History
Morning Beach Park was donated in 2010 when the adjacent lands were subdivided. In September of 2011 a stairway with 121 steps was constructed to replace the old narrow footpath down the bluff that was known as the “rope trail.” Construction was based on a geotechnical letter and an Islands Trust development permit obtained by the Comox Valley Regional District.
A park volunteer and Denman resident, Peter Karsten, handcrafted the beautiful park signs. Peter has also supplied a logbook, allowing visitors to share their park experiences with others.
In fall 2018, some minor stair rehabilitation took place after strong winter storms combined with king tides had severly eroded parts of the bluffs, including at the bottom of the long, wooden staircase. A portion of the trail that traversed the slope was removed and the bottom stairs were moved 40 meters up the beach to connect with the main staircase. Gabion wire baskets were set, both vertically and horizontally into the top of the foreshore to create a small transitionary staircase to make up the difference in the height and to help absorb the powerful winter waves.
Information
Morning Beach Park, located on the Northeast side of Denman Island along the Komas Bluffs, features a long, wooden staircase providing access down a steep bluff to the sand and cobble beach below. The bluff offers scenic views of the Coast Mountains, Hornby Island to the east and Goose Spit to the north. At the top of the stairs there are two picnic tables, a viewing stand, interpretive signs and a short trail through native forest. Roadside parking is available along The Point Road.
The park is the only access to the beach below the Komas bluffs and the only access for about eight kilometres north of Fillongley Park on the east side of Denman Island. The bluff stairs are used by the community to gain access to the beach and, at low tide, walk the 2.2 kilometres to Sandy Island to the north of Denman Island. The public also uses the end of Gladstone Way on the west side of the island to access the beach and walk to Sandy Island at low tide, a distance of roughly four kilometres. While a longer distance from Sandy Island, Gladstone Way provides easier access to the foreshore than the stairs.
Location
7600 The Point Road, Denman Island
Park Etiquette
Dog leashing is optional. Please respect the private property to the north and south of the park.
Parks Partners
- Parks Committee of the Denman Island Residents Assocation
- Jáji7em and Kw'ulh Marine Park (Sandy Island Marine Park)