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 from the CV Naturalist Society ((250) 338-6055)
www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca
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
www.comoxvalleyfarmersmarket.com
. (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
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)
339-2031.
Golfing
A golf haven awaits the beginner or expert golfer with seven
courses (four 18-hole and three 9- hole) situated throughout the Valley.
The Valley’s newest golf course is Crown Isle, which has been
ranked as one of Canada’s top courses.
Hiking/Walking
The Comox Valley offers trails suitable for all interests and
fitness levels. From paved pathways along the river/estuary and roadways through heritage
neighbourhoods to woodchip trails in beautiful forested regional parks (
www.rdcs.bc.ca/parks )
to day and overnight backpacking hikes through Strathcona Provincial Park (
www.bcparks.ca ),
there is something for everyone.
Kayaking
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.
Mountain Biking
The Comox Valley BC 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 BC.
For downhill enthusiasts, Mount Washington offers a variety of
trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders in the summer season.
Puntledge Fish Hatchery
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
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
E-mail :
ski@mountwashington..ca
Recorded snow reports (250) 338-1515
Website: www.mountwashington.ca
Events and Festivals
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, check out
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 and
events occurring throughout the year, contact the Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre.
2040 Cliffe Avenue Ph: (250) 334-3234
Courtenay, BC V9N 2L3 Fax: (250) 334-4908
e-mail :
visitorinfo@comoxvalleychamber.com
Toll free : 1-888-357-4471
Website: www.comoxvalleychamber.com
Alternate website: www.comox-valley-tourism.ca
Please feel free to explore the Comox Valley Site (
More coming soon) to find out more about this beautiful valley.
If you're lucky enough to already live here, there's lots for you too - lots
more coming soon.