Summer Information For Comox Valley In British Columbia






Jul 3, 09

Old Dutch Disc Golf Tournament
7/18/09
Courtenay, BC

Gutbusters Sprint to the Summit
8/8/09
Courtenay, BC

Comox Valley
British Columbia

Breathtaking Landscapes and Cultural Richness

Courtenay is located in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. It is at the eastern tip of British Columbia's oldest park, Strathcona Provincial Park, which encompasses 550,000 acres of wilderness. This region is a wonderful mix of breath taking landscapes and cultural richness.

The first human inhabitants here were the Coast Salish Indians, and their rich history is still alive. The Comox Indian Band, which is made up of descendants of the Pentlatch and Island Comox groups, still thrives here today.

Fishing Fun

Fishing opportunities abound for saltwater, lake and river fishing. With many well-stocked lakes in the area, fresh water anglers will find plenty to keep them busy. Blue Grouse, Maple,Regan, Willemar and Wolf lakes as well as Comox Lake, the valley's largest, offer trophy-sized cut throat trout.

The salmon fishing here is some of the best. The rich waters of the Puntledge River estuary, off of Cape Lazo, King Coho and Bates Beach are teeming with salmon. These protected waters have an abundance of feed, enhancement programs and are located between two of the area's largest spawning rivers.

Hike and Bike

Hikers and mountain bikers will find a wonderful assortment of trails and terrain. Travel to high alpine areas, coastal shores or around Comox Lake. Hikes can range from easy to strenuous.

Both paved and single-track trails await biking enthusiasts. Single-track trails lead up by the old Bevan Townsite in Cumberland and around Hornby and Denman Islands, to name a few. For the downhill experience, bikers can take their bikes up the chairlift at Mt. Washington and ride down the side of this spectacular mountain terrain. Many biking events happen here at Mt. Washington Resort in the summer, including the Comox Valley Stage Race, featuring the "Downtown Grand Prix," which draws international competitors.

Golfers visiting the Comox Valley won't be disappointed either. The mild weather allows for a year-round golf season. Awe-inspiring scenery sets the stage for the numerous courses in the area. Mountain backdrops and coastal vistas add a touch of beauty to every golfer's game. There are seven courses in the valley and many other championship courses within an hour's drive. Each course is unique and offers its own challenges.

Aquatic Adventures

Some of the world's best whale-watching is close by with companies, such as Stubbs Island Whale Watching, located in Telegraph Cove. Don't pass up the chance to see the many orcas and other marine mammals that frequent the waters around Vancouver Island from a guided tourboat. Visitors might even be lucky enough to see some baby orcas due to the late spring-summer calving season!
If boats aren't your thing, this area also boasts many guided sea-kayak tours of the coasts of Vancouver Island.

Arts and Culture

Culture seekers will find plenty to do in and around Courtenay as well. The valley has one of the highest concentrations of artists in Canada, with 600 resident artists. The dozens of galleries show everything from experimental contemporary to traditional to Northwest Coast Native pieces of art.

The Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay has concerts, dance and more to entertain all tastes. For those history buffs, the museum is host to 80-million-year-old fossils, including a 12-meter Elasmosaur found in Courtenay.

The area's delicious, fresh seafood, along with other delectable delights, is a draw for even the most discriminating diners.