©Stuart Wiber

So Much Life!

    Comox Valley is known as "The Land of Plenty" and for good reason! It has a wide variety of activities available for everyone’s own interests. While staying at the Estuary House Bed and Breakfast, you can walk to the river and watch flocks of different bird species flying to and from the estuary. You can also see seals swimming, right in front of your accommodation. In the Fall, salmon migrate past the house, as they make their way up Campbell River to spawn. A world-class shop offering Comox Aboriginal art work is also within walking distance. There is more than you would imagine happening within ten feet of the front door.

99 Things To Do in the Comox Valley

Bird Watching in the Comox Valley

Bird sanctuaries and viewing areas along the waterways have made bird watching a very popular activity in the Comox Valley. The largest population of Trumpeter Swans in North America makes the Valley their home during the winter. Depending on the season, weather, human activities, and the habits of the birds themselves, the bird population will vary from day to day. Two other species that warrant mention are the Bald Eagles and the Brant. More information can be obtained by purchasing a copy of Nature Viewing Sites from the CV Chamber of Commerce or the CV Naturalist Society ((250) 338-6055).

       

Comox Valley Farmer's Market

A visit to the Comox Valley Farmers Market is a good way to visit a variety of vendors in one location. Items include fresh produce, flowers and plants, baking, seafood, poultry and eggs, and dairy (many of these are from organic farms making their home in the Comox Valley). Grab a cappuccino, sit back, relax and listen to live local music too. The Farmer's Market is held on Saturday mornings from Easter to Thanksgiving at the Exhibition Fairgrounds in Courtenay and from Thanksgiving to Christmas indoors at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay and on Wednesdays from June to September in Downtown Courtenay. All markets run from 9am to 12pm. Come for the freshness, stay for the fun! Check out

 

(There are also many farms open to the public throughout the year. The Comox Valley Grower's Guide contains listings and information on over 50 farms in the area. This helpful guide is available from the Visitor Info Centre or at the Farmer's Market.)      

  

Fishing in the Comox Valley

Salt and fresh water fishing is abundant. Chinook and Coho Salmon are commonly found in the Georgia Strait region adjacent to the Valley, with ling-cod, greenling rock cod, and snapper found in the shallow waters. Check with the Department of Fisheries for limits (250)-850-5701 www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.     

     

Golfing in the Comox Valley

A golf haven awaits the beginner or expert golfer with seven courses (four 18-hole and three 9-hole) situated throughout the Valley. Distance to nearest golf course from the Estuary House is within a 5 minute drive.         

Hiking/Walking  in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley offers trails suitable for all interests and fitness levels. From paved pathways along the river/estuary and roadways through heritage neighborhoods to woodchip trails in beautiful forested regional parks.

There are also overnight hikes through Strathcona Provincial Park.

Kayaking in the Comox Valley

Get close to marine birds and wildlife with a paddle in the Courtenay estuary, or explore the historic Royston Wrecks and the unique ecosystems of Tree Island. The calm waters of Baynes Sound are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed paddle, while faster moving rivers offer a more challenging excursion for experience paddlers. Rentals available within walking distance.         

Mountain Biking  in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley offers 5 distinct areas of easy to challenging trails for all levels of riders, including year-round trails near Comox Lake and along the Puntledge River (one of the largest mountain bike trail systems on Vancouver Island), in and around Cumberland, and for downhill enthusiasts, Mount Washington offers a variety of trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders in the summer season.        

 

Puntledge Fish Hatchery in the Comox Valley

Two hatchery sites rearing Chum, Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead offer self-guided tour with an ever changing program. Open 8am - 4pm, year round.

38 Powerhouse Road

Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3 Phone: (250) 703-0907        

 

Skiing in the Comox Valley

Mt. Washington, the largest ski area on Vancouver Island, offers superb downhill skiing for the novice to expert skier, as well as

    •    cross-country skiing,

    •    snow-boarding,

    •    snowtubing,

    •    snowshoeing,

    •    luging, and

    •    a growing alpine village.

There is an abundance of condominium style accommodations to suit all your needs. Dining facilities, rentals, ski school, sports shop and locker areas available in both the Alpine Lodge and Raven (Nordic) Lodge.

