Comox, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Surrounded by a beautiful valley, and the largest glacier on Vancouver Island, the charming seaside village of Comox is located on the peninsula that forms the Comox Harbour, land originally settled by the Salish people.

The Port of Comox was founded in the mid 1800s on the slopes of the Comox Peninsula. Overlooking the protected waters of Comox Harbour (once known as port Augusta), it was an important port for the ships of the Royal Navy and transport steamers.

The name Comox is derived from the Kwakwala Indian word Komuckway, meaning Place of Plenty, a reference to the abundant game and berries in the Comox Valley. European settlers adapted the name to Komoux, then finally to Comox. With a moderate climate, year-round recreational activities like skiing, swimming and golfing, and all amenities close by, Comox certainly lives up to its name!

Miles of sandy shore lead off both north and south of the quiet little coastal town, whose charm has not been overwhelmed by either the nearby Canadian Forces Air Base or the more recent influx of arrivals that southern Vancouver Island has experienced.

As you head up island towards the Comox Valley and Campbell River, the peaks and glaciers of Vancouver Island's ranges that rise in the west vie for your attention, principally the imposing Comox Glacier, Forbidden Plateau, and Mount Washington. The highway winds past well-kept farms - a serenely rural part of the island journey.

The Canadian Forces Base in Comox is an integral part of the community. Having been founded in 1942 as a Royal Air Force base, CFB Comox has played a major role in shaping and supporting the community. The primary responsibilities of CFB Comox are Search and Rescue operations, maritime patrols and support of naval and air force defences. In addition to the essential roles the base plays for the community, BC and Canada, CFB Comox is a large supporter of community events, routinely supplying volunteers and equipment wherever needed.

Population: 13,008

Location: The Island Highway (Highway 19) now supersedes the old Island Highway (Highway 19A). Highway 19, a four-lane expressway, allows you to move quickly between Nanaimo and Campbell River. Highways 19 and 19A link the Comox Valley with southern Vancouver Island. Approaching from the north, Highway 19 links the Comox Valley and Campbell River with the northern half of Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley is a two-and-a-half hour drive north from Victoria, or a 75-minutes drive from the ferry terminals of Departure Bay and Duke Point near Nanaimo.

BC Ferries operates a route between Comox and Powell River on the British Columbia mainland. The Comox Valley Regional Airport is served by three major airlines, with 12 daily flights between Vancouver and Comox and direct flights from Calgary. Small aircraft and floatplanes land at the Courtenay Airpark near downtown Courtenay. Daily coach lines connect all parts of Vancouver Island with the Mainland, and local bus service is also available in Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland. Those travelling by boat will find a full range of facilities including moorage, showers, restaurants and shops adjacent to the Comox Marina.

View maps of the area:
Map of Courtenay/Comox
Map of Central Vancouver Island

The Comox Air Force Museum focuses on the history of aviation, with permanent exhibits reflecting the heritage, customs and traditions of Canada's Air Force. Several historic aircraft are preserved at the museum's Heritage Air Park, including the recently restored H-21 Piasecki Flying Banana.

Nautical Days are held each year on the BC Day long weekend. The festival is a celebration of the long time affiliation Comox has had with the sea. Weekend highlights include a parade down Comox Avenue, a festival in Marina Park, build, bail and sail your own creation, and other events throughout the weekend.

The historic Filberg Lodge and nine acres of beautifully landscaped grounds are located on the harbour near the end of Comox Avenue. The rustic Filberg Lodge, built for R.J. Filberg in 1929, is a reflection of the skills of local craftsmen in the use of stone and timber. The Lodge's warm interior complements the outside appearance with extensive hand-made woodwork and stonework. The Gardens are a myriad of exotic and local trees and flowers - a wonderful place for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon picnic.
The Filberg Festival in August features the best of B.C. arts and crafts in the fabulous setting of Filberg Lodge. Hundreds of artists and performers attend the four-day festival to display their artwork and demonstrate their crafts.

The beaches around Comox are sometimes bypassed by visitors, which is a shame, as miles of sandy shore lead off both north and south of the quiet little seaside town. Take the time to drive east of Hwy 19 as it passes through Courtenay, and follow the signs to the BC Ferries terminal in Comox. Long, sandy beaches can be found at Goose Spit Regional Park, which noses out into Comox Harbour at the west end of Hawkins Road. Kin Beach Park on Kilmorley Road south of the ferry terminal is a good spot to pass time if you're waiting for a sailing. Offshore, Texada Island's dark form lies in the strait directly east of Comox, while Denman Island lies to the south.

Comox is home to four marinas, which hold over 500 pleasure boats and a commercial fishing fleet. The marinas are protected by a rock breakwater. The breakwater is in turn protected by Goose Spit, which extends out into Comox Harbour, providing one of the safest year-round harbours on Vancouver Island. Comox Harbour is a great launching spot for some of the best salmon fishing in the world.
The Comox Marina offers a boat launch located right next to Marina Park, with plenty of parking, washroom facilities and a play area for children.

Comox Marina and Harbourside promenade

The Comox Harbour (or Port Augusta) has provided shelter for ocean travellers and marine explorers for centuries. The well-known Beaver was one of the early exploration ships that made marine history. The boats and ships came to the Comox Valley for many reasons; to explore, to trade, to survey, to work, and like many today, to rest and enjoy the beauty of the area. More Comox Harbour Marine History.

Buy fish and seafood directly from the fishermen at the Comox Harbour Marina! When the fishing boats come in, it's time to feast on the large variety of species, to meet the fishermen and their families, and to see the fishing gear that really works. Quality of the catch is given the highest priority. A special area has been set aside for Dockside Sales, which is located on the East side of the Comox Harbour Marina.

Ferry sailings from the Little River Ferry Terminal in Comox link central Vancouver Island with Powell River on the northern Sunshine Coast.

Golf: Nearby golf courses include the Crown Isle Golf Club in Courtenay, and the Comox Golf Course, a challenging nine-hole course in the heart of downtown Comox. Golf Vacations on Vancouver Island.

Some of the best saltwater fishing on the island, particularly for salmon, can be found in the waters of the Strait of Georgia north of the Puntledge River Estuary between Courtenay and Comox, and off of Cape Lazo, King Coho, and Bates Beach. Because of its sheltered location and an absence of dangerous currents, the shoreline around Comox is well suited for rod fishing in a small boat. If the weather does change, you can see it coming and quickly make for shore. Shore angling for salmon is popular in Comox Bay from August to November.

Goose Spit Regional Park in Comox is one of the best windsurfing locations on the central coast. A long neck of sand curves out into Comox Harbour, where a strong wind rises most afternoons, as winds funnel off the Strait of Georgia and up the flanks of Forbidden Plateau. To find the park, head south of Comox on Comox Road, then turn left on Pritchard Road and right on Balmoral to Lazo Road, beyond which Balmoral becomes Hawkins Road and leads out to the spit.