Hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, diving, camping, golfing, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, farm tours, farm markets, festivals, arts events — it’s all happening in the Comox Valley. This alpine-to-ocean recreation playground includes Denman and Homby Islands, Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland, as well as more than forty parks to play in year-round. Add to that five excellent museums, a live theatre situated in a vibrant downtown, an active arts community, and more than fifty annual events and festivals, and you have a destination the whole family will love.
Denman and Hornby Islands — Magnificent beaches, heavenly scenery, and excellent outdoor activities — what more could you ask for? On Denman Island, visit Fillongley Provincial Park and camp by the beach, hike the trails, or stroll along the shoreline. Hornby Island’s best beaches include those at Whaling Station Bay and Tribune Bay, known as “Little HawaiL” Cycling is a good way to see the sights on both these islands, and the kayaking and diving opportunities here are among Vancouver Island’s very best. Moreover, Denman and Hornby Islands are reputed to have the highest number of artists per capita in Canada. To get here, board a BC Ferry from Buckley Bay, 20 kilometres south of Courtenay, to Denman Island. After a fifteen-minute drive across Denman Island, you can catch a connecting ferry to Hornby Island.
Courtenay — Located in the heart of some of the most beautiful farming landscape on Vancouver Island, Courtenay is the urban centre and cultural hub of the Comox Valley. For a peek into some of the Valley’s most delightful shops and galleries, head to Fifth Street, the heart of charming downtown Courtenay. The waterfront Simm’s Mifiennium Park is the perfect place for a stroll before taking in a show at the Sid William’s Theatre or one of the many indoor and outdoor musical performances that take place year-round. The Courtenay Museum is definitely worth a stop, especially if you have a penchant for fossils and dinosaurs — after all, Courtenay is the first stop of the Great Canadian Fossil Trail! Weekly farmer’s markets, a calendar full of festivals, and an arm-long list of exciting outdoor adventures make Courtenay an excellent base for your holiday in the Comox Valley.
Comox — The picturesque marina and waterfront shops and restaurants in seaside Comox give it a resort-like ambiance. The Comox Harbour has recently been revitalized with great walkways and a gazebo, as well as a lovely boardwalk and a vibrant downtown harbour atmosphere. Comox boasts two of the Comox Valley’s
most popular attractions: the Comox Air Force Museum and the historic Filberg Lodge and Park.
Cumberland —A bustling coal mining town from 1888 to 1966, Cumberland was once home to one of the largest Asian populations north of San Francisco. The best way to dig into Cumberland’s past is at the Cumberland Museum and Archives. Modern Cumberland has some beautifully restored heritage buildings in its downtown core. The many wooded trails in the area are ideal for cycling and hiking, and nearby Comox Lake offers a variety of freshwater options, including boating, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. |
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