North Central Island

Four seasons of fantastic

The Comox Valley’s mountain-ocean paradise

The valley is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, traditional keepers of this Land of Plenty.

Alert Bay

Telegraph Cove NORTH ISLAND ND

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ZEBALLOS TAHSIS SAYWARD

Discovery Islands

NORTH CENTRAL ISLAND

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GOLD RIVER

PACIFICOCEAN

Strathcona Park

Mt. COURTENAY Washington COMOX

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4 PORT ALBERNI

PARADISE IN POWDER AT MOUNT WASHINGTON

Mount Washington is historically home to one of the deepest snowpacks in North America, with a yearly average of more than 11 metres. Mount Washington Alpine Resort sports an ocean view like no other and is serviced by five lifts, five Magic Carpets, 81 marked trails, 25 kilometres of pristine snowshoe trails and 55 kilometres of Nordic trails that have attracted Olympic-level athletes to 1,700 acres of terrain. Skiers and boarders can choose between deep powder on black diamond terrain or groomed runs fit for all ability levels. The resort also features a Tube Park and Fat Bike Trails.

ONE OF B.C.’S BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS

Cumberland’s extensive mountain-bike trails draw riders from all over the world. The trail network is surrounded by massive forests and offers masterfully-crafted trails for all abilities. Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s bike park opens in July and riders can choose from a range of epic expert runs to easy beginner trails. Book in advance to access bike rentals, guides, and lessons throughout the Comox Valley and Mount Washington.

TREE SKIING AT MOUNT WASHINGTON ALPINE RESORT. WALKING THROUGH DOWNTOWN COMOX.

DESTINATION BC/REUBEN KRABBE Midway up the east coast of Vancouver Island, this valley embraced by both the sea and mountains offers the charm of a small town with urban sophistication and taste.

The Comox Valley is comprised of three main communities: city of Courtenay, town of Comox and the village of Cumberland.

From full-on adventure to blissful relaxation, you will find four seasons of fantastic experiences and fun in the Comox Valley. Whether you carve down an alpine slope with stunning ocean views, snowshoe or cross country ski through an ancient forest, scuba dive in the crystal clear waters, paddle along kilometers of shoreline, hike or bike along a river or in pristine wilderness, or tee off at one of the many golf courses, there’s something for every adventurer. And if you’re not really keen on the outdoors, there’s still loads of laid-back dining, spas, shopping, and cultural experiences to check out, too.

Enjoy a day of arts and culture at museums, galleries, and artists’ studios, curl up on the beach with a favourite book, tour the local wineries and distilleries or sample what’s on tap at the craft breweries. Browse boutique shops, enjoy a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and book a much deserved spa treatment. The small-town aesthetic found in all three of these communities is something to be adored. Festivals throughout the year celebrate everything from music and shellfish to fine art and aviation.

With more than 400 farmers and food producers in the region, Comox Valley’s diverse selection of restaurants exemplify farm-to-fork and tide-totable culinary traditions, with menus featuring the freshest of seasonally local ingredients. These communities have everything from arguably the best ramen on the west coast to crave-worthy chicken sandwiches and inventive donuts to oh-so creamy gelato.

Cumberland, the smallest community of the three, boasts a storied past as a mining community that’s been transformed into a hub of outdoor recreation. Known foremost for its world-class mountain biking, the area also includes hiking, disc golf, and loads of ways to explore its roots through museums and interpretive displays at Number 6 Mine Park. Hit the trails then fuel up with great food, craft beer, and artisan treats without even having to move your car–it’s all that close.

Across the water, Comox is characterized by a fresh, spirited energy, an infectious and a modern facelift spurred by millions of new dollars in capital investment. It’s Island living at its best: boutique shopping, quaint cafes, oceanside activities, and a tantalizing array of award-winning restaurants. Comox is also home to the region’s modern airport that welcomes daily flights from Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.

While in Comox, make a stop at Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, a spectacular property boasting nine acres of landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings; the site of numerous arts and culture events throughout the year. If gardens pique your interest, follow your visit to Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park with stops at Innisfree Botanical Gardens, Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, and Aderton Gardens.

A short drive west of Comox is Courtenay, a community best known for its assortment of locally owned shops and abundance of award-winning restaurants, but it’s also known for its street markets and events that bring vibrancy downtown, making it one of the most vibrant and popular downtowns on Vancouver Island.

Rent a kayak or connect with a local outfitter to experience the region by water. Try popular paddles around Comox Harbour and the scenic waters surrounding Goose Spit, home to seals, bald eagles and blue herons. Head to the historic Royston Shipwrecks or experience the intertidal marine life in and around the mouths of the Tsolum and Puntledge Rivers.

