Live the Comox Valley Lifestyle!

Overlooking the Strait of Georgia with Vancouver Island’s snow-clad mountain ranges are a backdrop the Comox Valley serves up a bounty of recreational and cultural pursuits from sea level to a mile high at ski level. Welcome to one of the most exciting regions in Canada to relax in, live in, and play in.

The glacier 'Queneesh' overlooks the Comox Valley.
The glacier 'Queneesh' overlooks the Comox Valley.

The Comox Valley is situated on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Comox Valley stretches from Fanny Bay to the south and Saratoga Beach to the north and includes the communities of Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland and Hornby and Denman Islands. With a current population in the vicinity of 65,000 the region is continuing to grow with more and more people relocating to take advantage of what the Comox Valley has to offer. Compared to larger communities housing is much more affordable as well as delivering an improved quality of life and the infrastructure people are accustomed to in larger communities, particularly in the health, safety and financial services sectors.

 

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ)
Comox Valley Airport (YQQ)

The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) offers scheduled flights with WestJet, Air Canada Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air, allowing for easy connections to anywhere in the world. BC Ferries service is available from Comox to Powell River and Nanaimo to Vancouver. The Inland Island Highway (19) and the slower scenic coastal Island Highway (19A) connects the Comox Valley to Nanaimo and Victoria as well as points north on Vancouver Island. For those who prefer to come in by water to Comox Harbour will find dedicated moorage.

Recreation

The Comox Valley is considered one of the most desirable places in Canada due to its incredible natural setting on the Pacific Ocean, mild climate and limitless year-round recreational pursuits, all of which are located within a relatively small geographic area.

Hiking & Walking

Trails abound throughout the Comox Valley from the ocean’s shoreline, through the region’s communities, deep inside pristine forests, along the Puntledge River and in the mile high alpine at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Cycling

From community cruising along designated bike lanes, following forested trails to challenging mountain biking in and around Cumberland and Comox Lake the choices are abundant for all levels of riders.

The comox Valley is home to 3 - 18 hole golf courses including Crown Isle (above).
The comox Valley is home to 3 - 18 hole golf courses including Crown Isle (above).

Golf

The Comox Valley is home to three 18 hole Championship courses as well as two Par 3 courses. Six more championship courses are within an hour’s drive. Golf year round thanks to the mild coastal climate. Most notably, Crown Isle is an ideal course to play in the winter months.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Locals and visitors who enjoy snow pursuits head up to Mount Washington Alpine Resort to enjoy Alpine and Nordic skiing and snowboarding. Snowshoeing is also very popular on the trail system in Strathcona Provincial Park. The Alpine Village offers a wide variety of accommodation choices, restaurants, bars, retail and a General Store.

Fossil Hunting

That’s right, you can go fossil hunting in the Comox Valley. Once an ancient sea floor the region is home to an abundance of marine fossils. Tours are offered by the Comox Valley Museum.

Fresh and Salt Water Fishing

From salmon fishing in the Strait of Georgia to flyfishing in the local rivers, lakes and streams anglers can get their fix year round.

Sports

Community amenities include tennis courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields, fitness and recreation centres, skating rinks, curling facilities and a host of sport organizations to get involved in. Many annual sporting events occur such as the Royal Lepage Comox Valley Snow to Surf  Relay Event, The Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K Triathlon and Country Roads Marathon.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

The Comox Valley is well known as a thriving cultural community. Awarded the prestigious national distinction of Cultural Capital of Canada for 2007, the Comox Valley is recognized for its ongoing commitment to arts and culture.

Year round, weekly live music venues are the envy of many communities much larger than those found in the Comox Valley. Hungry for contemporary music the Waverly Hotel, known for showcasing great bands, packs the house most weekends. Weekly live jazz and blues can be heard in Courtenay and Comox. Local clubs also book live local talent for those who want to get out and dance. The Comox Valley is home to a variety of festivals, most notably Comox Valley MusicFest and the Filberg Festival. Also new events that are igniting the Valley are Ribfest and Beerfest.

Home to a large community of artists the local galleries offer up a stunning collection of original art, limited edition prints, pottery, jewelry, carvings and more. Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland are all home to unique shopping districts complete with coffee shops, tea houses and cafes to relax in. 

Dining out in the Comox Valley may be the toughest decision you’ll have to make in the day. From fresh caught local seafood, Comox Valley raised meat and fowl and a wide variety of ethnic options the choices are daunting!

Want to learn more about the Comox Valley? Here is a list of useful links for your convenience.

Events

Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K Triathlon  The Race for All Ages! Children's, Adult, Open and Duathlon categories. May of each year.

