GETTING TO KNOW OUR PART OF THE WORLD
Central Vancouver Island encompasses Parksville to Campbell River – bridging numerous traditional territories. It’s a winding 183km stretch of Highway 19a (Oceanside Route), that offers stunning mountain, forest and ocean views between unique towns.
Parksville/Qualicum Beach
Home to some of the Island’s most spectacular beaches and ocean playgrounds, it’s the perfect meeting of water and forest with carefully grown town centres and all the amenities for comfortable living without the big city stress.
Fanny Bay, Deep Bay & Bowser
This stretch of Island bliss is home to unique neighbourhoods, artists galore and epic natural features. From world-renowned oysters to rafts of sea lions to beer-serving dogs (historically speaking), you’ll find quiet spots of interest and natural beauty unlike anywhere else.
Denman & Hornby Islands
These popular island destinations offer a laid back, bohemian getaway to find nature amidst well-established, world-class artists, galleries and unique creative experiences. You’ll also find great beaches, cozy campsites and beautiful b&bs.
Royston/Union Bay/Cumberland
Sweeping views, protected forests, old saloons and great coffee! This whole region is steeped in coal history, with Cumberland rapidly becoming a hip, creative hub of small business and growing families.
City of Courtenay
The largest community in the Comox Valley, this vibrant, diverse city boasts a thriving downtown, unique businesses & boutiques, and a quickly expanding tech sector. Situated along a protected estuary, at the foot of the Beaufort Range, it’s a picturesque spot overflowing with artists of all sorts. The city proudly hosts many walking trails, playgrounds, parks and green areas for all ability levels. A vibrant arts and culture scene lives in the galleries, museums and at the Sid Williams Theatre, plus many local festivals and special events year round. Courtenay is also home to Vancouver Island MusicFest, one of the largest festivals on the Island, and Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, where aspiring performers from across Canada gather each summer to learn professional skills. Farm to fork selections at local restaurants highlight the city’s strong connection to our agriculture and dates back to Courtenay’s pioneering roots in the late 1800s.
Town of Comox
This seaside community attracts recreational mariners to the Comox Marina where the “catch of the day” is only a cast away. You will find the beautiful streets of downtown Comox, which is just a short stroll from the marina, lined with quaint boutiques, cafes, restaurants, pubs and a craft brewery. Beautiful parks provide opportunities for peaceful walks, wildlife encounters and photo vistas. You’ll see sailboats tacking out on Comox Bay and kite boarders soaring at Goose Spit, SUP boarders and joggers all enjoying the waterfront, families beach-combing or enjoying the Rotary Splash Park and Playground in Marina Park. Golfers can even get in 18 at the convenient downtown Comox Golf Club. Plus, there’s Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), host to the world-famous Snowbirds flying team, and historic Filberg Lodge and Park, renowned for its annual arts festival and beautiful gardens.
Merville, Black Creek
At the north end of the Comox Valley are the vast fertile fields of Merville and Black Creek. Myriad crops, livestock, and dairy cattle, are raised here – including water buffalo! You’ll find Miracle Beach, Bates Beach, Saratoga Beach and Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, too.
Campbell River / Quadra & Cortes (Discovery) Islands
Packed with nature to explore, this whole area has a busy arts and culture scene including many shops that feature local First Nations’ art, jewelry, and carvings, and myriad other local crafts & fine art. One of Canada’s “50 Places of a Lifetime,” the Islands have a deep history of creative inhabitants and are home to many well-known artists and musicians.