Once upon a time—actually, as recently as 2017—the Oyster River area was home to one of Vancouver Island’s most picturesque pub crawls.
A meandering trail used to take patrons between the Fishermen’s Lodge Pub on the Oyster River and the Salmon Point Restaurant and Pub. It made its way through the Oyster River Nature Park, beside the Oyster River, and along the oceanside Jack Hames trail all the way to Salmon Point. The magnificent four-kilometre round-trip walk traversed hemlock and Douglas fir forest, sandy and pebbly beaches, and an estuary with excellent chances to observe wildlife.
The end of an era
Fishermen’s Lodge closed in late 2017 and Salmon Point burned down in a suspected arson in early spring 2019, ending the opportunity for libations and pub fare at each end. The trail between the two was still there, and still widely loved, but walkers needed to bring their own rations.
But now, the former pub-to-pub trail has a new twist, and it’s high time you rediscover it.
A new culinary destination emerges
A new building has gone up where Salmon Point Restaurant and Pub once stood, and walkers, RVers, and vacationers can now enjoy tasty Italian dishes by the water at Mattone Italian Kitchen. Mattone boasts a 180-degree ocean view and an expansive patio overlooking the beach.
Mattone’s owner, Ryan Gark, has been working together with Glen Noort, the owner of the Salmon Point RV Resort, and says the partnership has been mutually beneficial, with a shared focus on the food, the experience, and of course the view, which he describes as “quite possibly one of the most awe-inspiring restaurant backdrops on the Island.”
Nature’s bounty along the path
In some seasons, you may be able to pick a little trail snack as you walk: plump blackberries, thimbleberries, and huckleberries all grow here. During the summer months, walkers can also find the Salt Shack, a trailside Airstream trailer selling Vancouver Island harvested sea salt. And in the fall, you may see mushroom pickers and shore fishers as you make your way along.
A multifaceted experience worth discovering
Located halfway between Campbell River and Courtenay, the Oyster River to Salmon Point trail is not only nature therapy—it’s once again a pathway to a good meal, though it’s no longer a pub-to-pub experience. It makes a fabulous half-day trip, be it morning, noon, or evening.
It beckons walkers to have a multifaceted experience—forest, sea, farmland, river’s mouth, fresh air, and even artisanal salt and Italian cuisine. Aren’t we so lucky? See you on the trail … with a full belly, to boot!