Fishing charters feature knowledgeable captains and expert guides to deliver you to prime fishing hot-spots. Charters include bait, fishing gear, fish bags, plus cleaning and filleting. For visitors who bring their own boats, head to Comox Harbour, Courtenay Airpark, Union Bay, Kitty Coleman or Saratoga Beach for launch access points to the ocean. Comox Lake in Cumberland offers excellent fresh-water boating and swimming.

Campbell River

A coastal city nestled in nature

Campbell River. or Wiweka̱m, is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island within the ancestral territory of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations, in the Northern Salish Sea.

Sitting on the 50th parallel, it’s a city nestled in nature with five Provincial Parks (including B.C.’s first, Strathcona) surrounding the region, with front row access to the Discovery Passage.

Campbell River is the destination of choice for all ages and abilities, whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a budding marine biologist, a lover of forests, a curious and respectful explorer of heritage and culture or someone who simply wants to visit one of the most beautiful, uncrowded places on Vancouver Island.

Locally owned operators care about their products, experiences and this place, offering world-class tourism experiences, delivered in an authentically Campbell River way.

SALMON

Salmon are an integral part of the community; one needs only to spend a day in the Campbell River region to find this remarkably resilient fish everywhere from Indigenous art to swimming in the city’s namesake river, raised in hatcheries, sought out as the top prize in the Tyee Club or featured on menus in local restaurants. It’s important that all visitors respect salmon and their habitats, so that all may benefit from their presence for generations to come.

HIKING

In Campbell River, there is no shortage of hiking trails. Don’t miss Elk Falls Provincial Park for epic views of the waterfall from the 64-metre high suspension bridge. In the fall, walk along the Canyon View Trail to witness fly fishers casting their lines. For those wanting to reconnect with nature, Strathcona Provincial Park has terrain options for all skill levels and view-seekers.

HISTORY

The Museum at Campbell River, Haig-Brown House, the Maritime Heritage Centre, Ripple Rock Trail and interpretive signs throughout the city offer insight into how the area’s past, present and future make for a fascinating place to live and to visit.

MARINE ADVENTURE TOURS

The waters surrounding Campbell River are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including orcas, humpback whales, bears, dolphins and much more. All of this is back dropped by the towering coastal mountains and scenic Discovery Islands. Campbell River waters are also home to some of the best cold water diving spots in the world.

GET THE APP

Download the Campbell River Collection App to earn points, then cash in on exclusive rewards while exploring the region your way.

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Valley Adventures

FLY ON AMAZING ZIPLINES

Unfold your wings and get ready to fl y on Mount Washington’s Eagle’s Flight ZipTour. This dual-line, four-span zip line tour o ers guests an adrenaline-fi lled and scenic adventure down the terrain of the alpine resort. The total tour length is 1.44 miles long with a vertical drop of 1,364 feet. Enjoy the rush of freedom as you fl y down the face of the mountain reaching speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour. Join our Eagle’s Flight guides and descend the mountain like never before. Book your fl ight now because this unique experience has limited availability.

OCEAN SPORTS ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES

With beautiful sandy beaches and extensive ocean activities available, head to Comox and rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or sailboat for a day of adventure.

SWEET SWIMMING HOLES

There is awesome river swimming found at both Nymph Falls Nature Park and Barber’s Hole on the Puntledge River. The park on Forbidden Plateau Road is popular with locals. The falls is the result of a fi sh ladder built in the 1950s and has easy access and waist-deep sections. The Barber’s Hole is a harder climb. Swimming and exploring along the Puntledge River is at your own risk. Another popular swimming hole near Nymph Falls Nature Park is the Medicine Bowls, known as the Browns River Falls.

JODY SCRIVER

COMOX VALLEY VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC

KINGFISHERSPA.COM 1-800-663-7929

DISCOVER COMOX VALLEY/JARRETT LINDAL

ONE OF B.C.’S BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS

The Comox Valley’s extensive mountain-bike trails draw riders from all over the world. The trail network is surrounded by massive forests and offers masterfully-crafted trails for all abilities. From multi-day Sip & Savour Tours to three-hour Wine & Chocolate rides, the region’s meandering, rider friendly country roads are dotted with a multitude of farms and wineries and offer the perfect pairing for road riders of all ages and fitness levels.

ADOBE STOCK

MARINE WILDLIFE TOURS

Take a tour on a zodiac or covered boat for a unique family experience. The surrounding waters of Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea boast extensive marine wildlife, both big and small, including marine birds, seals, sea lions, porpoises and even orca or gray whales, which frequent the area.

DIVING EXCURSIONS

The waters surrounding the Comox Valley offer some of the most pristine, clear coldwater diving in the world. Local dives include the Capilano Wreck (1915), Vivian Island Sponge Wall, Norris Rocks with its mischievous seals and the memorable Wolf Eel Alley.

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