101 Things to Do in the Comox Valley
Where to Start
Start off by stopping in at the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre just past the turn off from the Inland Island Highway heading towards Courtenay on Small Road. You can’t miss the suspended Snowbird aircraft out front from the highway. Check out this award winning eco-building and play with the disproportionately fun interactive displays inside.
Get Outside
Rotary Walkway
Take a historical walk down the Rotary Walkway in Courtenay that follows the train tracks through town. If you still feel like walking when the path ends, just keep on following the tracks all the way to Victoria, there hasn’t been a train in years!!
Comox Marina
Visit the Comox Marina and see the boats from the beautiful boardwalk.
Sailing
Learn to sail with Compass Adventure or the Comox Bay Sailing Club.
A View from the Bridge
Stop on the 5th Street bridge in Courtenay and watch boats, kayaks, birds, seals and the salmon run in the fall.
Courtenay Airpark
Rollerblade, bike or skateboard around the Courtenay Airpark and watch the small planes take off and land. Bring the kids and find one of the valley’s great playgrounds at the far end of the airstrip.
Royston Wrecks
Salute the rusty remains of several historic ships at the Royston Wrecks. You can rent a kayak, a canoe or stand-up paddle board from Comox Valley Kayaks.
Diving
Learn to Scuba dive through UB Diving and see why Vancouver Island is world famous for cold water dives. Brrr! UB Diving also offers boat tours and whale watching if going under isn’t your thing.
Goose Spit
Feel the sand in your shoes, the wind in your hair, and smell the salt in the air at Goose Spit in Comox.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Explore the backcountry of Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia’s oldest Provincial Park.
Tubing
Want adventure? Tube down the rapids of the Puntledge River and meet the locals on a hot sunny day.
Driving Range
Go to a driving range and hit a bucket of balls. The cheapest around are Mulligans in Courtenay and Longlands in Comox.
It’s Summertime!
Kye Bay
Explore Kye Bay, the perfect sandy beach to enjoy a low tide. Check the tide schedule as there are many tide pools for the kids to play in, and an incoming tide is perfect for swimming as the warm sand heats up the water.
Gardens in Bloom
Tour the Gardens in Bloom organized by the Horticultural Society.
Paradise Meadows
Hike through the picturesque alpine slopes of Paradise Meadows, stopping for a picnic by one of several lakes along the way.
Kin Beach
Barbecue at Kin Beach and watch cruise ships sail through the Strait of Georgia.
Comox Lake
Take a scenic drive to Comox Lake and go canoeing or swimming. Or take the jet boat for a waterski!
Marshmallow Roast
Have a campfire and roast marshmallows on the beach at Goose Spit (in the fire rings provided please)!
Plane Spotting
Take up plane-spotting at the Courtenay Airpark or watch Harbour Air seaplanes at Comox Marina.
Farmer’s Market
Visit the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market, which offers farm fresh, organic, and specialty products all year long.
Mount Washington
Advanced mountain bikers can feel the thrill of the Monster Mile Downhill at Mount Washington.
Cumberland Bike Trail
Don’t like paying to ride a lift to go biking? Well then pedal yourself up the world class mountain bike trails of Cumberland.
Cumberland MOMAR
Don’t forget your compass! Train for the Cumberland MOMAR (Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race).
Comox Glacier
Plan a three-day backpacking hike through the wilderness to the Comox Glacier.
Hornby Island
Savour a salty swim in the warm waters of sandy Tribune Bay on Hornby Island. The journey makes a great day trip, or spend the night in a cabin or tent. Great mountain biking too.
Eco Tours
Take an Eco-Tour adventure on the ocean, in the woods, or along the shore while riding a bike. Island Joy Rides can help!
Kayak
Spend a day kayaking to Sandy Island. Comox Valley Kayaks does rentals, located by the Courtenay Air Park.
Puntledge Fish Hatchery
Watch spawning salmon head upstream to the Puntledge Fish Hatchery.
Boating
Charter a boat and fish for salmon.
Golf
Golf at one of the Valley’s many golf courses. Crown Isle is the premiere course closely followed by Glacier Greens, Sunnydale Golf & Country Club, and the Comox Golf Club.
Mt. Albert Edward
Go on an overnight hike to Mt. Albert Edward.
Kite Flying
Go fly a kite at Point Holmes.
Summer Chair Lift
Take a summer chair lift to the top of Mount Washington and hike or mountain bike down.
Swimming in Nature
Dip into the cool, glacier-fed pools of Stotan Falls, Nymph Falls, or the Medicine Bowls on Browns River. Orrr… There’s too many to name here. Ask a local, they’re probably heading there already if it’s a nice day.
Coastal Cruise
Cruise along the Comox Valley coastline in a boat and dock at the Comox Marina.