For more information, contact Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

PO Box 3069, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3

Ph: (250) 338-1386, Toll Free: 1-888-231-1499, Fax (250) 338-7295

Recorded snow reports (250) 338-1515

        

Museums and Historic Sites in the Comox Valley

Courtenay & District Museum & Paleontology Centre

This museum includes the Comox Valley Elasmosaur and other fossil material, Native history, exploration, agriculture, logging, and pioneer life. Inquire about going on a guided fossil digging tour.

Open daily 10am - 4:30pm (May - August):

Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4:30pm (September - April)

207 4th Street, Courtenay, BC

Phone: (250) 334-0686

 

 

Cumberland Museum

Located in a former coal mining community, this museum boasts a walk-through coal mine and contains displays of Chinese culture and Japanese art. Open 9am - 5pm daily (May - August); 9am - 5pm Monday - Saturday (Winter).

2680 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland, BC

Phone: (250) 336-2445 Fax: (250) 336-2411 

        

Comox Air Force Museum

Exhibits reflect the heritage, customs, and traditions of Canada's Air Force by focusing on the history of 19 Wing Comox (CFB Comox). Open 10am - 4pm daily.

19 Wing Comox (CFB Comox), Lazo, BC V0R 2K0 Ph: (250) 339-8162

        

Comox Archives & Museum

Specializing in marine and nautical history dating back to the days of Captain George Vancouver as he surveyed the area with the Royal Navy. Open 1pm to 4pm, Thursday through Saturday

1729 Comox Avenue, Comox

Phone: (250) 339-2885

    

Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park

The FILBERG Lodge, built in 1929, is located on nine acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on the waterfront near the end of Comox Avenue in Comox. Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk year round. The Lodge is Open daily through the summer (June to Labour Day) from 11am to 5pm; Weekends only from Easter to June 1st and Labour Day to Thanksgiving. The Lodge and Park is home to the annual Filberg Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts festivals on Vancouver Island, each BC Day long weekend. 61 Filberg Road, Comox, BC

Phone: (250) 339-2715

 

     

Arts & Culture in the Comox Valley

The central island is well known for its artistic community, boasting the highest per-capita concentration of artists in Canada. Over 550 artists and crafts-people make their home in the Valley. There are 3 community art galleries (The Comox Valley Art Gallery, Comox Valley Community Arts Council, Pearl Ellis Gallery of Fine Art) plus a large number of private galleries/studios open to the public. The performing arts are alive and well in the Comox Valley with 1 major performing arts centre (The Sid Williams Theatre) plus a number of smaller venues that hold smaller more intimate events/concerts. Whether you are looking for native crafts, pottery, stained glass, fine arts or woven products; whether your musical interests are jazz, country, rock or bluegrass; and whether your preference for performing arts is dance, live theatre, or perhaps an opera, you'll find it all here.

A variety of dance studios and choral groups also make their home in the Comox Valley. With summertime comes the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre - students and faculty come from all parts of the province to participate in this month long music camp. Student and faculty concerts in a variety of musical mediums including jazz, classical, choral and musical theatre are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.       

 

  

Events and Festivals  in the Comox Valley

The following is a partial list of the many events that take place every year. For more details on these and other events throughout the year and go to Community Events or contact the Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre.     

    

Snow to Surf Relay Race - last Sunday in April

Cumberland Empire Days - Victoria Day long weekend

North Island Hot Jazz Festival - first weekend in June

Canada Day Festivities - July 1st

Vancouver Island Music Fest - first or second weekend in July

Comox Valley Youth Music Centre - month of July

Comox Air Show - July or August (in odd-numbered years)

Filberg Festival - BC holiday long weekend (beginning of August/end of July)

Comox Valley Exhibition/Fall Fair - last weekend of August          

 

 

For more information or a listing of other attractions, events, and things to do in the Comox Valley, occurring throughout the year, contact

Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre.

2040 Cliffe Avenue

Courtenay, BC V9N 2L3

Ph: (250) 334-3234

Toll free : 1-888-357-4471

 

 Things to do in Campbell River

TOURIST THINGS - THAT THE LOCALS DO...