Filberg Festival  The Filberg Festival encourages excellence in all forms of arts and crafts, and assists in the promotion and sale of quality work. The Festival has established a world wide reputation for the excellence of the work of their juried artisans working in many media. Enjoy the lovely parkgrounds and food booths while taking in the varied offerings of the artisans. Filberg Park, Comox, BC on BC Day

Royal Lepage Comox Valley Snow to Surf Relay  Canada's Premier Multi-Sport Relay Event! Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Running, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Road Cycling, Canoeing, Post-Race Action for teams of 9 people

 

Vancouver Island MusicFest takes places annually in early July.
Vancouver Island MusicFest takes places annually in early July.

Vancouver Island MusicFest  Entertainers from around the world, in a 3-day music extravaganza that will blow your mind! Vancouver Island MusicFest has been bringing great roots and world music to the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island since 1995. Early July

Service Clubs

Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club  The Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club is busy making a difference in both the immediate community and abroad. Visit their website for a wealth of information on past, current and future projects.

Valley Information

Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce  The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce has been serving the business community of Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland and the outlying areas since 1919. This is a non-profit organization that helps businesses to save money, to promote themselves and to network with other members of the local business community. The web site offers a searchable directory of current members, as well as information and links related to business in the Comox Valley.

Comox Valley Economic Development Society The Comox Valley Economic Development Society was formed in 1988, and is a non-profit society, with annual funding from the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, and the Comox Strathcona Regional District Areas A, B, C, and K. They provide business information services in the Comox Valley. They work with many different community organizations, and companies that wish to expand their existing business or create new business for the Valley.

Discover Comox Valley  This site is a wealth of information on the Comox Valley and surrounding areas, Top 10 Lists, information on winery, farm and garden tours and more.

Comox Valley Guide  This site provides extensive information about the Comox Valley, including recreation, accommodations, dining and much more.

Transportation Links

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) Routes schedule and airline information, as well as a guide to the airport and area information. The airport is currently a hub for these airlines

Air Canada  Air Canada flies twice daily from Comox to Vancouver, allowing passengers to make convenient connections into the airline’s massive network of 190 destinations on five continents.

WestJet  WestJet offers multiple daily non-stop flights between Comox, Calgary and Edmonton with excellent connections available to destinations throughout Canada and the United States.

Pacific Coastal Airlines  Pacific Coastal Airlines offers the lowest fares between Comox and Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal. The South Terminal has become a favourite with travelers trying to avoid the congestion of the Main Terminal.

Central Mountain Air  Central Mountain Air provides direct flights from Comox to Vancouver International's Main Terminal. Central Mountain Air code-shares with Air Canada, meaning that flights can connect into the Air Canada network and baggage can transfer seamlessly.

BC Ferries  Maps, schedules, reservation services and current conditions for the Mainland, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, and Discovery Coast Passage.

Professional Services

Ives Burger Law  Ives Burger Law pride themselves on providing prompt and cost-effective legal advice which utilizes the most advanced technology and experienced staff available in order to meet the ever changing needs of their clientele.

Comox Valley Record Newspaper 
Keep up to date on Comox Valley news and events that shape the community.

Delaney Relocation Services  The Comox Valley's leading provider of assisted moving services for seniors. Providing top quality care throughout the move process is their highest priority.

Havers Design  Branding, advertising and website design, programming, SEO and hosting services for Vancouver Island businesses.

INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT

The area boasts a strong stable economy, with major employers including 19 Wing Comox, School District 71, North Island College and Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Infrastructure includes the construction of a new regional Hospital, the existing St. Joseph’s General Hospital, medical clinics, three Recreation Centres, RCMP Station and two airports. Bus service is readily available throughout the region.

The Comox Valley is also a trade and investment hub for central Vancouver Island. Most major banks have a presence here. Investment and Asset Management services have strong representation in Courtenay as well.

The region fosters a strong growing agriculture industry including dairy, cheese making, fruit, wineries, food processing and local farm markets. Benefits include access to fresh locally grown produce, meat and fowl as well as fresh local choices in the region’s restaurants.

Rick Gibson can help you find the home of your dreams in the Comox Valley.
Rick Gibson can help you find the home of your dreams in the Comox Valley.

WELCOME HOME

Comox Valley housing is some of the most affordable on Vancouver Island. Buyers have many options including oceanfront properties, condos, planned patio home communities, single family homes, rural acreages and recreational property. The Comox Valley continues to post strong population growth year after year. This growth promotes a stable investment climate for home purchasers. With its stunning views and vibrant combination of outdoor adventures and artistic activities, it is no surprise that the Comox Valley is one of B.C.'s most 'livable' destinations.