History
Goose Spit's Indigenous name is Pelxqikw, which means “round on point.” Both sides of the spit were used by local First Nations to collect clams and cockles in spring and to fish for salmon in winter. The park is Crown land owned by the province. Since 1971 the province has granted the Comox Valley Regional District a licence to manage the land as a park.
Background
Goose Spit Park is a unique landform, a flexible sand spit fed by the Willemar Bluffs that, together with Gartley Point, creates the Comox Harbour. Goose Spit Park offers excellent views to the south, east and west. On the inside is a sheltered lagoon that provides food and habitat for many migratory and resident waterfowl. Brant geese use the park as a migratory stopover from March to May every year. During those times, leashing of pets is mandatory in the park. The park lies within the provincially rare coastal sand ecosystem and is home to a number of provincially blue and red listed plants and animals.
A log wall in the high tide area helps prevent the road from being washed out during winter storms. It also helps to trap sand and encourage vegetation to establish. Goose spit is a popular spot for kite-boarding in the fall and winter seasons. In the summer many people enjoy paddling and swimming on the beaches.
- View the Comox Valley Naturalist Society nature viewing guide
- View list of recent bird sightings
- View test results of beach water sampling - outer beach & inner beach
Location
- 10 Hawkins Road, east of Comox town boundary
- Lazo North (Electoral Area B)
Goose Spit Park Walking Routes
Stair count from Goose Spit to Mulholland Drive via Nob Hill
Park Etiquette
- Leashing of pets is required between March 1 and May 20, which gives migrating Brant geese a chance to rest and eat within the park.
- Do not remove rocks or sand.
Beach Fires
Unless there is a fire ban in place, beach fires are permitted seasonally from May 1st to Labour Day. From September to April 30th, beach fires are prohibited at Goose Spit.
- Beach fires must be contained within the 10 designated fire rings, located along the outer beach.
- Kiln-dried and untreated firewood is the only permitted firewood at Goose Spit Park and is provided by the CVRD each morning when the program is running.
- Fires must be fully extinguished with water by park closing (11 pm).
Visitors may bring their own barbeques, hibachis, and portable propane fire rings to the beach, as long as the flame height is no larger than 15 centimeters.
Accessibility
- Two portals to the top of the dunes overlooking the water are wheelchair accessible
- Mats located close to HMCS Quadra make the last park portal accessible May through September
Management Plan
The most recent park management plan for Goose Spit was completed in 2009 .
Goose Spit Coastal Recreation Park - Proposed Enhancements Project Report