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada. From the community of Courtenay in the Comox Valley travel north on the the Inland Hwy (Oceanside Route) 25 kilometres (16 Miles) to Saratoga Beach. The turn off to Saratoga Beach while traveling the Inland Hwy is the #144 exit.