9 minute read
North Central Island
from Discover
Mountain Ocean Paradise
Four seasons of fantastic
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.
Alert Bay
Telegraph Cove NORTH ISLAND ND
19
ZEBALLOS TAHSIS SAYWARD
Discovery Islands
NORTH CENTRAL ISLAND
Quadra I.
28 CAMPBELL RIVER
19A
GOLD RIVER
PACIFICOCEAN
Strathcona Park
Mt. COURTENAY Washington COMOX
Denman I.
CUMBERLAND 19
Hornby I.
PACIFIC RIM IC RIM
Bowser
4 PORT ALBERNI
ADOBE STOCK
MOUNT WASHINGTON ALPINE RESORT/SLIPSTREAM IMAGES The Comox Valley is comprised of three communities, each one diverse and unique— the city of Courtenay, town of Comox, village of Cumberland and the surrounding rural farm areas.
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, you will find something for everyone.
You will also find time and space for relaxation and pampering. 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.
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 the farm-to-fork and tide-to-table culinary tradition, with menus featuring the freshest of seasonally local ingredients.
Comox is quickly becoming one of the hottest vacation and relocation destinations on Vancouver Island, serviced by a modern airport with regular scheduled flights. It is characterized by a fresh, spirited energy, an infectious joie de vivre and a modern facelift spurred by millions of new dollars in capital investment. It is Island living at its finest: boutique shopping, quaint cafes, ocean side activities, beach fires after dark and a tantalizing array of award-winning restaurants. Visit Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park — nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings; the site of numerous arts and culture events throughout the year.
Downtown Courtenay is best known for its locally owned shops abundance of cafes and 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.
Enjoy 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 Wrecks ghost ships or experience the intertidal marine life in and around the Courtenay River.
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.
PARADISE IN POWDER AT MOUNT WASHINGTON
Mount Washington is 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, 22 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.
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. 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. From multi-day Sip & Savour Tours to threehour 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.
Campbell River
Adventure awaits in the Land of Salmon
Campbell River or Wiwe’kam 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.
This region is full of diverse outdoor activities for all interests and abilities. If you’re an artist looking for inspiration, a budding marine biologist, a lover of forests and trees, 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, Campbell River is the destination of choice.
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, and featured on menus in local restaurants. With experienced fishing guides catering to all levels of keen anglers, and some of the most diverse, calm and protected waterways accessible right from the docks, a fishing charter here offers an unrivaled sport fishing experience.
ADAM NAGY
COMOX VALLEY VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
KINGFISHERSPA.COM
1-800-663-7929
HIKING
There are no shortage of hiking trails. Don’t miss Elk Falls Provincial Park, a 10-minute drive from downtown Campbell River. Get 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.
MARINE ADVENTURE TOURS
The waters surrounding Campbell River are home to a variety of marine life — orcas, humpback whales, bears, dolphins and much more. All of this is backdropped by the towering coastal mountains and scenic Discovery Islands. While there is much to see above sea level, exploring the waters below is also worth it. Campbell River waters are home to some of the best cold-water diving spots in the world.
UNWIND
The shores and beaches along the east coast of the Island offer locals and visitors a place to watch the sunset over the Coastal mountains of mainland B.C., so building beach fires and roasting s’mores are a part of most locals’ skill set, and visitors are encouraged to take part in this tradition (always check fire regulations and restrictions). And if you’re into patio cocktails, cozy dining rooms, ice cream and more adventures, you can find the brewery, acclaimed golf courses, a catch-and-release aquarium, incredible trail networks and more hidden gems scattered in and around the city and surrounding islands and communities. Download the Campbell River Collection App to earn points, then cash in on exclusive rewards while exploring the region your way - with a personal guide in your pocket!
campbellriver.travel #discovercampbellriver
Paradise found in Nootka Sound
NOOTKA MARINE ADVENTURE
Moutcha Bay Resort is a local’s favourite within easy reach of Campbell River on a scenic westbound road trip. The resort is known for its unique yurt accommodations, which are available both in luxury and mini versions. Other stayover options include the resort’s full-service RV campground (with fantastic kid’s playground), two-story waterfront chalets, and a variety of spacious lodge suites. The Conuma Grill has recently updated its menu with elevated, sustainably sourced food offerings curated by renowned B.C. chef William Lew.
For visitors looking for a more exclusive experience, Nootka Sound Resort offers a first-class, all-access resort nestled in the calm waters of Galiano Bay in Nootka Sound. This resort features luxurious suites with king beds or two twins, perfect for couples or groups of friends. Every stay includes a sumptuous dining experience courtesy of the resort’s in-house chef. Four-course dinners are served with wine every night, with a perfectly executed menu.
Nootka Marine Adventures’ third floating resort, Newton Cove Resort, is a luxurious retreat, moored off of Esperanza Inlet north of Nootka Island. Only 15 minutes to offshore fishing grounds, this prime location is within easy reach of outstanding salmon, halibut, and albacore tuna fishing grounds.
A guided fishing experience is a good way for novice anglers to learn the basics, but experienced anglers can also benefit from learning some of the more subtle techniques of fishing Nootka Sound.
While many visitors bring their own boats and launch in Gold River or Moutcha Bay Resort, you don’t need a boat to have an amazing experience. A fleet of 18-foot aluminum rental boats are available for rent at great prices, and they come fully equipped for a day of fishing, so you don’t need to worry about packing up your gear.
Nootka Marine Adventures also offers other outdoor adventure options, including Wildlife & Heritage boat tours, guided sea kayaking tours, as well as nearby hiking, ATVing, and caving to explore.
A hidden gem in the wilderness, Nootka Marine Adventures’ three luxurious resorts are within easy reach on Vancouver Island for anglers, kayakers, hikers, or any lover of the great outdoors. Book your adventure today by visiting www.NootkaMarineAdventures.com.
info@nootkamarineadventures.com
NootkaMarineAdventure
Awilderness experience for everyone
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