Snow to Surf Relay
Participate or be a spectator at the Royal LePage Snow to Surf Relay Race in April.
Oysters
Take a very scenic drive down south and indulge in world-famous Fanny Bay Oysters. Or you could fly to Vegas and try them there too.
Ice Cream
Get an ice cream and go for a stroll along the Comox pier. Benino Gelato in downtown Comox has gourmet gelato. Just saying.
Saratoga Beach
Have a picnic lunch at Saratoga Beach and build a sandcastle.
Horseback Riding
Go on a guided horseback ride at one of our local riding stables.
Wind Sports
Catch the breeze by windsurfing, or kite boarding, at Goose Spit where the winds blows.
Beginner Bike Ride
Go for a bike ride along the mostly mellow and flat BC Hydro-Puntledge River trails.
Mountain Biking
Enjoy easy to advanced mountain bike trails through Cumberland’s surrounding forests.
Winter Wonderland
Cross-Country and Snowshoeing
Spend a winter’s day at Mount Washington cross-country skiing on over 55 kms of groomed trail. Raven Lodge is perfect for snowshoeing too and has some pretty good food!
Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing is an unrecognized sport and even the most mature of us quickly becomes eight years old again as an inflatable tube comes into contact with snow. Of course eight year olds love it too. Mount Washington is the place to be.
Swan Spotting
Spot the magnificent winter flocks of Trumpeter Swans from one of several viewing locations in the Valley.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Explore Magazine has called the Comox Valley a little Whistler, so why fight it. Strap on the Skis or a Board and hit the slopes at Mount Washington.
Ice Skating
Lace up a pair of ice skates at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
In the Holiday Season…
Choir
Catch the Co-Val Choristers’ annual Christmas production.
Craft Fairs
Enjoy one of the many Christmas Craft Fairs held in the Valley in the Fall and Winter seasons.
Shopping
Shop ‘til you drop at two of Downtown Courtenay’s special outdoor sale events – Moonlight Magic in November and Market Days in July. In downtown Comox, join in the fun at Santa’s Light Up Christmas event in November.
Salmon Spawning
Watch the spawning salmon climb the ladder at Mack Laing Park in Comox or Nymph Falls in Courtenay. Keep an eye open for the hungry eagles and bears too!
Cumberland
Main Street
Take a leisurely stroll along Cumberland’s historic main street.
History
Dig deep into coal mining history at the Cumberland Museum and Archives.
Wandering Moose
Visit The Wandering Moose coffee shop in the historic Post Office building.
Climbing
Climb the risk free (almost) indoor rock climbing wall at the Cumberland Recreation Centre.
Jumbo’s Cabin
Visit Jumbo’s Cabin, the last surviving building of Cumberland’s Chinatown.
No. 6 Mine Park
Picnic and play at No.6 Mine Park in Cumberland.
BMX
Maybe it’s been a while, but try your pedals at BMX biking at the Coal Hills BMX track. The kids love it, maybe you will too? Wear a helmet.
Thrifty Shopping
The Treasure Shack
The Treasure Shack: antiques, collectibles and treasures.
Too Good to be Threw
Too Good to be Threw, a great name and a great store that supports women’s shelters and transitional houses.
Courtenay Antiques
Courtenay Antiques at 367 4th Street, right downtown.
Galleries & The Arts
Pearl Ellis Gallery
Pearl Ellis Gallery Fine Art Society supports the arts and has many incredible shows. Be sure to see what is hanging now.
Comox Valley Art Gallery
Comox Valley Art Gallery always has something interesting from local, national and international artists.
Denman Island
Take a short drive down island to discover Denman Island pottery shops and artist’s studios, of which there are a few.
Whyte’s Framing and Gallery
Whyte’s Framing and Gallery, a family owned gallery that has shown some incredible works in the past, and hopefully for you right now!
I-Hos Gallery
Visit our authentic Native Gallery and Gift Shop I-Hos Gallery, operated by the Comox First Nation.
Bookstores
The Second Page
Need a great read? You can do no better for used books than The Second Page used bookstore on Duncan Avenue in Downtown Courtenay.
Laughing Oyster Books
For something new and fresh, Laughing Oyster Books on 5th Street is the place to turn.
Nearly New Books
In Comox, the used books can be found at Nearly New Books on the main strip.
Blue Heron Books
Also in Comox, for the brand new and exciting books, check in to Blue Heron Books.
Vineyards, Craft Breweries and Distilleries
Gladstone Brewing
In Courtenay, there is Gladstone Brewery right in the heart of the downtown area on 4th and Cliffe.
Forbidden Brewing
Also in Courtenay, the award-winning Forbidden Brewery is located below the Best Western hotel at 17th Street and Cliffe.
