Black Creek

History

During the early years of the 20th century, Black Creek was the site for several logging camps, such as Comox Logging & Railway Camp #3, which was on what is now Endall Road. In the 1930s, the area was made available to German speaking Mennonite settlers primarily from the USSR via Mexico or the Canadian prairie provinces. The land which had once boasted some of the largest Douglas firs in the world was now a community of dairy and fruit-growing farms. Even today, there are still many small but beautiful gardens and farms lining the Old Island Highway.

In the 1950s, many Austrian and German immigrants were sponsored by Black Creek Mennonites, and much of the life of the community was conducted in a mixture of German and English well into the 1960s. The conservative and church-oriented community contributed significantly to the musical and academic life of the Comox Valley, especially the high schools.

Today, Black Creek still retains two Mennonite churches (United Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren), though only a few of the original families still live in the area.

Location

Black Creek is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, approximately 16 kilometres north of Courtenay. It is primarily an agricultural hamlet and bedroom community to Courtenay and Campbell River - approximately 20 km to the north.

Places to See

• Saratoga Speedway
  
  North and Central Vancouver Island's premier motor speedway! Rent a go-cart and race against your friends around a 3/8 mile oval track, or watch others compete in the weekly competitions.
  
  Saratoga Speedway is located halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River, on the scenic Island Highway. The 3/8 mile Baby "D" shaped track was designed from the Daytona track. The first turn has a 14 degree bank, the remaining three turns are flat, wide and sweeping. Saratoga has been a staple of the area for over 30 years and is ranked as one of the finest tracks in the province. The pit area inside the racing surface allows spectators to view their favourites preparing their cars for the next event. Bracket Drag Racing every other weekend, staged by the Island Drag Racing Association. Outdoor Concerts have become commonplace, with spectators enjoying an up-close view and fantastic acoustics.
  
  
• Mount Washington Ski Resort
  
  During the winter, come here for alpine and nordic skiing! During the summer, there's mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, mini-golf, and camping. There are also special events every month, including concerts, races, and the always-popular Beerfest.
  
  
• Oyster River Hatchery
  
  The Oyster River Hatchery has many rearing ponds and an extensive system of rearing and spawning channels. Look for spawning Pink Salmon from August to October, Chinook in September and October, Chum in October and November and Coho from October to December. Steelhead Trout and Cutthroat Trout are also seen. The hatchery is only open to the public on Tuesdays from 8am to 2pm, and it is strongly recommended that visitors contact the Oyster River Enhancement Society prior to their visit (250) 337-5967. From Highway 19 just south of Miracle Beach Drive, turn onto Hamm Road and then onto Macaulay Road. Drive 4.6km on Macaulay Road to a gated gravel road on your right.
  
  
• Saratoga Beach
  
  The tide along this stretch of the shoreline goes out for over a quarter of a mile, creating a hard-packed oceanfront playground perfect for children to safely explore and play on. The gently sloping beach continues for well over a mile into the calm waters of the Strait of Georgia, creating warm, shallow and safe swimming conditions, free from powerboat traffic, deep water or strong currents. Beachcombing is a must here, where you can discover the life at low tide - a seashore profusion of sand dollars, crabs, and starfish!
  
  
• Miracle Beach Provincial Park
  
  As a family holiday destination, few locations can beat popular Miracle Beach Provincial Park in the Comox Valley. A broad safe sandy beach on the ocean is the main attraction at Miracle Beach, which also features spacious private campsites, group camping facilities, a playground for the kids, hot showers, a large picnic area overlooking the water and a series of lovely trails winding through lush forest. At low tide, the beach features rich tide pools, perfect for observing a variety of marine life.
  
  Located on the waterfront midway between Courtenay and Campbell River, this park provides easy access to both communities and a wealth of entertainment. On the beach, sandcastle building, sunning, swimming, exploring tide pools, or just frolicking along the shore are all part of the Miracle Beach experience. And don't miss the non-competitive annual sandcastle building day in June, where playful people of all ages create fantastic sculptures for all to enjoy. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, golf, fishing and almost any other recreational activity you can imagine.
  
  Miracle Beach is a very popular destination during the summer - campsites reservations are highly recommended. Next door to Miracle Beach is sandy Saratoga Beach. With its many resorts and campgrounds, Saratoga Beach is a good alternative if Miracle Beach is full. For your convenience the park has a concession managed by the Park Facility Operator.
  
  
• Woodhus Slough
  
  Woodhus Slough is located about 2 km north of the Oyster River along a shoreline that contains slough, marsh, farm field, beach and gravel habitats. A number of rare plants are found here. Almost 200 bird species have been recorded in the Woodhus Slough area.
  
  During the summer months, the slough is home to the secretive Virginia Rail and Sora. Red-winged Blackbird are easily seen in the cattails. The areas open and shrub areas along the trail to the slough are frequented by Song Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Brewer's Blackbird, Swainson's Thrush and Cedar Waxwing.
  
  At the slough look for Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron, Beaver, Muskrat and Pacific Treefrog. In the winter months, Trumpeter Swans may be seen.
  
