Bird Watching in the Comox
Valley
Bird sanctuaries and viewing areas along the waterways have made bird
watching a very popular activity in the Comox Valley. The largest
population of Trumpeter Swans in North America makes the Valley their home
during the winter. Depending on the season, weather, human activities, and
the habits of the birds themselves, the bird population will vary from day
to day. Two other species that warrant mention are the Bald Eagles and the
Brant. More information can be obtained by purchasing a copy of Nature
Viewing Sites from the CV Chamber of Commerce or the CV Naturalist Society
((250) 338-6055). Go to
http://www.comoxvalleynaturalist.bc.ca for information on the
Naturalist Society.
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Comox Valley Farmer's Market
A visit to the Comox Valley Farmers Market is a good way to visit a
variety of vendors in one location. Items include fresh produce, flowers
and plants, baking, seafood, poultry and eggs, and dairy (many of these
are from organic farms making their home in the Comox Valley). Grab a
cappuccino, sit back, relax and listen to live local music too. The
Farmer's Market is held on Saturday mornings from Easter to Thanksgiving
at the Exhibition Fairgrounds in Courtenay and from Thanksgiving to
Christmas indoors at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay and on Wednesdays
from June to September in Downtown Courtenay. All markets run from 9am to
12pm. Come for the freshness, stay for the fun! Check out
www.ComoxValleyFarmersMarket.com (There are also many farms open to the
public throughout the year. The Comox Valley Grower's Guide contains
listings and information on over 50 farms in the area. This helpful guide
is available from the Visitor Info Centre or at the Farmer's Market.)
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Fishing in the Comox
Valley
Salt and fresh water fishing is abundant. Chinook and Coho Salmon are
commonly found in the Georgia Strait region adjacent to the Valley, with
ling-cod, greenling rock cod, and snapper found in the shallow waters.
Check with the Department of Fisheries for limits (250) 339-2031.
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Golfing in the Comox
Valley
A golf haven awaits the beginner or expert golfer with seven courses
(four 18-hole and three 9-hole) situated throughout the Valley. The
Valley's newest golf course is Crown Isle, which has been ranked as one of
Canada's top courses.
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Hiking/Walking in the
Comox Valley
The Comox Valley offers trails suitable for all interests and fitness
levels. From paved pathways along the river/estuary and roadways through
heritage neighbourhoods to woodchip trails in beautiful forested regional
parks (www.rdcs.bc.ca/parks)
to day and overnight hikes through Strathcona Provincial Park (www.bcparks.ca),
there is something for everyone.
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Kayaking in the Comox
Valley
Get close to marine birds and wildlife with a paddle in the Courtenay
estuary, or explore the historic Royston Wrecks and the unique ecosystems
of Tree Island. The calm waters of Baynes Sound are perfect for beginners
or those looking for a relaxed paddle, while faster moving rivers offer a
more challenging excursion for experience paddlers.
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Mountain Biking in the
Comox Valley
The Comox Valley offers 5 distinct areas of easy to challenging trails
for all levels of riders, including year-round trails near Comox Lake and
along the Puntledge River (one of the largest mountain bike trail systems
on Vancouver Island), in and around Cumberland, and for downhill
enthusiasts, Mount Washington offers a variety of trails for beginner,
intermediate and advanced riders in the summer season.
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Puntledge Fish Hatchery
in the Comox Valley
Two hatchery sites rearing Chum, Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead offer
self-guided tour with an ever changing program. Open 8am - 4pm, year
round.
38 Powerhouse Road
Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3 Phone: (250) 703-0907
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Skiing in the Comox Valley
Mt. Washington, the largest ski area on Vancouver Island, offers superb
downhill skiing for the novice to expert skier, as well as
- cross-country skiing,
- snow-boarding,
- snowtubing,
- snowshoeing,
- luging, and
- a growing alpine village.
There is an abundance of condominium style accommodations to suit all
your needs. Dining facilities, rentals, ski school, sports shop and locker
areas available in both the Alpine Lodge and Raven (Nordic) Lodge.
