About the Comox Valley, live the 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.
Comox Valley housing is some of the most desirable on Vancouver Island. Buyers have many options including oceanfront properties, condos, planned patio home communities, single-family homes, rural acreages, and recreational properties.
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.
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.
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, MOMAR 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!
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 worldwide reputation for the excellence of the work of its juried artisans working in many media. Enjoy the lovely park grounds 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, and Post-Race Action for teams of 9 people
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
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, promote themselves, and network with other members of the local business community. The website 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 businesses 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 wineries, 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
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 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.
BC Ferries Maps, schedules, reservation services, and current conditions for the Mainland, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands, and Discovery Coast Passage.
Hullo Ferries Fast, convenient ferry travel between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo.
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 new regional 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.
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.
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The Fell Family – In Profile
Dan and Kim Fell and their two sons are part of a trend gaining strength at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, of families living full time at the Resort near Courtenay, B.C.