Comox Valley Tourism and Information

From The Mountains To The Oceans, It’s Your Choice

John — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:25:35 +0000

If you could sum up the Comox Valley in one sentence it would probably be, “It’s a place of outdoor experiences and rich culture, stretching from the alpine peaks to the blue waters of the ocean.” The valley itself is a large area of untold beauty that is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It includes the communities of Cumberland, Courtenay and of course Comox , as well as encompassing other rural areas such as Denman and Hornby islands, Black Creek, Royston, Merville, Oyster River, Saratoga and Miracle beaches.

Because of its wide and diverse area, there is so much to see and do here. You can literally go skiing in the morning, and sailing in the afternoon. So if you really like the rugged outdoors then the Comox Valley can deliver.

Alpine Areas

The alpine views from the mountains offer stunning views that you simply wouldn’t want to miss. In the summer time experience crystal clear mountain lakes and beautifully scented mountain flowers. The Forbidden Plateau Recreation area offers the visitor a chance to trek and mountain bike in some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. The recreation area gives you access to Strathcona National Park. Here you can experience 2 or 3 day hikes to places such as Mount Drabble, Mount Becher, the Comox Glacier and Indian Head Mountain. Other summer activities up in the mountains include mini golf, disc golf, mountain bike competition and bungee trampolining. Also special events include beer, wine and alpine food festivals as well as open-air alpine concerts.

Winter activities take place at the Mount Washington Ski Resort and include snow boarding, snow tubing, down hill and cross-country skiing. Skiers have a choice of numerous ski lifts to take them to where they want to go. There is also a great restaurant here along with shops and equipment rentals.

Ocean and Lake Areas

The Comox valley area is situated right at the heart of some of the most stunning and accessible waterways and chartering a boat is a great way to explore this vast area. Imagine sailing past rocky coastlines, sweeping sandy beaches and sheltered inlets into which flow glistening waterfalls. Then at night why not moor your boast at Comox Harbor and relax with a well-earned drink and some great food.

One of the biggest attractions of the Comox water area is fishing. Well stocked lakes, and protected oceans means that you can catch a myriad of fish such as Halibut, Salmon, Red Snapper, Steel-head and Cut Throat Trout. Why not take a fishing charter out onto Comox Lake and try to catch the ‘big one’.

If you prefer to swim or bathe, then Comox Valley offers a wide choice of places you can go for a dip. Some of the best areas are Nymph Falls, Trent River, Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, Saratoga and Miracle beaches and of course Comox Lake itself.

If you like your activities to be a little faster paced then the Comox Valley also offers a wide variety of watersports that include kitesurfing, waterskiing, windsurfing and snorkelling/diving.

This is just a little of what the Comox Valley can offer the visitor, so if you’re planning on a holiday here, then the only problem you are going to have when you get here is having to choose what to do first.

Vancouver Island Colleges

John — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:31:54 +0000

When it comes to Vancouver Island colleges there are a good selection of post secondary college or university level facilities that a person can choose from. These institutions work closely with the provincial governments to provide certified training in a number of areas such as trades, technical and academic programs. There is also a specialized college that offers world-class instruction and accredited courses in music. So just to give you an idea, here’s a quick overview of each college and university in question.

North Island College

NIC as it is more affectionately known offers over 900 courses and 70 credit programs in as wide ranging subjects including fine arts, tourism, business, and health care. The North Island College has campuses in Port Alberni, Port Hardy, Campbell River and Courtenay and also offers distance learning.

University of Victoria

Otherwise known as Uvic the University of Victoria offers undergraduate and graduate studies in a number of fields including engineering, fine arts, education and business. They also specialize in medicine degree programs. The Uvic has been in the news for its sterling work on climate change and some of the professors were named as the co-winners of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize that is quite an accolade. Therefore it comes as no surprise that this is one of the top universities in Canada.

The Royal Roads University

This establishment is based in Victoria and caters mainly for working professionals who are studying at master’s degree level. Courses include conflict and environmental resolution studies, entrepreneurship and management. As well as masters degree level study, there are also a variety of undergraduate degree courses on offer.

Camosun College

As far as Vancouver Island Colleges go, this is one of the most popular. Camosun offers more than 100 courses which provide either an undergraduate/associate degree, diploma or certificate, the college also offers more than 400 transferable university programs.

Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is based in the city of Nanaimo. It has Campuses in Powell River, Duncan and Parksville. It offers a wide range of courses in a variety of formats for regional, national and international students resulting in university degrees, certificate programs and college diplomas.

Victoria Conservatory of Music

If you want to study music, then this is the place to go. The conservatory offers world-class tuition in the musical fields of Classical, Jazz, Opera, and Folk music. It also includes up to date courses on music therapy. Accredited courses are on offer here from the much acclaimed Royal Conservatory of music in Toronto.

