DIVERSIONS - GOLF & SKIING PARKS & HIKING WATERSPORTS
Golf, walk, hike, ski, fish, dive, golf, kayak, explore, cycle, sail, read, shop, escape… enjoy a little ‘island time’.
Comox is one of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful and unique waterfront communities. Comox is just an hour by plane away from Calgary and Edmonton and less from Vancouver. Comox is a relaxing retreat that is one of British Columbia’s best-kept secrets. Just a ferry ride or a short flight away, Comox is now more accessible to visitors than ever, and a destination not to be missed.
Diversions are a necessity in today's fast-paced world. They keep us entertained and passionate about life and options are so plentiful here.
The perfect location. There is something very special about the Comox Valley, not just the mild climate and the beauty that surrounds you, but the fact that everything you need or want is close at hand. To keep you entertained, amused and well nourished in Comox, here are just a few recommendations.
Dine out. A waterfront setting, live music or a cozy table for two… from West Coast and Island Cuisine to international menus and English public houses, whatever you’re craving, you'll find spectacular choices here.
Exploring the Grape and Farm Fresh Produce. The Comox Valley and local areas are quickly gaining a reputation for delightful, award winning wines and food. Wonderful boutique wineries are out there awaiting your discovery. Comox Valley cheeses have won first place in international competitions.
Shop. Shop. Shop. Have your credit cards ready, as one-of-a-kind galleries and shops are plentiful in the Comox area and Vancouver Island.
Soak up some of the Valley’s diverse culture. The Valley offers up something for all tastes in its wonderful array of organized festivals and live concerts throughout the year. Some of the most popular events with locals and international tourists include: Vancouver Island Musicfest; Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race; Filberg Festival and Comox Nautical Days, just to name a few.
Check out www.discovercomoxvalley.com for a full calendar of events including concert dates and current exhibitions.
Pick up some local art. With all the beauty and inspiration Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have to offer, it's not surprising that the area is a haven for fine artisans. Be sure to visit the many galleries, studios and markets as you explore.
GOLF & SKIING
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Golf your way up and down Vancouver Island and play challenging courses along rolling coastlines and dramatic ocean vistas. Too many to list, here are some of our favourites…
CROWN ISLE RESORT AND GOLF COMMUNITY www.crownisle.com
Distance from CBR 5 minutes
Holes 18
Par 72
Length 7,024 yards
This award winning course, with its verdant fairways, 11 lakes and sweeping views of the glacier and Beaufort Mountain range is the backdrop for the magnificent Resort Centre. The 48,000 sq. ft. Resort Centre houses dining and conference facilities, fitness centre, cigar room, and even a classic car museum.
STOREY CREEK GOLF www.storeycreek.bc.ca
Holes 18
Par 72
Length 6,699 yards
Storey Creek Golf Club is internationally renowned for its stunningly picturesque and challenging, yet playable, Les Furber designed golf course. Widely publicized as ‘a course in nature’, golfers can expect to experience an abundance of natural beauty and tranquility amidst old growth and second growth forest, resulting in a very unique golfing experience in nature’s backyard. Wildlife compliments this extraordinary environment with regular sightings of deer, hawk, and eagles alongside magnificent beaver ponds and streams filled with salmon, trout and water fowl.
FAIRWINDS GOLF CLUB www.fairwinds.ca
Holes 18
Par 72
Length 6,151 yards
Designed by renowned course architect Les Furber and voted 1999 BCPGA Facility of the Year, Fairwinds has established itself as one of Vancouver Island’s finest courses. Play on lush, manicured fairways lined by towering fir, gary oak and arbutus trees. Challenge yourself against the more than 70 sand bunkers that giard our immaculate contoured greens. At Fairwinds, spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife and pristine natural surroundings combine for an unforgettable golfing experience.
SKIING
Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and snowboarding…everything for the winter snow enthusiast! Mountain biking, hiking, and birding are popular summertime activities here as well. In addition to world-class trails, Mount Washington offers unparalleled views - from the peak you get a stunning 360 degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia, the Sunshine Coast, the Coast Mountains, and Strathcona Provincial Park.
MT. WASHINGTON RESORT www.mountwashington.ca
Distance from CBR 25 minutes
Ski Lifts 2 high speed (1 six pack, 1 quad) 1 fixed quad, 1 triple, 1 double, 1 platter lift, a handle tow and a tube lift
Vertical Rise 505 meters or 1657 feet
Terrain - Alpine 25% beginner 40% intermediate 35% advanced
Terrain – Nordic 55 km of trails.
PARKS & HIKING
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Yours to explore. The Comox Valley and surrounding areas are a treasure to behold. The many parks of the region, both large and small protect much of the abundant wildlife and preserve the local history. These diverse parklands feature marine parks, incredible vistas, lakes, rocky enclaves, beaches, picnic areas, and seemingly endless trails. Immerse yourself in the local habitat, wild flowers and fauna, as you explore lush rainforests, rolling farmland or rugged coastline. Grab your walking shoes, the outdoors beckons …
Strathcona Park is Vancouver Island’s largest, and British Columbia’s oldest provincial park (www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/strath). Comprising more than 500,000 acres, this wilderness area is accessible from Mount Washington and Forbidden Plateau and offers unsurpassed hiking, camping, canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Seal Bay Regional Nature Park is a network of wooded trails on the Comox Peninsula. The paths are excellent for hiking and biking and some are wheelchair accessible. A steep path leads to the beach where visitors often see seals, sea lions, bald eagles and other wildlife.
The Courtenay Riverway is a paved walkway that runs along the Courtenay River and estuary and is bordered on one side by the Courtenay Airpark. This is a prime location for viewing many species of birds and watching small planes take off and land. The Courtenay Riverway is a popular place for walkers, cyclists and roller-bladers and its level grade accommodates wheelchairs and infant strollers.
If beachcombing is your pleasure, take a stroll along one of the many sandy beaches and keep your eyes peeled for sand dollars and shells. Goose Spit, Saratoga Beach and Miracle Beach are three favourites.
WATERSPORTS
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The ocean beckons. Whether it be the wilds of the Pacific, the waters of the inner coastal straights or one of the many local lakes, jump in!
Boating and Sailing. Whether you like to feel the surge of a powerboat racing over the water or the natural push of the wind caressing your sails, you have miles and miles of ocean, shoreline and islands to explore. Don't own your own boat yet? You can still experience the waters with many local charter companies. Check out Desolation Sound Yacht Charters (www.desolationsoundyachtcharters.com) or Compass Adventure (www.islandcatsailing.com) for more information.
Kayaking. No matter what your level, there is an adventure waiting for you. Paddle in the harbour and enjoy the harbour from a unique perspective. Explore the Courtenay Riverway, perhaps along side those training for the Dragon Boat Race that is part of Nautical Days or some of our top notch rowing teams. The wonderful coves and hidden beaches up and down Vancouver Island’s shorelines are fun destinations waiting to be explored.
Swimming. A dip in the ocean…. perhaps a very refreshing swim in a river or stream or how about a wonderful splash in one of the many local lakes.
Fishing. Vancouver Island is a haven for the fishing enthusiast. From fly fishing on the Cowichan River to trying your hand at catching a wild salmon on the waters of the inner coastal straights. Excursions up Vancouver Island to Campbell River or to Ucluelet offer breathtaking scenery and incredible fishing.
Whale Watching, Scuba Adventures and Yachting. Tours leave from the Comox Bay Marina. Yacht charters are available from Desolation Sound Yacht Charters.
