Things to Do
Day Trips
The Comox Valley is the perfect starting place for exciting day-trips and adventures! Our central location makes the Valley a great 'jumping off' point for day trips to nearby communities and attractions in the central and northern Vancouver Island region. Explore the alpine meadows of Strathcona Provincial Park, go spelunking in the Horne Lake Caves, whale watch out of Campbell River or visit First Nations communities and historic town sites. All of these adventures are just a short drive away.
Head North
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| ‘At the heart of culture is the idea of personal and island identity, of community, of shared heritage.’ | |
While in Campbell River, visit the local museums and galleries, enjoy the ocean-side walkways, or go on a whale or bear watching adventure of a lifetime. While here a scenic 10-minute ferry ride takes you to Quadra Island where you will find a community full of arts, culture, and adventure recreation. West from Campbell River is Strathcona Provincial Park (Buttle Lake region) and the Village of Gold River on the shores of Nootka Sound. From Gold River a day trip on a working freighter boat to Friendly Cove or Tahsis in the summer months is a wonderful way to explore the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island.
Head South
Only a short ferry ride away, a visit to Denman and Hornby Islands is a great day trip destination. Shop in ‘downtown’ Denman at the General Store, then visit Boyle and Fillongley Provincial Parks and tour some artists’ studios. From Denman it’s only a few minutes by ferry to Hornby Island. There visitors can explore the bluffs at Helliwell Provincial Park, sunbathe at beautiful Tribune Bay renown for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, go scuba diving, or pedal the trails at Mt. Geoffrey Regional Nature Park.
Explore the Oceanside communities of Qualicum Beach and Parkville, renown for sandy beaches and summer fun. From here, head west to visit the community of Coombs, home of the Coombs Country Market and Butterfly World. Further west you’ll find the ancient forests of Cathedral Grove, and the port town of Port Alberni. Returning to Oceanside Highway 19A, continue further south to the Harbour City of Nanaimo - popular with boaters and divers alike. The 4 km Harbourside Walkway offers spectacular views or take the scenic passenger ferry to historic Newcastle Island Provincial Park and discover the diverse network of walking trails.
Take a ferry
Visit the historic townsites or enjoy the Marine Ave area of Powell River, a 1 hour 20 minute ride from Comox on BC Ferries. Take your vehicle and head north of Powell River to the Village of Lund for lunch “where the highway ends”.