In This Park
Visitor Information
During the winter, horses are only allowed on the road between the gatehouse and group site. Horses are not permitted on any other trails within the park. Commercial trail riding operations are located in the vicinity of the park.Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 337-8020
info@explorebcparks.ca
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
About This 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.
Established Date: October 16, 1950
Park Size: 137 hectares (109 ha upland, 28 ha foreshore)
| Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
|
|---|---|
| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Winter camping fee from October 10 – October 31 and March 1 - March 28 with no services provided; campers must be self-sufficient) Gates locked outside of these dates. year-round camping offered at Elk Falls |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | April 12 – October 8 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 12 – September 4 |
| Group Campground Dates with Full Services: | April 12 – October 9 |
| Group Campground Reservable Dates: | April 12 – October 8 |
| Picnic Shelter with Full Services | April 12 – October 9 |
| Picnic Shelter Reservable Dates | April 12 – October 8 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 201 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
192 |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. | |
Know Before You Go
Special Notes
- In your exploration, please remember to carefully place overturned rocks in their original position. Look but do not touch or remove any shells or marine organisms from the park.
Reservations
All campsite, group site and group picnic shelter reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted at this park and first-come, first-served sites may also be available.
Group Campsite Reservations:
Group campsite reservations are accepted for the group campsites through Discover Camping.
Group Picnic Shelter Reservations: Group picnic shelter reservations are accepted for the picnic shelter through Discover Camping.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Miracle Beach Provincial Park is located 22 km north of Courtenay and 22 km south of Campbell River off Hwy 19a. From Hwy 19 take exit #144 (Hamm Road) to Hwy 19a (the Oceanside Route). Head north a short distance to Miracle Beach Drive, then drive 2 km straight into the park. Nearby communities include: Campbell River, Comox Valley, Merville.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.Nature and Culture
- History: Miracle Beach Provincial Park was previously privately owned by Mr. Frank Pottage. In 1950, the BC government purchased 57 hectares of land from Mr. Pottage, and Miracle Beach Class “A” Provincial Park was established. In 1952, a game reserve was created over the foreshore area of the park, and in 1956 this was added to the park. Additional lands were purchased and donated over the years until 1972, when the park reached its present size of 135 hectares.
- Conservation: A viewing platform and fish weir located near the BC Parks office at the entrance to the park provides an interesting opportunity to view the Black Creek, particularly in the spring and fall when salmon are spawning. Interpretive signage at this location offers information about the fish weir. Miracle Beach is also a good place for bird watching, and from the beach visitors have excellent views out over the Strait of Georgia.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Management Plan for Miracle Beach Provincial Park [PDF]
Disclaimer:
This is not the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Cycling
Fishing
Hiking
There are about 2 km of walking trails in the park. Trails lead from the campground and day-use parking lots through second-growth and some old-growth forest. The majority of the trails start at the north beach parking lot. Some follow the Black Creek and the Estuary at the northwest end of the park. A dog-walking trail is designated and accessible from the north beach parking lot.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Interpretive Programs
Beginning on the May Long Weekend, the Nature House will be open every weekend until Labour Day. The Nature House is open daily from late June through Labour Day. Interpretive Programs are regularly available during the summer months at the Nature House or amphitheatre.
Pets on Leash
During the summer months, dogs are only allowed on designated trails starting at the North Beach parking lot. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
During the winter months, dogs are allowed on all trails in the park but must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Facilities Available at this Park
Campfires
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite, as well as communal ring for the group campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary.
Gathering firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park damages vegetation and ground cover and is a ticketable offence under the Park Act. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Group Camping
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Read the Youth Group policy about Criteria for Youth Groups.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $120.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!
Picnic Areas
This park has two day-use/picnic areas. The south parking lot will lead you to a day- use area on the beach with a covered, semi-enclosed picnic shelter, picnic tables, change building with flush toilets, an information shelter and a large parking area. The north parking lot will lead you to nature trails, the Black Creek Estuary and beach. Pit toilets and an info shelter are located at the parking lot.
Please note: dogs are prohibited during summer months at the South Beach day-use area. A dog walking trail is designated at the North Beach day-use area. The picnic shelter is open year-round.
There are group picnicking opportunities available. Reservation information »
Pit or Flush Toilets
Playground
Sani-Station/Dump
Showers
Vehicle Accessible Camping
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wheelchair Access
Winter Camping
Winter camping is offered at this park during a portion of the winter. Check the Campground Dates of Operation for the dates available. The nearest campground that has campsites available year-round is Quinsam Campground in Elk Falls Provincial Park, located 5 km west of Campbell River on Gold River Hwy 28.
Campers must be self-sufficient.
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