Comox Valley Travel Guide
Looking for unique things to do in Comox Valley? You’ve come to the right place.
Victoria? Too overcrowded. Nanaimo? Nah. Comox Valley is a true hidden gem on Vancouver Island.
Nestled on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, the Comox Valley offers far more than your typical tourist attractions. From hidden swimming holes and secret forest trails to local farm stands and world-class restaurants and cafes, our stunning region rewards those who look beyond the generic guidebooks.
Whether you’re exploring downtown Courtenay’s vibrant cafe scene, paddling to secluded islands, or discovering thundering waterfalls tucked into mossy ravines, the Comox Valley has something for everyone. Our guide will show you 10 unique experiences that locals, including ourselves, love – the kind of spots you won’t find on every tourist itinerary.
1. Walk around Air Park
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Length: 1.9 km full loop
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Air Park is located in the southern part of Courtenay, a quick 5 minute drive from downtown. It’s easily accessible with a good amount of parking nearby. There are 2 lots you can use to park, either at 20th street, or on Mansfield Dr.
It’s a beloved place for the locals to walk their dogs, ride bicycles and roller blades, or just take a leisurely stroll with their family and friends. The path is flat, has virtually no incline, and offers wonderful views of the Comox Harbour.
Grab a coffee at Bean Around The World, a delicious homemade pastry at D’s Cafe and walk around the Air Park.
We recommend starting at the 20th street entrance – right by D’s Cafe.
Throughout the walk there are a few benches that you can rest on and enjoy fresh air and the view that won’t leave anyone indifferent: It’s pure Vancouver Island beauty.
If your kids get bored, there are playgrounds at the southern end of the park.
You can also extend the walk by a fair bit by walking the Riverway towards the north until you get to the 5th street bridge.
2. Check out Comox Harbour Marina Park and Fisherman’s Wharf
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Length: 1.1 km
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Park at the Municipal Marina, check out the Marina bench, and walk the Waterfront Walkway.
Hungry? There usually are food trucks right next to the parking lot. Rove has AMAZING burgers, and Surfside Fish ‘N’ Chips is very highly rated too.
If you’re feeling like sitting down indoors, Tidal Cafe is a great spot for brunch (it can be busy on weekends), and Blackfin Pub has a gorgeous patio.
Coffee? Impresso Cafe is just around the corner.
During the fishing season, you can get fresh seafood from local vendors right at the marina. Salmon, tuna, shrimp, cod, halibut, lingcod, and prawns can all be found here.
Visiting with kids in the summer? There is a splash pad right by the parking area that the little ones will love.
3. Explore Filberg Park and Walk the MacDonald Wood Boardwalk
Duration: 1-2 hours
Length: Variable
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Mostly accessible
Filberg Park is a stunning nine-acre waterfront heritage property that’s one of Comox Valley’s true hidden gems. The park features over 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens bursting with rhododendrons, and beautiful walking paths through landscaped grounds.
At the heart of the park sits the 1930s Filberg Heritage Lodge, an Arts and Crafts style residence with steep gables and leaded glass windows. The lodge is free to enter (by donation) and houses a charming gift shop that’s open seasonally from May to September on weekends.
After exploring the park’s ponds, stream, and flower gardens, walk to the end of Comox Avenue to access Mack Laing Park. From here, you can discover the MacDonald Wood Boardwalk – a peaceful trail that winds through second-growth forest alongside a stream bed and eventually leads to the ocean. The boardwalk offers stunning views of Comox Bay, the Beaufort Mountains, and the Comox Glacier.
Pro tip: The park hosts the popular Filberg Festival on BC Day long weekend in August, featuring hundreds of juried artists and craftspeople.
4. Visit Kye Bay at Low Tide
Duration: 1 hour
Length: 300m to 1km
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Access can be limited
Before you go, check out the tide map. Kye Bay is best at low tides, because once the water is far, you can find a ton of shellfish in the sand.
It’s relatively flat and you can go as far as your eye can see (just watch out for the returning tide). The expansive sandy beach reveals incredible tidal pools filled with sea stars, crabs, and other marine life when the tide recedes.
The beach offers stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and the mainland mountain range. It’s a perfect spot for families to explore nature, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
There’s ample parking at the Elks and Royal Purple Park area, and facilities are available nearby.
5. Discover Tin Town
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Tin Town is one of Comox Valley’s most unique neighborhoods and a true local secret. This vibrant live-work community on Rosewall Crescent features over thirty tin-clad mixed-use buildings housing artist studios, specialty shops, cafes, and creative businesses.
Start with amazing local coffee and pastries at Tin Town Cafe, where you can also view rotating local art displays. Then wander from studio to studio, discovering everything from stained glass art and pottery to original paintings and handmade clothing.
For lunch, head to Garlic ‘N’ Pepper Eatery for authentic Korean food – the Korean Fried Chicken is outstanding.
Tin Town has evolved from its early 20th-century industrial roots into a thriving hub for artists and artisans. The eclectic mix of businesses includes everything from dance studios and music schools to health practitioners and specialty food shops.
If you visit in early December, don’t miss the annual Christmas Open House and Studio Tour, where the entire community opens their doors for a festive neighborhood celebration.
6. Stroll Through Downtown Courtenay
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Downtown Courtenay is the beating heart of the Comox Valley, offering a perfect blend of locally-owned shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Start your exploration on 5th Street, the main drag, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, and art galleries. Pop into the Courtenay and District Museum to learn about the area’s fascinating paleontology and natural history.
