Goose Spit
Spring Starts Here
The sea air has lost its chill and the faces of snowy mountain slopes are glossed with warming sunshine.
When spring nudges the cooler months aside, Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley offers all the promise of a season filled with longer days and milder conditions. Whether it’s embracing the warmth of spring skiing, afternoons spent on the ocean, teeing off on glistening greens, absorbing culture through unique experiences, or walking through nature in bloom, there’s perhaps the widest range of activities to enjoy at this time of year.
Find a playground of opportunity in our mid-island haven as spring dawns. Our communities are rewarded with a wealth of activities from ocean to peak. Mount Washington is the island’s premier alpine resort, with downhill and cross country snow sports until April 10th. From these lofty heights experience dramatic views of distant mountain ranges and the Salish Sea, then easily get down to sea level that same day! Once at the valley floor take your pick of pleasure and leisure, from scenic water sports on coastal waters and rivers, or beachcombing with close up encounters of marine wildlife. Discover immersive cultural experiences through museums and galleries. Sample delicious local fare and drinks in one of the many cafes, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. Tread trails that hug white water rivers and meander through silent forest.
Disc Golfing in Cumberland at Coal Creek Historic Park
Beachcombing at Goose Spit
Enjoy the trail network of Seal Bay Park
Spring Activities
The valley is teaming with activities to enjoy. With kilometres of coastline, rivers, and lakes, getting on to the water is a favourite outing for many. Stand up paddle boarding and sea kayaking allows hands on gliding on often-calm expanses of coastal waters. Paddling a little way offshore gets you up close to aquatic wildlife and marine birds, or simply to enjoy a sunset over the magnificent Comox Glacier from a completely unique angle.
Claim a round of nine or eighteen holes at one of our six impressive golf courses, including championship grade Crown Isle Resort, set in spectacular surroundings. Whilst there’s a strong following for newcomer activity; disk golf, with several courses integrated into serene parklands. Gather a tote bag full of local produce at the renowned Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, which is held outdoors as of April 8th at the Exhibition Grounds in Courtenay. Here local food, crafts, and music combine each Saturday.
Patio Season Begins
Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday morning brunch turning into afternoon lounging, or a round of drinks and light bites with friends post-biking, there’s a sunny retreat with friendly staff awaiting to refresh your palate.
Popular aprés ski patios can take the shape of any six local microbreweries. Gladstone Brewing, in the heart of Courtenay, has a large sun facing patio, but it’s probably the provincial award winning selection of beers and its curated range of delicious handheld bites that keeps this establishment so busy. Of course, it’s not just the aprés ski crowd that fills these sunny nooks, but aprés biking and hiking folks seek refreshment too. Riders Pizza in Cumberland has a popular patio that’s partially covered, serving up unique pies, craft beer, and friendly vibes. If a mellow post-golf tipple is more your pace, the Comox institution; The Black Fin Pub houses a patio that gives spectacular sea and mountain views, with a contemporary food and drinks menu to match.
Experience Arts & Culture
Discover enriching local arts and cultural experiences. Explore local history and the K’ómoks First Nation through valuable indigenous experiences, or by visiting one of the galleries or museums, such as the historic I-Hos gallery in Comox, situated next to the K’omoks Big House, which celebrates first nation legacy. Whilst the Comox Valley Art Gallery, in downtown Courtenay, often exhibits and explores contemporary first nations art. Learning through one of the many community workshops can also be a fantastic way to interact with indigenous culture.
If getting hands on is preferred, find numerous workshops that cater to any number of disciplines, from beginner through to advanced. Lupine Art Studio in Courtenay offers a welcoming and supportive space to dabble upon canvas, paper or work with clay. Browse local arts and crafts plus enjoy eclectic live music and family games at Cumberland’s Village Market Day, which takes over the entire centre of the village and is scheduled for May 20.
Stay a While
The valley is best explored over a number of days, and when it comes to picking your place to stay there’s an intriguing amount of variety to choose from. If you’re seeking luxury, we’ve got you covered. From oceanside resorts with rejuvenating spas, to resorts with golf greens on their doorstep. The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa offers one such experience, with award winning services including an acclaimed restaurant, all in a sublime setting.
Perhaps having solitude amongst the pines, or within a stones throw of a quiet wild beach, is the way to go. With an assortment of vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts, there’s unique options to discover. Convenience and coziness can be found in a range of well situated hotels and charming motels to get you ready for your time spent exploring. And for those seeking immersion within nature, there are a number of family suited campgrounds and RV parks that sit in serene forests, or by lakefront and coastline.
Getting Here
Regular ferry service links the British Columbia Mainland and Washington State to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Riding a ferry allows you to stretch your legs, enjoy a meal, browse the gift shop and observe marine traffic and wildlife. It is a mini-cruise in the middle of your vacation.
BC Ferry terminals on Vancouver Island are located in Victoria (Swartz Bay) and Nanaimo (Departure Bay or Duke Point) with ferry service to/from the Vancouver area, Comox with ferry service to/from Powell River on the Sunshine Coast, and Port Hardy with service from Prince Rupert via the Inside Passage (www.bcferries.com).
The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is served by Air Canada, WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines with service and connections via Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. WestJet provides seasonal non-stop service to Puerto Vallarta and Toronto. The air terminal hosts a wide variety of excellent amenities including Budget, Enterprise and National Car rentals, taxi and shuttle services, Canada Border Service Agency, short and long term parking, a café, a gift shop and BC Transit bus service. Centrally located, YQQ is a great choice for access to the whole of Vancouver Island and is less than 10 minutes from the Little River BC Ferries terminal with service to the Sunshine Coast.
Locals Tip
No matter what type of traveller you are, there's something for everyone to in the Comox Valley. We've curated these itineraries to help you squeeze the most out of your time in the region, whether it's just a few hours, a few days, or more than a week!