Cumberland Potholes, nestled in the Comox Valley, offer a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

Quick Guide to Cumberland Potholes

  1. Hidden Gem: Explore this unique topography, a true hidden gem on Vancouver Island, attracting those who appreciate distinctive landscapes.
  2. Trail Details: Embark on a 4 km round trip to the Potholes, accessible via the Cumberland Forest. This moderate hike promises an enjoyable journey for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
  3. Trail Name: Also known as China Bowls or Perseverance Potholes, the hike along Perseverance Creek promises a perfect adventure.
  4. Best-Kept Secret: Cumberland is often regarded as one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept secrets, and it is worth exploring.

The Cumberland Potholes is a hidden gem on Vancouver Island one should not miss out on!

What to Expect

The Cumberland Potholes are located in an area that is not very big; however, the surrounding trails are extensive. The dramatic landscape and topography of the potholes make the hike so worthwhile.

While you are there, make sure to take note of your surroundings. Notice the smoothness of the rock pools carved out by the flowing water, their unique shapes, deep colours, and dark and intriguing crevices. And let’s not forget the peaceful beauty of it all!

This hidden gem, tucked into Cumberland’s forests, should not be missed.

Getting To the Cumberland Potholes

  • Take the Cumberland exit and start heading towards Comox Lake.
  • There is a large gravel parking lot at the corner of Dunsmuir Avenue (also Royston Road) and Sutton Road (for the Cumberland Recreation Centre).
    • You can park here and walk the few hundred metres to the trailhead; OR, park just after the 90° corner (where Sutton Road becomes Comox Lake Road) on the side of the road (bringing you closest to the trailhead).
  • Walk through the yellow gate and enter a large system of biking and hiking trails.
  • At the sign, turn right and head up the hill.
  • You will pass through a forested area and a clear-cut area (approximately 1 km from the sign at the bottom).
  • When you arrive at another forested area (after the clear-cut), stay right (there will be quite a few trails veering off to your left).
  • When you reach the bridge, take the trail on either side and head downstream.
  • You have arrived!

Length of Trail

The hike to the Cumberland Potholes is approximately 2 km (one way). If you wish to continue, many more hiking and biking trails surround the area.

You can use an app and online map like AllTrails to help guide your way.

Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible?

While most of the trail is uphill, it is a well-maintained, very wide path that makes it stroller-friendly. However, please note that walking around the Cumberland Potholes requires sure footing. The rocks are very slippery, and there are a few really deep pools. Please watch your children at all times.

Dog-Friendly?

The trail leading up to the Cumberland Potholes is dog-friendly. A sign at the trailhead states dogs must be on a leash, but many people ignore this rule. However, as mentioned above, the area is extremely slippery once at the Potholes. And if you are continuing downstream, it requires a lot of scampering and jumping across rocks, some of which are pretty steep.

More Hidden Gems in the Area

If you like this hike, we have many more hidden gems in the Comox Valley. The majority of our hidden gems require a membership to Vancouver Island View, which gives you access to an Exclusive Membership Area. Once you join, you will have full guides to the following off-the-beaten-track locations in the Comox Valley:

  • A Hidden High-Elevation Lake and Waterfall
  • Hidden Mine Ruins
  • Secret Potholes (that are even bigger and better than these ones)
  • An Abandoned Mill Site
  • Plus many more
The Japanese and Chinese cemeteries in Cumberland shows the rich history of the area.

While you are in Cumberland

It would be a shame to be in Cumberland and not wander around the village to take in the local sights.

Founded in 1888, early settlement in Cumberland was due to the coal mines. Miners and their families came from across North America, Europe, China and Japan to reap the benefits of the regular shipments of high-grade steam coal. The area became home to the fifth-largest Chinese settlement in BC.

Not only did the coal mine bring a profit to both the town and its workers, but it also brought great heartache. Two major mine explosions happened in the early 1920s. In August 1922, the first killed 13 men, while the second, less than six months later (Feb. 1923), killed 33 men.

