Oyster River Nature Park is one of those hidden gems that is well worth checking out if you’re travelling on Highway 19A between Courtenay and Campbell River.
Trails in the park follow the Oyster River to some wonderful sections of beach opening onto Georgia Strait. Besides great views of the mountains across the strait, you can often see whales and sea lions passing by.

It’s also a good example of the interaction between coastal forest, rivers, and the ocean,

Sometimes you need the big picture to understand the beauty of an area – these two panoramic images are linked to larger versions.