If you are seeking a quick weekend getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Comox Valley is the right destination for you. Geographically, the Comox Valley is a region on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, that includes the city of Courtenay, the town of Comox, the village of Cumberland, and the unincorporated settlements of Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek and Merville. In simple words, it is a place where you can experience inspiring arts and culture, visit scenic spots, and gorge on delicious seafood. "Comox is called the land of plenty; it’s a place that has been inhabited by the first nations going back 1000s of years,” shares Comox Mayor Paul Ives.
Here’s our list of things to do at Comox Valley if you decide to visit the east coast.
Explore the Farmer’s Market
Comox Valley organizes one of the few year-round markets in Canada. Voted as ‘BC’s Large Market of the Year’, visit the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market to check out their wide range of organic fruits and veggies, meats products, baked goods, as well as beer, wine, cider and spirits. From salsa dips and breads to soaps and plants, there are a lot of products on display. You can spend an entire day visiting the different stalls and sampling the delicious goodies on offer.
Visit wineries and distilleries
Comox Valley houses many wineries, breweries and distilleries. In fact, it is one of the top places on Vancouver Island for locally produced craft brew. If you are a wine-lover, visit 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery, the largest grape winery in the region and one of the largest on Vancouver Island, to sample some of their tasty wines and even enjoy a vineyard trail. "The wines are gluten-free and vegan. We obtain natural fermentations in all of our wines," says Brenda Hetman-Craig, co-owner of the winery.
A visit to the Coastal Black Estate Winery is a must. This award-wining 600 acre fruit winery produces some of the finest products including wine, raw honey or custom milled lumber. Wayward Distillation House, located in the centre of Comox Valley, is Canada’s first honey-based distillery. The region also has breweries, some that focus on organic beers.
Discover scenic spots and wildlife
Situated on Vancouver Island, the region offers some of the most beautiful sceneries and waterfronts. A lot of tourist spots like the Goose Spit Park, a rock and sandy shoreline, are not very crowded and give you the peace and quiet you need to enjoy the location. You can also take a walk around the Comox Valley Harbour Authorities Fisherman’s Wharf to get an insight on the region’s commercial fishing industry. The wharf comprises of various vessels that represent a range of wild fisheries like salmon, tuna, shrimp and halibut among others. You can even buy some fresh off-the-boat fish right there itself. To explore wildlife, take an adventure tour offered by Pacific Pro Dive & Marine Adventures that takes you all the way out to the sea to enjoy sightings of seals, whales, otters and other wildlife.
Attend local festivals
Comox Valley is called Festival Valley by many, because of the range of festivals, events and celebrations held throughout the year. The BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival 2017 was held recently from June 9 to 18. Attendees got a chance to taste a plethora of seafood options and also experience tours and seminars pertaining to the industry. Other festivals include Vancouver Island Music Fest, Dine Around Comox Valley, and Comox Valley Winter Fest.