At the Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries, you can find the tombstones of many victims clustered together.

While in the area, delve into Cumberland’s history, dating back to its coal mining roots, at the Cumberland Museum and Archives. This enriching experience offers insights into the town’s fascinating past.

Today, Cumberland is a vibrant community built on outdoor recreation. It is known as a legendary mountain biking area. Many parks and an abundance of trails surround the village.

The Village of Cumberland

The storefronts in Cumberland are an eclectic mix of cute shops and restaurants.

To recharge your body after hitting those trails, we recommend the following stops:

  • Riders Pizza is located on Dunsmuir and specializes in pizza (by the slice or whole), salads, and desserts. You can take out or dine in. We tried three different slices of their pizza and loved them all!
  • Cumberland Brewing Company is also located on Dunsmuir and is an absolute MUST when in the area. They serve delicious fresh food, and it is the perfect place to gather for a drink after a day of exploring the area.

Cumberland Potholes Summary

Whether spending just an hour or two at the beautiful Cumberland Potholes, or spending a full day in Cumberland, your time will be well spent. Embark on a journey to Cumberland and discover the perfect blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty.

So tell me, have you spent any time in Cumberland? And more specifically, at the Cumberland Potholes, AKA Cumberland China Bowls?

Let me know your thoughts about either location in the comments below.

If you want to keep this post for future reference, don’t forget to save it to Pinterest!

The Cumberland Potholes are a unique hidden gem on Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island View

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17 Comments

  1. We went there this past weekend, what a treat! There wasn’t any flowing water, but still beautiful and easy to climb around. Thanks for your instructions on how to find! One of the highlights of our trip.

    1. That’s wonderful to hear, Jess! I’m so glad you enjoyed the area and that my directions helped you find it.

  2. Thank you so much for the detailed and accurate directions on where to park and how to get there!! We are from Vancouver and went there for a visit. We were having trouble finding the place thanks to Google map and found your site which saved us from wandering around in circles. 1000x thanks! Will mention your site when writing my Google review. It was absolutely worth going!! The china bowls are so cool.

    1. I’m so glad you found this article helpful! And thank you for letting me know!!

  3. We arrived to a closed road and had to change the plans in the last minute – went to Mt. Washington.

  4. Hey everybody, please note that if you are visiting the ‘Cumberland potholes’ during the summer months they are definitely not ok for swimming. The creek is fish bearing and the water is very low during the summer. Anyone entering the water would potentially be damaging a very sensitive water system. Enjoy the view!

  5. Jill Brown says:

    I am dyslexic ! – Did you mean Comox LAKE road ?! thanks, I love your fa
    bulous site!!!

    1. Ah shoot, yes, I meant Comox Lake Road. Thank you for catching that! It’s been fixed.

  6. Bonnie Harris says:

    Is it child friendly? Not like trent

    1. Yes, I would say Cumberland Potholes is more child-friendly than Trent River. There are no roped trails to contend with like there is at Trent River. The trail to the Cumberland Potholes is a nice easy trail. The only part you will need to be concerned with are the potholes themselves, as they can be very slippery. However, with a bit of extra caution, totally doable. We typically always hike with our kids, and they really enjoyed this one. (They would have been approximately 9 and 7 at the time we did this hike).

  7. In your ‘Getting There’ to the Cumberland potholes you mention “At the corner of Royston Road and Sutton Road, ” . Should it not be Dunsmuir and Sutton?

    1. Royston turns into Dunsmuir, so you are quite right. By the time you get to Sutton, you are indeed on Dunsmuir. Thank you for the catch! I’ll update the post.

  8. Gwen Curry says:

    Your site is beautiful. Under the title ‘While you are in the area’ you mention shipments of ‘high grade steam’. How can steam be shipped?

    1. Ahhh! That would be a typo! There isn’t supposed to be an “and” in there. Thank you so much for noticing. It is all fixed up now.

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