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Increased tourism equals increased traffic at Nymph Falls, other area parks

RD urges visitors to use extra caution when swimming near falls
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A swimmer dangles from a rope at the base of the falls, while others watch. Nymph Falls has become an increasingly popular swimming hole this summer. Photo by Terry Farrell

There has been a marked increase in traffic at Nymph Falls Nature Park this summer.

Many locals are “rediscovering” the location as a swimming hole, instead of paying the toll established by a developer this year for access onto the privately owned road leading to Stotan Falls. Nymph Falls Park has also long been a favourite for dog-owners, as it is a leash-free designation.

But, as Ian Smith of the Comox Valley Regional District reports, it’s more than just locals heading the Nymph Falls this summer.

“Part of the increase is that there seems to be an increase in tourism on the Island this summer,” said Smith, the general manager of community services for the CVRD.

“A lot of businesses have noticed that. It could be because people are redirecting their holidays because of the fire activity in the Interior. I’ve heard other businesses have really noticed an increase in the amount of visitors.

“There has been an increase in park users to a lot of our parks in the CVRD, for sure.”

Nymph Falls Nature Park overflow parking along Forbidden Plateau Road, hardly ever needed in past summers, has been used consistently this year.

The RD has done its due diligence to accommodate the increasing traffic at the park.

The existing bathroom facilities along the trails have been reguarly maintained throughout the summer, and an extra porta-potty has been brought in.

Extra signage has been put in place, advising visitors not only of any particular cautions, but also pointing out which trails are not to be used by cyclists.

There are some dangerous spots, particularly in the water, and as with any unsupervised swimming hole, extra attention is needed by all those who are enjoying the area.

“For sure, when there are that many people in an unsupervised area, we are always concerned about safety,” said Smith.

“With the river there, there’s changing currents, and water depths change at different times. There are drowning hazards presented by different things, like tree branches in the river, and the rocks are very slippery. So yes, people have to take precautions…. we want to ensure they all enjoy Nymph Falls in a safe manner.”

“Of course, around the falls themselves, that would be the number-one area of concern, but really, any area where there’s a chance of slipping and falling, and ending up in the river, people just have to be aware of the trail conditions and all the people using the trails.”

As with any park area, Smith asks the public to respect their surroundings and each other.

“Anybody that is using our parks, we ask them to respect the environment and respect their fellow park users,” he said. “So, activities like alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, dogs being under control - those are all things we hope park users will respect.”

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The overflow parking, along Forbidden Plateau Road, is consistently busy this summer. Photo by Terry Farrell


Terry Farrell

About the Author: Terry Farrell

Terry returned to Black Press in 2014, after seven years at a daily publication in Alberta. He brings 14 years of editorial experience to Comox Valley Record...
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