Cumberland Brewing Company
In Cumberland, another award-winning brewery is the Cumberland Brewing Company, or the CBC as the locals know it.
Vineyards
Visit a local vineyard. 40 Knots Winery, Beaufort Winery, Blue Moon Winery, or Coastal Black Winery (check for tasting times).
Whisky
Not one to give an inch to our lower alcohol (weaker) alternatives, the Comox Valley now has a whisky distillery to call our own. It took years for the first batch to come to market, but it was well worth the wait.
Nature Lovers
Gardens
Visit the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. Rhodos are in full bloom early spring.
Nature Park
View squirrels, birds, and wildflowers at Seal Bay Regional Nature Park. Over 2000 acres!
Bird Watching
See why the Comox Valley is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area by bird watching along the Courtenay Riverway or at Lazo Marsh by Point Holmes, Comox.
Mack Laing Park
Walk among the trees and streams of Mack Laing Park in Comox.
Helliwell Park
Hike along the beautiful, flat bluffs at Helliwell Park on Hornby Island.
Museums
Comox Air Force Museum
Tour the Comox Air Force Museum, where permanent exhibits display the heritage of CFB Comox.
HMS Alberni Museum
HMS Alberni Museum on Cliffe Ave in Courtenay.
Courtenay Museum
Hunt for fossils with the Courtenay Museum.
For The Hungry
Fish ‘n’ Chips
Enjoy fish ‘n’ chips in Comox at the Blackfin Pub or Jo Klassen’s Grill in Courtenay
Fine Dining
Fine Dining can be yours. Eat out and eat well at one of the Comox Valley’s many restaurants. Andrena’s Top Patio restaurants are Crown Isle’s Timber Room Bar & Grill, Martine’s Bistro (Comox), and Locals (Courtenay).
The Social Room
For the Comox Valley’s best bet on global tapas, premium drink selections and apres work social scene, check out the Social Room in downtown Comox.
Seafood
Visit the Fisherman’s Wharf for the freshest seafood in town.
Shopping
Downtown Courtenay
Go on a unique shopping experience in Downtown Courtenay. Shop the Famous 5th Street and beyond.
Unique, Hip, or With The Kids
Bowling
Experience a new side of an old sport by going “cosmic” bowling at Codes Country Lanes on 6th Street in Courtenay.
Mini Golf
Play mini golf at Miracle Beach Adventure Golf.
Go-Karting
Go-Karting takes a lot of skill. Get your race face on at Saratoga Speedway.
Swimming
Enjoy the wave pool and indoor waterslides at the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre.
Animals
Visit the animals at a hands-on petting farm at Filberg Park in Comox, or Seaview Game Farm in Black Creek. Even the littlest kids welcome.
Monster Trucks
Monster Trucks? Oh Yeah!
Exercise Anyone?
Squash
Play squash at one of our recreation centres.
Outdoor Gyms
Work out at one of the outdoor gyms, at Riverside Park in Courtenay or Anderton Park in Comox.
Tennis
Play tennis at Lewis Park in Courtenay or in Comox at Anderton Park (by Comox Mall).
Island Biking
Take a short drive south and a short ferry across the pond to Explore Denman Island and Hornby Island on a bike.
Rejuvenate
Spas
Rejuvenate the body at one of our local spas. Try the Kingfisher or Old House Spa. Mani-Pedi anyone?
Coffee
We got coffee. Sip a cappuccino and people watch from one of the many coffee houses in the Comox Valley. Andrena’s Top Picks: Rhodos Coffee Roasting in Courtenay or try Hot Chocolates for delicious cakes too. The Broken Spoke is also a favourite.
Culture Vulture
Theatre
Enjoy live theatrical and musical performances at the Sid Williams Civic Theatre.
Live Shows
Keep your eyes peeled for performances at The Native Sons Hall, The Filberg Centre, The Little Red Church in Comox, or almost any evening at The Waverly in Cumberland.
Vancouver Island Music Fest
In July, camp out at Vancouver Island Music Fest and enjoy three days of live music, with acts from across Canada and around the world.
Filberg Festival
Enjoy the creations of 70 Canadian artisans at the annual Filberg Festival. Swing your hips to the live music on multiple stages.
Empire Days Festival
Go to Cumberland’s Empire Days Festival on May long weekend.
Elevate the Arts
Elevate The Arts – a three day long art festival that covers the first weekend of June.
Comox Nautical Days
Cheer on the most intrepid sailors at the Comox Nautical Days “Build Bail and Sail” event in August.
BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival
Savour the Sea at the annual BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival.
The End
Alright, that was actually 107 things,
but it was really hard to pick and choose between the incredible amount of things there are to do in this valley. Enjoy!
but it was really hard to pick and choose between the incredible amount of things there are to do in this valley. Enjoy!