For more information, contact Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
PO Box 3069, Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3
Ph: (250) 338-1386, Toll Free: 1-888-231-1499, Fax (250) 338-7295
Recorded snow reports (250) 338-1515
Website:
www.mountwashington.ca
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Museums and Historic Sites
in the Comox Valley
Courtenay & District Museum & Paleontology Centre
This museum includes the Comox Valley Elasmosaur and other fossil
material, Native history, exploration, agriculture, logging, and pioneer
life. Inquire about going on a guided fossil digging tour.
Open daily 10am - 4:30pm (May - August):
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4:30pm (September - April)
207 4th Street, Courtenay, BC
Phone: (250) 334-0686
www.courtenaymuseum.ca
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Cumberland Museum
Located in a former coal mining community, this museum boasts a
walk-through coal mine and contains displays of Chinese culture and
Japanese art. Open 9am - 5pm daily (May - August); 9am - 5pm Monday -
Saturday (Winter).
2680 Dunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland, BC
Phone: (250) 336-2445 Fax: (250) 336-2411
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Comox Air Force Museum
Exhibits reflect the heritage, customs, and traditions of Canada's Air
Force by focusing on the history of 19 Wing Comox (CFB Comox). Open 10am -
4pm daily.
19 Wing Comox (CFB Comox), Lazo, BC V0R 2K0 Ph: (250) 339-8162
Website:
www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca
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Comox Archives & Museum
Specializing in marine and nautical history dating back to the days of
Captain George Vancouver as he surveyed the area with the Royal Navy. Open
1pm to 4pm, Thursday through Saturday
1729 Comox Avenue, Comox
Phone: (250) 339-2885 Website:
www.island.net/~cams
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Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
The FILBERG Lodge, built in 1929, is located on nine acres of
beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on the waterfront near the end of
Comox Avenue in Comox. Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk year round.
The Lodge is Open daily through the summer (June to Labour Day) from 11am
to 5pm; Weekends only from Easter to June 1st and Labour Day to
Thanksgiving. The Lodge and Park is home to the annual Filberg Festival (www.filbergfestival.com),
one of the largest arts and crafts festivals on Vancouver Island, each BC
Day long weekend. 61 Filberg Road, Comox, BC
Phone: (250) 339-2715 Website:
www.filberg.com
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Arts & Culture in the Comox
Valley
The central island is well known for its artistic community, boasting
the highest per-capita concentration of artists in Canada. Over 550
artists and crafts-people make their home in the Valley. There are 3
community art galleries (The Comox Valley Art Gallery, Comox Valley
Community Arts Council, Pearl Ellis Gallery of Fine Art) plus a large
number of private galleries/studios open to the public. The performing
arts are alive and well in the Comox Valley with 1 major performing arts
centre (The Sid Williams Theatre) plus a number of smaller venues that
hold smaller more intimate events/concerts. Whether you are looking for
native crafts, pottery, stained glass, fine arts or woven products;
whether your musical interests are jazz, country, rock or bluegrass; and
whether your preference for performing arts is dance, live theatre, or
perhaps an opera, you'll find it all here.
A variety of dance studios and choral groups also make their home in
the Comox Valley. With summertime comes the Comox Valley Youth Music
Centre (www.island.net/~cymc) - students and faculty come from all parts
of the province to participate in this month long music camp. Student and
faculty concerts in a variety of musical mediums including jazz,
classical, choral and musical theatre are enjoyed by locals and visitors
alike.
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Events and Festivals in
the Comox Valley
The following is a partial list of the many events that take place
every year. For more details on these and other events throughout the
year, check out
www.comoxvalleychamber.com, and go to Community Events or contact the
Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre.
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Snow to Surf Relay Race - last Sunday in April
Cumberland Empire Days - Victoria Day long weekend
North Island Hot Jazz Festival - first weekend in
June
Canada Day Festivities - July 1st
Vancouver Island Music Fest - first or second weekend
in July
Comox Valley Youth Music Centre - month of July
Comox Air Show - July or August (in odd-numbered
years)
Filberg Festival - BC holiday long weekend (beginning
of August/end of July)
Comox Valley Exhibition/Fall Fair - last weekend of
August
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For more information or a listing of other attractions, events, and
things to do in the Comox Valley, occurring throughout the year, contact
Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre.
2040 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 2L3
Ph: (250) 334-3234
Toll free : 1-888-357-4471
Website:
www.comoxvalleychamber.com
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