Comox Valley

The name Comox is an Anglicization of Kw'umuxws, as the area was known by its original First Nations inhabitants. It means is 'plentiful, rich, wealthy'. 19 Wing Comox, the only military base on the West Coast, is located in Comox, with a primary focus of Search and Rescue. 

Comox Valley — Voted #1 Island by Travel & Leisure Magazine Readers

The Comox Valley is located at the midway point of the east coast of Vancouver Island, recently voted 'the best island in the Continental U.S. and Canada' by reader of Travel and Leisure magazine. Stunning scenery surrounds the community, with the Comox Glacier crowning the Beaufort Mountain range to the west, and the calm waters of the Georgia Straight to the east. With more sunshine than Vancouver or Nanaimo, the Comox Valley enjoys mild winters and warm, dry summers.

Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland are part of the Comox Valley

There are three major communities in the Comox Valley; the seaside town of Comox, the city of Courtenay and the historic village of Cumberland. The smaller communities of Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, Union Bay, Royston, Saratoga Beach, Merville and Black Creek are also part of the Comox Valley. View original video featuring a song written by J. Bouttell.

Recreation and Parks

Recreation opportunities are endless in the Comox Valley, where you can enjoy world class skiing at Mount Washington, golfing on seven different courses including the renowned Crown Isle Resort, or sail the famed waters of Desolation Sound. As well, there are numerous parks, hiking and mountain bike trails, rock-climbing, kayaking, fishing and much more. Just a short ferry ride away are Denman and Hornby Islands, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Provincial Parks. Or visit the famed white sand beach at Tribune Bay, where waters reach near-tropical temperatures. There are many charming shops, galleries and homey B&B's to discover along the way.

Comox Valley is 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada

In 2007, the Comox Valley was designated as the Cultural Capital of Canada by the Department of Canadian Heritage. The diversity of talent in the area is showcased during annual events like Island Music Fest and the Filberg Festival, while the galleries, artisan's studios, live music and theatre reflect the Comox Valley's commitment to art and culture.

Location of the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley can be accessed by land, sea or air. It's just a three hour drive on highway 19A North from Victoria, and only an hour's drive north from Nanaimo, where BC Ferries has two terminals to serve passengers traveling to or from Vancouver. Harbour Air offers frequent float plane service between Comox and downtown Vancouver and Whistler. The Comox Valley Airport offers daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and international flights seasonally. The Comox Valley also has its own bus transit system, serving Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and Royston, with connections to Campbell River. The transit system also offers disabled users separate door-to-door services.

Visit the Comox Valley

With it's stunning natural beauty, mild weather, unparalleled recreational activities, convenient transportation and vibrant communities, it's no wonder that the Comox Valley has one of British Columbia's fastest growth rates. It is the choice of many to come, visit, enjoy and live.