20 Things to Include in Your Comox Valley Itinerary
How does skiing on fluffy snow while surrounded by ocean views sound? How about jamming at a folk, roots, or world music festival? Comox Valley on Vancouver Island combines nature and culture to enrich the lives of its locals and woo tourists from around the world. A getaway here means you can immerse yourself in outdoor adventure or unwind at a hydro spa. It means squeezing lemon onto the freshest oysters, shopping for one-of-a-kind mementos, and craning your neck to gaze up at giant cedar trees. Let's get into the specifics.
01 Mount Washington's Alpine adventures
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, right in the middle of Vancouver Island, welcomes visitors throughout the year. During winter months, you can enjoy activities like snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing. During summer, hiking, ziplining, and mountain biking are top of the agenda. Instructors help newbies learn the first steps necessary to hit the slopes. It's a family-friendly resort that guarantees an epic time.
02 Culinary journey in Courtenay
The year-round Comox Valley Farmers' Market sells everything from organic fresh produce and baked goods to art. Live music creates a lively environment, while farm-to-table establishments like Avenue Bistro and Atlas Cafe turn amazing local seafood into flavorful dishes. Foodies should check out a tour like Island Gourmet Trails for a mouthwatering intro to the region. Sweeten the deal and go to Hot Chocolates for truffles, caramels, and loads of other delectable treats.
03 Discover Comox Valley's waterfront
Comox Lake is a beautiful man-made lake created in 1912 when the Comox Dam was built. Just a 10-minute drive from the Strait of Georgia, the lake is a recreational hub popular with anglers, paddleboarders, kayakers, and other water sports enthusiasts. Comox Lake Beach is safe for swimming and doesn't allow boat traffic. If you'd prefer to stay dry, hiking trails wind through nearby forests.
04 Unwind at Kingfisher Hydropath
If R&R is your main priority or the weather doesn't cooperate with outdoor plans, head for Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa. The friendly staff members will help you decompress in a grotto-style setting. Try the Pacific Mist Hydropath for a unique experience. You can also relax in the outdoor heated pool or enjoy the hot tub, Swiss shower, waterfalls, baths, sauna, and steam room. Just let your worries flow away for a couple of hours.
05 Shopping spree on 5th Street
Downtown Courtenay is a shopping mecca where you can find souvenirs, gifts, and everything in between at over 240 businesses. The boutiques' wares go beyond the run-of-the-mill. Think pottery, soaps, specialty teas, metal art, and records. You can buy First Nations jewelry at I-HOS Gallery, high-quality essential oils from Green Valley Aromatherapy, and glass art at Jan's Glass by the Sea.
06 River tubing adventures
Summertime in Comox Valley practically requires floating on the Puntledge River. As many as 2,000 people go tubing when the water is slow and warm. Before you head out, though, check public safety advisories and signage for unsafe conditions. For example, fallen tree trunks can become hazardous obstacles, and river flows are sometimes increased to assist migrating fish.
07 Nymph Falls' natural beauty
You could spend an entire day here hiking, swimming, and shooting the breeze. The multi-use trails at Nymph Falls have user-friendly signage. There's a rope ladder to get closer to the water—it's an exciting attraction but you can use the nearby steps if climbing a ladder makes you nervous. You can bring kids of all ages since Nymph Falls Nature Park has an accessible trail for strollers.
08 Biking the Bear Bait Trail
Bears Bait Trail near Nymph Falls sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. The relatively flat loop trail is suitable for all mountain bikers and poses no problems regardless of the weather. It's also dog-friendly, and you can tailor the route to suit your skill level. The best times to ride Bears Bait is between April and October.
09 An Evening at Goose Spit Beach
Before COVID, beach fires were a common occurrence at Goose Spit Regional Park. These days, you're more likely to see a fiery sunset while taking a leisurely walk. Your canine bestie is welcome, but pets need to be leashed for the better part of March to May to facilitate the migration of Brant geese. Ample parking is available.
10 Diving into kelp forests
A fascinating underwater world awaits you in Comox Valley. Seek out local divers and arrange to go scuba diving at Singing Sands. The currents here can be challenging, but a good guide can help you safely catch a glimpse of a shipwreck. Marine photographers and videographers may even capture shots of the giant Pacific octopus.
11 Kayak to Tree Island
During spring, summer, and fall, you can set off from Union Bay Boat Launch and sea kayak for an hour to a sandbar near the northern side of Denman Island. This spot is unofficially known as Tree Island and is formally known as Sandy Island Marine Park. Camping on the island is possible, but fires are prohibited and freshwater is scarce. It's a good idea to check the weather forecast and bring plenty of supplies if you plan to stay very long.
12 Tribune Bay's tropical vibes
Vancouver Island is not known for being a tropical environment, and yet it comes pretty close to Tribune Bay Provincial Park on Hornby Island. The water has that aquamarine hue we normally associate with the tropics, and the white sand is a stark contrast to the pebble beaches commonly found in these parts. Look for crabs and moon snails, snap pics of the rock formations, or snorkel and pretend you're in Bora Bora for a few blissful minutes.
13 Celebrate at BC Shellfish Festival
Comox Valley produces half of British Columbia's shellfish and more oysters than any other area in the country. The annual summer shellfish festival highlights the area's culinary importance and celebrates all things seafood. Chefs and producers gather masterclasses, enlighten, and competitions honor worthy participants.
14 Courtenay's Atlas Cafe culture
Locals love Atlas Cafe for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The outdoor patio is secluded with a pleasant atmosphere, and the servers are attentive. This is a great place for flavorsome modern global fare, and the vegan options are winners. The enchiladas are highly recommended!
15 Exploring Comox Harbour
Comox Harbor Promenade offers incredible views of the Beaufort Mountain Range and the Comox Glacier. During the warmer months, food trucks keep bellies full, shade is easy to find, and kids happily play in the open space. Across the bay, the hulks of 15 historic ships form a breakwater.
16 Savor local spirits
Discover the essence of Comox Valley at its unique distilleries and breweries. 40 Knots Winery offers sustainable, biodynamic wines with stunning Salish Sea views. Beer enthusiasts will love Gladstone Brewing Company's diverse range, from Belgian ales to IPAs. Wayward Distillery pioneers spirits made from local honey. Each venue embodies the valley's commitment to quality and sustainability, making them must-visit destinations for connoisseurs.
17 Vibes at MusicFest
The Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds comes alive with roots, folk, and global music. Previous performers include Sarah Mclachlan, Angelique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Vancouver Island Musicfest is a highlight on the local calendar, and workshops and jam sessions are an intrinsic part of the event.
18 Nautical days in Comox
There's a lot going on at Comox Nautical Days Festival. A vintage car show revs the engines of classic automobile aficionados. Then there's a parade, a fireworks extravaganza, rides, crafts, races, and live entertainment. It's a weekend of nonstop merriment.
19 Racing thrills at Saratoga Speedway
Check out this exciting, affordable, and family-friendly attraction when you're in town. A monster truck ride, a go-kart race, stock car racing, and the Crash to Pass boat race are just some of the rotating events you'll find at Saratoga Speedway. Expect smashes, hoods flying off, and a hilarious announcer.
20 Golfing with a view
There are nine golf courses in Comox Valley and nearby areas. So, where should you go as a beginner or avid golfer? Only six are open throughout the year, so that could narrow your options slightly. Comox Golf Club aims to be the friendliest of them all, with reasonable fees. Then there's Crown Isle Resort, which opened in 1992 and is as manicured as a royal garden. Other popular destinations include Glacier Greens Golf Club and Saratoga Golf Club. Reach out to them in advance to book tee times.
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