  
• Oyster Bay Shoreline Regional Park
  
  Located just north of Saratoga Beach, Oyster Bay Shoreline Regional Park is popular for its bike and walking trails with gravel beaches, and for its great view across to Quadra Island. The trail leads to the southern park of Cambell River with a few picnic tables and benches along the way.
  
  
• Seal Bay Regional Nature Park
  
  Seal Bay Regional Nature Park on Bates Road south of Black Creek is a sunny stretch of coastline frequented by California and Steller sea lions, seals, and migratory birds. Spring is a time of increased activity, when the sea lions arrive as they follow the annual herring and eulachon migration. Trails begin from the north end of the road and lead to a staircase that descends to the beach.
  
  
• Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park
  
  Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is home to the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. All sedentary marine life, including abalones, scallops and sea cucumbers, are fully protected within the park's boundaries, which extend 300 meters out from the shore. This nature reserve is an important nesting colony for thousands of Glaucous-winged Gulls, as well as pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers, rhinoceros auklets and many other species of birds. Marine life around the island includes river otters and harbour seals throughout the year, and Steller's and California sea lions from late fall to May.
  
  Mitlenatch, which means 'calm waters all around' in the Coast Salish language, is a small rocky island that features semi-arid conditions caused by the island's location in the 'rain shadow' of Vancouver Island. The park receives less than 75 cm (30 inches) of rain each year - about half the Campbell River average. Rain-bearing clouds pass eastward from the Pacific Ocean and drop much of their moisture on Vancouver Island. As they descend across the Strait of Georgia, they warm and pick up new moisture, which will be dropped on the Coast Mountains of mainland British Columbia.
  
  Accessible by boat only, Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph wildflowers and birds. Birders should approach observation blinds slowly and quietly - the island is a very sensitive ecosystem that is extremely prone to damage by visitors who venture off the designated trails. Pets are not permitted on the island. Visit in May when the island's meadows of spring wildflowers are in bloom, or in July when the harvest brodia and coastal cactus bloom.
  
  Collecting of any kind is NOT permitted at Mitlenatch Island, including all shellfish.

Things to Do

• Fishing
  
  Some of the best saltwater fishing on the island, particularly for salmon, can be found in the waters of the Strait of Georgia north of the Puntledge River Estuary between Courtenay and Comox, and off of Cape Lazo, King Coho, and Bates Beach, south of Black Creek. Because of its sheltered location and an absence of dangerous currents, the shoreline around Comox is well suited for rod fishing in a small boat. If the weather does change, you can see it coming and quickly make for shore. Shore angling for salmon is popular in Comox Bay from August to November. The closer you get to Campbell River, the better the salmon fishing becomes. Tidal flows in Discovery Passage churn up clouds of nutrients that sustain a complex food chain, which includes, near the top, tasty salmon.
  
  
• Golf
  
  Saratoga Beach Golf Course offers a 9-hole par 32 course. Nearby golf courses include Storey Creek Golf Course and Sequoia Springs Golf Club in Campbell River, and Crown Isle Golf and Country Club in Courtenay.
  
  
• Scuba Diving
  
  Quadra Island and the nearby island of Steep are acknowledged as two of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Both provide exceptional visibility, and feature an amazing diversity of sea life and wreck sites. Be prepared to see wolf eels, anemones, crabs, hybroid sponges, sculpins, rockfish, seals, and the spectacular giant octopus.
  
  
• Hiking
  
  A good pair of boots and some comfortable clothes are all it takes to get started. Watch for trail markers beside roadways or in parks- this is a great activity for the whole family, and it's FREE.
  
  
• Mountain biking
  
  Local mountain biking enthusiasts have carved out excellent trail systems throughout the region. Check with local bike shops for inside info, maps, and rentals.
  
  
• Surfing
  
  Tofino and Long Beach too crowded? Move up the coast to the hot surfing spots off Nootka Island.
  
  
• Canoeing
  
  Campbell River's lake and river systems are a paddler's dream- deep wilderness, smooth water, and connected waterways.
  
  

Events

• Polar Bear Swim
  
  Every January, ring in the new year at Saratoga Beach with a brisk swim in the ocean.
  
  
• Campbell River Salmon Festival
  
  This annual event in August features world-class logger sports competitions, outdoor stage entertainment, a parade, children's and senior's events, arts & crafts, a home show, a community corner, a food fair and miscellaneous competitions. Contact 250-287-2044 or check out the website at www.crsalmonfestival for more information.
  
  
• Campbell River Annual Christmas Market
  
  From November 17th to December 23rd, The Campbell River Art Gallery becomes a festive showcase of decorative and functional wares created by Island artists & artisans. Contact the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261 for more information.

Contact Information

Tourism Campbell River and Region

Campbell River Enterprise Centre (East Wing)
900 Alder Street
Campbell River, BC V9W 2P6

Toll Free: 1-866-830-1113
Local Phone: 250-830-1113
Fax: 250-830-0660
E-mail: tourism@northcentralisland.com
Website: www.northcentralisland.com