    •    Just north of town, visit the Campbell River Trail for an easy hike and great scenery

    •    The Discovery Pier has views, fishing and snacks (including incredible ice cream). Ask about free children's fishing

    •    Walk the Campbell River Seawalk for peace in your soul

    •    Go to Elk Falls Park for great views, old growth. giants, spectacular hikes, canyon trails, a magnificent waterfall, or peaceful walks

    •    The Quinsam Fish Hatchery - great river walking trails and live salmon tanks

    •    Beaver Lodge Lands Trails through natural growth forest - enter near the Sportsplex off Alder Street in Willow Point and off Dogwood by Timberline School, both in Campbell River.

    •    Visit our freshwater or saltwater sand beaches - build sandcastles, gather shells or have a bonfire on the beach. You can also just sit and enjoy the view. Mclvor Lake (freshwater) and Miracle Beach (ocean) both have facilities. Saratoga and Storries Beaches (ocean) are beautiful, but have no facilities. When the tide is out, any shoreline can be navigated (but be careful of the slippery rocks!)

    •    Watch the wildlife - whales, porpoises, eagles, bears, seals, sea lions, otters and birds. Guided tours by raft or boat are available to suit all budgets and destination choices, right out of Campbell River

    •    Relaxing scenic cruises are available in a variety of watercraft

    •    Visit Strathcona Park, just south of Campbell River, for camping, swimming, hiking, freshwater fishing, small boating, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and incredible scenery

    •    Visit the Campbell River Museum and our Maritime Heritage Museum

    •    Campbell River Art galleries and cottage artists have a huge variety of local art available for viewing and for purchase. You can find anything from traditional native art to impressionist stained glass to custom jewellery to landscape paintings

    •    Spend Sunday morning at the Pier Street Market by Discovery Pier. Farm produce, handcrafted artwork and snacks are available

    •    Tours of the pulp mill and mine, both north of Campbell River, are available at scheduled days and times

MORE ACTIVE

    •    Hike the Ripple Rock Trail to the north of Campbell River on the way to Sayward

    •    Outdoor volleyball and tennis are available at the Campbell River Sportsplex off Alder Street in Willow Point

    •    Outdoor tennis is available at Centennial Park located at the corner of 4th Avenue and Alder Street, Campbell River

    •    Indoor swimming and water park are available at Strathcona Gardens at Dogwood and Pinecrest

    •    Golfers can test their skills at Storey Creek, Sequoia Springs or Saratoga Golf Courses

    •    Angling your thing? Fish from the shore or in a rowboat or powerboat. Guided fishing is available throughout the region, most leave right from Campbell River

    •    Cycle the paved Campbell River Seawalk or take to the bush or mountain trails. You decide your skill level

    •    Skateboard facilities are available in Nunn's Creek Park

    •    Snorkel the Campbell River and swim with the salmon. Tours are available

    •    Want to play in the ocean? Sea kayaking and canoeing are great

    •    Some of the best scuba diving in the world is available, both shallow and deep water. Dive the wreck of the Columbia or swim along the Campbell River piers to view a great variety of sea life

    •    Rock climb or visit Canada's Caving Capital of Gold River. Investigate the llpana Caves

    •    Challenging trails abound for short or extended hikes, all close to Campbell River

    •    River and ocean rafting is available

1. •   Drop in to "On The Rocks" for a climbing session on their great rock wall
   

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Surrounding Campbell River Area

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    •    Drive south to Mt. Washington and take the chairlift to the top. Bring a camera, because this is some of the most spectacular vistas in the area

    •    Drive north to Sayward. On the way stop at the Seymour Narrows/Ripple Rock Lookout to view the site of the world's largest peacetime non-nuclear explosion in 1958 to clear the Narrows for safe passage for large ships

    •    Take a boat right from Campbell River to the unique ecosystem on Mitlenatch Island. With its abundant bird life, flora and sea lion habitat, it's a great trip

    •    Take the ferry from downtown Campbell River to Quadra Island to visit Rebecca Spit and artisan cottages scattered throughout the island

    •    Drive south to Black Creek and spend the morning at Miracle Beach, the afternoon driving go-carts or playing mini golf, and spend weekend evenings watching races at Saratoga Speedway

    •    There's lots to do in Campbell River

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