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The Comox Valley lies on the east coast of Vancouver Island, between the Strait of Georgia and the peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park. Its main communities are Courtenay, the seaside town of Comox and the former coal-mining village of Cumberland, all on the traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation. Farmland, estuary and forested hills sit close together, giving the area a relaxed, rural feel.
Fossil hunters and families head to the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre, known for marine reptile finds from the nearby Puntledge River. The I-Hos Gallery showcases work by Indigenous artists, while the Comox Air Force Museum and its Heritage Air Park display aircraft beside the local base. Gardeners wander the trails of Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, and on summer weekends the Comox Valley Farmers' Market fills with growers and bakers. Nymph Falls Regional Park has river pools and walking paths, the Filberg Lodge and Park sits on the Comox waterfront, and Coal Creek Historic Park recalls Cumberland's mining past.
Winter brings skiers up to Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and summer opens the high trails of Strathcona Provincial Park beyond it. The valley suits road-trippers, families and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer small towns to resort crowds.
WiserMap travel guideComox Valley British Columbia Marina and Mount WashingtonPlan a Comox Valley trip with Courtenay museums, Comox marina walks, Cumberland mining history, Mount Washington, Strathcona Park and island ferries.Read the guide
Museum in downtown Courtenay with a full-size cast of an elasmosaur found in the nearby Puntledge River, plus local history and First Nations exhibits. It also runs guided fossil tours to the river. Book the fossil tours in advance in summer.
Museum next to CFB Comox covering Canadian military aviation on the west coast, with an outdoor heritage air park of historic aircraft. Admission is by donation. The air park is open in good weather, and the gift shop is good for aviation fans.
Gallery owned by the K'ómoks First Nation on the Comox Road, selling and showing Northwest Coast art such as carvings, prints, jewelry and textiles. The building has a striking carved entrance. It is a good place to buy authentic Indigenous art.
Forest park on the Puntledge River in Courtenay, with trails leading to a series of rock ledges and small falls. In summer the pools are popular for swimming. Dam releases can change the water level quickly, so swim with care and watch the signs.
Large forest park north of Comox with many walking, biking and horse trails through second-growth forest down to a pebbly beach on the Strait of Georgia. Seals are often seen offshore. Trails can be muddy after rain, so wear good shoes.
Long, curving sand and gravel spit enclosing Comox Harbour, with beaches on both sides and views across to the mountains. It is popular for beach walks, picnics and birdwatching. Part of the spit is a military training area and is not open to the public.
Heritage log lodge built for logging executive Robert Filberg, set in waterfront gardens in Comox. The grounds are open for strolls, and the lodge can be toured in summer. The large Filberg Festival of arts and crafts takes place here in early August.
Ski resort above the Comox Valley with downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and mountain biking, hiking and a scenic chairlift in summer. Views stretch across the Strait of Georgia to the Coast Mountains. Chains or winter tires are needed on the road.
Subalpine meadows next to Mount Washington, giving easy access to the Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Flat boardwalks and trails lead past ponds and wildflowers. In winter the trails are popular for snowshoeing.
Large park on the coast north of Courtenay with a long sandy beach, tide pools, forest trails and a busy campground. At low tide the beach is wide and great for families. Book campsites well ahead for summer weekends.
Park in Cumberland on the site of the old Chinatown and Japanese town that grew around the coal mines. Trails and signs tell the story of these communities. Cumberland's heritage main street and famous mountain bike trails are close by.
Popular market selling local produce, baked goods, seafood, meat, cheese and crafts from Valley farms and makers. In summer it runs outdoors on Saturdays in Courtenay, with smaller markets at other times of the year. Go early for the best choice.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: paulhami, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Daylan Garlic-Jackson, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Daylan Garlic-Jackson, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: hans peter meyer from Courtenay, CANADA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: hans peter meyer from Courtenay, CANADA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: hans peter meyer from Courtenay, CANADA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