For food lovers, downtown Courtenay is paradise. Dina’s Cafe offers incredible breakfast and brunch options with generous portions and a cozy atmosphere. Atlas Cafe, a local favorite since 1995, features a hidden courtyard patio and serves fresh Vancouver Island ingredients – their crème brûlée is legendary.
Don’t miss the weekly farmers market (in season) or the various street festivals and events that bring the downtown core to life throughout the year.
The walkable downtown area rewards those who take their time exploring the side streets and alleyways, where you’ll find hidden patios, local craft breweries, and friendly shop owners who embody the Valley’s welcoming spirit.
7. Float the Puntledge River
Duration: 1-2 hours
Length: Up to 2 km
Kid-friendly: Yes, with caution
Accessible: No
We have our own river float! If you want a slower, more relaxing float, you can start at Puntledge Park and float all the way down to Lewis Park. It’s a quintessential summer activity that locals love.
The Puntledge River offers a gentle, scenic float through town with crystal-clear water and beautiful forest surroundings. The current is moderate, making it perfect for floating on tubes, air mattresses, or inflatable kayaks.
If you don’t want to get into the water, you can walk the Condensory Trails. They start under the bridge and wind around the townhouse complex, offering lovely riverside views and shaded forest paths.
Grab bubble tea at Boba Island before or after you’re done. They are an awesome local business and they have a TON of flavours.
Important: Always check water levels before floating, and wear proper footwear as the riverbed can be rocky in spots.
8. Enjoy Comox Lake
Duration: 2-6 hours
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: Cumberland side is more accessible
There are 2 major access points: Cumberland side and Comox Dam side. They are about a 20 minutes drive away from each other.
Cumberland side might be better if you’re visiting with kids or have mobility issues. It has a picnic area, marked parking, a window where you can get snacks and drinks, and a kayak rental. It’s a good place to go for a dip in the pristine glacial-fed waters.
Comox Dam side is a lot less developed. The parking is on the side of the road, and water access is a little more limited. But lots of people go here for a lake day or a short picnic. The views of the surrounding mountains and the Comox Glacier are absolutely stunning.
The lake is massive and offers endless opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The water is incredibly clear and refreshing – perfect for hot summer days.
Pro tip: The Cumberland side gets busy on sunny weekends, so arrive early to snag a good spot.
9. Hike to China Bowls (Cumberland Potholes)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Length: 4 km round trip
Kid-friendly: Older kids (10+)
Accessible: No
Important Update: Please note that the China Bowls area is a sensitive ecosystem. The Cumberland Community Forest has expressed concerns about high recreational use impacting water quality and riparian vegetation. The potholes are best viewed from the bridge above rather than accessing the creek directly. Swimming is not recommended, especially in summer when water levels are low and the creek is fish-bearing.
Located along Perseverance Creek in the Cumberland Community Forest, the China Bowls are fascinating geological formations – bowl-shaped potholes carved into sandstone by thousands of years of swirling water currents.
The hike follows Davis Lake Main forestry road from the parking area on Comox Lake Road. It’s a relatively easy uphill walk on a wide gravel road, gaining about 80m in elevation. At approximately 2km, you’ll reach a concrete bridge over Perseverance Creek where you can view the potholes.
The formations are most impressive during spring when water flows are high, creating beautiful cascades and waterfalls. However, for environmental protection, visitors should view from the bridge rather than climbing down to the creek.
The surrounding Cumberland Community Forest offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails through beautiful old-growth forest, home to endangered species like red-legged frogs and wild coho salmon.
10. Explore Mount Washington and the Battleship Lake Boardwalk
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Length: 5.3 km (Helen McKenzie/Battleship Lake Loop)
Kid-friendly: Yes
Accessible: First section via Paradise Meadows is fully accessible
For a true alpine experience without the strenuous climbing, head to Mount Washington’s Paradise Meadows area and explore the Battleship Lake Loop. This is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Comox Valley.
Park at Raven Lodge (about a 45-minute drive from Courtenay) and start on the Paradise Meadows Trail. The first section features an accessible boardwalk that’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly, winding through stunning sub-alpine meadows filled with wildflowers (in season) and framed by mountain views.
Continue on to Battleship Lake, named for the uniquely shaped islands that appear to sail in the center of the emerald-colored water. The trail along the lake offers sections of boardwalk and plenty of spots to rest and take in the views. There are even Adirondack chairs positioned at scenic viewpoints and a bathroom facility near the lake.
The full loop continues to Lake Helen McKenzie before circling back through meadows and forest. The entire trail is well-marked and maintained, with an elevation gain of about 70-100m.
Watch for Gray Jays (Whiskey Jacks) – these bold birds are known for trying to snag snacks from hikers!
Best time to visit: July through October for hiking. The area is also popular for snowshoeing in winter.
Ready to Explore?
The Comox Valley offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from waterfront walks and heritage sites to alpine lakes and artist communities. These 10 unique activities barely scratch the surface of what makes this region so special.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking authentic Vancouver Island experiences, the Comox Valley rewards curiosity and exploration. So grab your walking shoes, pack some snacks, and get ready to discover why those in the know choose the Valley over anywhere else on the Island.
Have questions or want to share your own hidden gems? We’d love to hear about your Comox Valley adventures!
