“We’ve got the culture in the local area, we’ve got a great music scene. We’ve got après ski in the Comox Valley,” says Sarah Nicholson, Manager for Tourism Mount Washington.“It’s a great central point for a winter holiday where you can enjoy winter sports and all the area has to offer.”
CAVING
Winter caving at Horne Lake Provincial Park has been named one of the Top 25 Things To Do in Winter by Westworld magazine.
The three-hour Wet & Wild Spelunking Tour is an excellent way to shake out the holiday cobwebs, says Richard Varela of Horne Lake Caves.
“Horne Lake Caves is a whole different park in the winter, when Mother Nature transforms the caves into an impressive show of the natural forces that created these spectacular caverns,” he says.
See underground rivers and waterfalls along with some amazing fossils and crystal formations. Helmets, lights and maps are also available for those adventurous enough to try cave exploring on their own.
GOLF
No other alpine ski resort on B.C.’s west coast boasts skiing and golfing within 45 minutes of each other like Mount Washington Alpine Resort does.
From top competitive courses like Crown Isle in Courtenay or Storey Creek in Campbell River, to executive courses like Mulligan’s, Longland’s or Pacific Playgrounds, the Comox Valley and Campbell River have it all.
KAYAKING
Take a break from sliding on snow and do some gliding on the water with one of the many kayaking companies on Vancouver Island’s east coast. From an hour-long lesson at the Courtenay Marina on the Courtenay River to day trips to Tree Island, there’s something for everyone’s taste and skill level.
SCUBA DIVING
Winter is the best time to scuba dive, with visibility clearing up, and the water temperature hovering around seven degrees Celsius in the winter — only a 10-degree Celsius difference from summer on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
The world below the water level is incredibly colourful and includes sea creatures like octopuses, wolf eels and nudibranchs.
SPA EXPERIENCE
The Comox Valley and Campbell River have many spas for pampering the non-skier — or the skier looking for a well-deserved break after a few days on the slopes. From manicure and pedicure packages to facials, mud wraps and relaxing hot stone massage, smooth out and enjoy the laid back West Coast atmosphere.