The Comox Valley

The Comox Valley stretches along the coast for approximately 50 kms (30 miles) beginning with the seaside communities of Fanny Bay, Union Bay and Royston. In between are the communities of Cumberland, Courtenay, Comox, Merville and Black Creek. You may choose to drive along the scenic Oceanside Route on the old Island Highway (19A) or take Highway 19, the new four lane inland highway. Adjacent to Fanny Bay are Denman and Hornby Island, accessible via a short ferry ride.

The Comox Valley, including outlying areas, consists of a population of approximately 60,000. The region enjoys mild winters and warm, dry summers. Weather systems that bring heavier rainfall and storms generally pass over en route to the mainland. The Comox Valley is one of the few places in Canada where, in the winter months, one can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon.

Six of the seven golf courses in the area are open year round with facilities that range from a championship course with full service clubhouse, restaurant and lounge, to a miniature golf course that caters to families. Many courses offer spectacular views of the Comox Glacier, the Beaufort Mountains and Strait of Georgia.

Only 30 minutes from Courtenay, Strathcona Provincial Park, covering 626,819 acres, boasts six of the seven highest peaks on Vancouver Island as well as the Island's last remaining ice field, the Comox Glacier. There are over 100 kilometres (62 miles) of hiking trails with hiking highlights such as the 444-metre (1,443-foot) Della Falls. Walk into subalpine Paradise Meadows on the loop trail to Battleship Lake and Lake Helen Mackenzie, go for a swim in a pristine mountain top lake, or camp out for a few nights exploring the farther reaches of Strathcona. Rub elbows with island deer and Roosevelt elk, feed a Whiskey Jack (Canadian Jay), walk along the ridge and follow the trails all the way down again.

Mt. Washington ski resort is accessible via the Strathcona Parkway and served during the ski season by scheduled shuttle bus. Ski Season is from December to early April with an average snowfall of 8 meters (over 26 feet). Alpine skiers and snowboarders have a choice of 50 trails and eight chair-lifts including the Hawk 6-person Express. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, snow-tubing, tobogganing and luge. Cross-country skiers, both novice and expert, enjoy 55 kilometres (34 miles) of well-marked trails that lead along high alpine lakes and forests; trail circuits offer challenges to novice, intermediate, and expert skiers. Summer activities include ATV tours, horseback riding and hiking.

Winter fishing for halibut, cod and sole are very popular activities and many professionally guided boat charters are available. Salmon fishing is hottest at Cape Lazo, King Coho and Bates Beach. Shore fishing at King Coho can reward you with spring salmon upwards of 9 kg. (20 lbs) Freshwater fishing is available in the many, well stocked lakes.

Sea Kayaking in the protected waters of Georgia Strait is a very popular activity and local outfitters can provide you with all you need, including lessons. Herons, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises and the occasional grey and killer whales can be seen on the Comox Valley waterways.

Mountain biking is well established in the Comox Valley on trails ranging from easy forest roads to "slickrock downhill" and "classic gnarly rainforest single track."

Many historical sites, museums and art galleries await you throughout the Comox Valley - even a visit to a Paleontology Center and a chance to dig for your own fossils.

Gardening enthusiasts will enjoy Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens which has over 3000 varieties of rhododendrons along with a multitude of native plants, birds and wildflowers.

Lodging for every taste is available in the Comox Valley, ranging from oceanfront condos, wonderful B & B's, beachside resorts to RV Parks and camping.

Transportation includes daily train service from Victoria on Via Rail's The Malahat. The Malahat travels between Victoria and Courtenay with departure on all days. 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245) for rates and schedules.

Daily bus service with Island Coachlines to all parts of Vancouver Island with the mainland and the local bus service, Comox Valley Transit System at 250-339-5453.

Comox Municipal Marina has guest moorage, showers, laundry facilites, supplies and service. The Comox Valley Regional Airport is served by Central Mountain Air, Pacific Coastal and Westjet Airlines offering flights throughout Vancouver Island, Canada, and several U.S. cities.

Courtenay Airpark in downtown Courtenay have available small aircraft and float planes. In addition, the aircraft are available for Introductory Flights, Mountain Flights, Recurrent Training, Scenic Tours, and Rental to licensed pilots.

Regular ferry service from the Vancouver and Washington State to the Comox Valley is available via BC Ferries.