As you can see, there are a whole host of places where you can further your learning and in fact, Vancouver Island colleges are some of the best in Canada. So whatever subject you are looking to specialize in, be rest assured that there is a college or university on the island that has the right course for you. All you have to do now is to choose the right one for you.

Tourism in the Valley

John — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 16:16:22 +0000

The Comox Valley is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It covers an area of around 1725 square kilometers and includes the communities of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland. It also pertains to outlying areas such as Hornby and Denman Islands, Saratoga and Miracle beaches, Oyster river, Royston, Black Creek and Merville. It is fast becoming recognised as one of the best places to visit in the province of BC and it’s not hard to see why. There is so much to see and do here, ranging from stunning scenery, to magnificent wildlife to exhilarating activities. So with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the activities that you can expect when you get here.

Trails, hiking and camping

If the great outdoors is your thing, then the Comox Valley is definitely the place for you. Why not explore some of the endless kilometers of hiking trails that will take you past ancient rainforests, glistening crystal clear streams, vast lakes and a plethora of wildlife. Trek into the mountains and grab a chairlift to the top of Mount Washington. From here you can see the entirety that makes up the Comox Valley.

If you need to set up camp then there are a wide variety of different camping options to choose from. There are several privately owned camping grounds where you can pitch up for the night, or alternatively there are ‘hike in’ camping spots nestled deep in the forest. Finally, if you feel like a little bit of luxury then there are also beachfront provincial parks.

Adventure tours

If you really want to get in on the action, then there are a number of awe-inspiring adventure tours that you can do. How about a helicopter ride through the valley itself, skimming over the mountaintops and opening up onto the incredible wilderness below. If it’s wildlife you’ve come to see, then what could be more beautiful then observing an animal or bird in their natural environment? In the Comox valley you can go killer whale watching, observe the black bears through the Strathcona Park, or go eagle sighting. Whatever you decide to do, it is bound to be a truly awesome spectacle. If you want to see the valley from a different mode of transport then take a kayak trip or you can trek through the wilderness on horseback.

Golf

If golfing is your game, then you’re in luck! The Comox Valley has nine golf courses to choose from and six of these are open all year round. You really are spoilt for choice and courses range from a miniature golf course that’s great for families and fun for the kids, right up to a fully deluxe championship style course complete with club house, four star accommodation, lounge and restaurant. Each course is different, but they all have one thing in common…spectacular views!

These are just some of the things that the Comox Valley can offer the tourist and there are in fact a myriad of other activities that you can do. In essence this far-flung corner of unspoilt wilderness right in the heart of British Columbia, has all the ingredients necessary to please even the most discerning of people. So go ahead and plan your trip, you’ll be glad that you did.

Sights and Sounds of Vancouver Island Music Festival, 2008

John — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:19:32 +0000

Montage of the music festival, 2008.

Where is the best place to kayak with orcas near Vancouver?

John — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:47:13 +0000

Our top choices right now are Johnston Straight and San Juan. Are there any other places that I should absolutely consider?

I get the feeling that the most of Vancouver/Vancouver Island has excellent whale watching…

Tofino BC Salmon Fishing Offshore

John — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:23:38 +0000

Salmon Fishing near Tofino BC on a Hot and Calm July day. This video shows a chrome bright Chinook Salmon approximately 20 lbs. clear the water behind Clayoquot Ventures Charter boat “Overtime”. Most of the Chinook caught that day were on large Plugs or spoons.

Visitor Question: Bicycling in Courtenay/Comox Valley?

John — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:22:46 +0000

Question: I’m planning on moving to Courtenay (or somewhere within the Comox Valley) and for the most part I prefer to get around by bike.
How is Courtenay and the Valley for commuting by bike.

I recall reading somewhere that the Comox Valley has the second most bicycle commuters in Canada (behind Victoria) so I’m just wondering how it is there.

Looking for a great tattoo artist on Vancouver Island?

John — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:56:38 +0000

Im looking for a tattoo artist on Vancouver Island that has a great reputation, at least 5 years of experience, works in a sterile shop, is great with bright coloured pieces, cartoons and old school style tattoos and does custom work. Any suggestions or reputable shops you know?
The problem is the very very few people that have a butterfly on their thigh or a skull on their shoulder have really badly done tattoos so I can’t ask anyone

Whale Watching – Victoria BC Canada – Ocean Explorations

John — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 03:51:57 +0000

Whale watching photo gallery from Ocean Explorations whale watching Victoria BC Canada – southern tip of Vancouver Island – Proud to be responsible whale watchers.

MERCURYANDJANIE2009

John — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:38:28 +0000