The Comox Valley is a gem of the Pacific Northwest. The stretch between Saratoga Beach and Fanny Bay along the upper half of Vancouver Island’s east coast encompasses a region full of magnificent sights and adventures. The name Comox is derived from the Salish Peoples' word "Koumuckthay,” which translates into "Land of Plenty.
" Encompassing a diverse terrain from the alpine to the ocean, the offers plentiful amounts of natural wonders in every direction. There’s also an abundance of culture to be uncovered in the main community hubs of the city of Courtenay, the town of Comox and the village of Cumberland. With the milder temperatures and weather, reduced crowds and the warmth and vibrancy that comes with changing of the seasons into autumn, the to spend time in the Comox Valley, with exciting outdoor recreation and amazing culinary opportunities all around.
With an abundance of mountain and marine activities, stretching from the Beaufont Mountain Range to the Strait of Georgia, to partake in during the months of autumn, the Comox Valley is . The region provides ready access to elevated experiences high up in Mount Washington. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is home to Vancouver Island's only lift-accessed downhill mountain bike park, with 23 trails open throughout the summer and on weekends in September.
Hiking trails on the mountain open up to stunning vistas overlooking the coastal Beaufort Mountain Range and the Salish Sea. In October and November, the alpine resort is closed as it prepares for winter snow activities and re-opens in December for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross country, snowshoe and more. To see the view of Mount Washington from the other side, enjoy the scenic and accessible trail loop in Strathcona Provincial Park’s Paradise Meadows, where the fall weather transforms the sub-alpine landscape into a beautiful panorama of old growth forests, alpine lakes and meadows.
On the foothills of the Beaufort Mountains, Comox Valley’s mountain biking capital of Cumberland, otherwise known as “Dodge City,” is defined by the area’s vast , ranging from fast and flowy to rugged and rocky, including Vancouver Island’s most legendary singletrack. Navigate the refreshing, glacier-fed waters of the serene Comox Lake by paddleboard, kayak, canoe or boat. Over in Nymph Falls Nature Park, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Courtenay, a walk through the emerald rainforest leads to a beautiful collection of cascading waterfalls.
Nymph Falls is also a prime spot to observe the salmon spawn, with a salmon ladder that offers a close-up view of this natural spectacle. Become a culinary adventurer by exploring Comox Valley’s thriving in the local township communities and beyond. Serving up freshly baked goods for more than 100 years, Cumberland Village Bakery is worth the wait time (even just for their coveted cronuts alone).
If you’re in the mood for a classic burger joint in Cumberland, COOKS is the place to be. Other time-honoured spots in the village include Riders for pizza, Niji for Asian-inspired cuisine and cocktails, and Biblio Taco for Mexican dishes and a mean margarita. Hang out at Cumberland Brewing and The Waverly Pub for good brews and an even greater time.
For cozy and casual global picks with vegan and vegetarian options, Atlas Cafe is your first destination in Courtenay. Or head to Off Main for a twist on regular brunch and lunch favourites, including chicken and french toast and their ever-changing menu of grilled cheese sandwiches. Nikkei Ramen-ya is a local favourite for its authentic Japanese ramen made with Canadian-grown ingredients.
Dinner options in the downtown area include Locals Restaurant for upscale service in a beautiful remodelled heritage building by the Courtenay River, and Il Falcone Restaurant for a charming Italian dining experience in a courtyard surrounded by fruit trees. After dinner, you’ll be glad to stop by Gladstone Brewing for Courtenay’s best selection of craft brews. For breakfast and brunch along the Comox Valley Marina waterfront, you can’t go wrong with either Tidal Cafe, known for its eggs benny interpretations, breakfast bowls and house-made cocktails, or Land & Sea Brewing, which serves refreshing craft brews paired with the best nachos in Comox.
Both Blackfin Pub and Martine’s Bistro offer a sea of flavours featuring locally sourced seafood on their dinner menus, topped off with unbeatable oceanfront views from their patios. Taste the best of the Comox Valley's vineyards by embarking on a (or two). A few of the region’s top wineries include the oceanside 40 Knots Winery, Vancouver Island’s first certified organic winery Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery and Blue Moon Estate Winery and Ciderworx, known for its handcrafted fruit wines and ciders.
For craft culinary creations, harvest goods and other souvenirs to take home, check out the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, held at the Native Sons Hall in downtown Courtenay on Saturdays throughout the fall and winter months. Enjoy resort-style living between the coastal forests and the ocean shores by making a reservation at one of the Comox Valley’s . Known for its award-winning hydrotherapy spa treatments and enchanting Sky Dome dining experience, the oceanside Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa in Royston offers a quintessentially West Coast experience.
For those travellers embarking on a golf vacation on Vancouver Island, rent a private villa or cottage at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, where you can stay and play a few rounds at the championship 18-hole golf course. At the northern end of the Comox Valley region in Black Creek, Saratoga Beach and Miracle Beach are the destinations for a relaxing beach getaway. Book an ocean view suite or a forest side cabin at Timberland Beach Resort, or stay right along the sandy coastline at Saratoga Beach Resort.
Direct flights are available between Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Comox Airport (YQQ) through Pacific Coastal Airlines. By car, the Comox Valley is only an hour north of the ferry terminal in Nanaimo, and two and a half hours north of the ferry terminal in Victoria. Start planning your fall getaway to the Comox Valley at .
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