Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to know before you go
How to Get Here
The Comox Valley is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, about 3 hours north of Victoria and 1.5 hours north of Nanaimo. Fly into Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, or take BC Ferries from the mainland and drive the scenic Island Highway.
Route to Comox Valley
Plan your drive with our interactive route map
From Victoria
By Car: ~220 km · 3 hours via Highway 1 North to Nanaimo, then Highway 19 North through Parksville and Qualicum Beach to the Comox Valley.
From Nanaimo
By Ferry + Car: Take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, then ~110 km · 1.5 hours via Highway 19 North. A scenic coastal drive through Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and Fanny Bay.
From Vancouver
By Ferry + Car: ~5 hours total including BC Ferries crossing from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to Nanaimo (2 hours), then drive north on scenic Highway 19 for 1.5 hours to the Comox Valley.
When to Visit
Every season brings something special to the Comox Valley
Spring (March – May)
10–15°C · Mild & Fresh
Wildflowers blanket meadows while snow still caps the mountains. Spring skiing at Mount Washington meets cherry blossoms in town. Farmers markets open, migrating birds return, and the valley shakes off winter with art walks and community events.
Summer (June – August)
20–25°C · Warm & Sunny
Peak season for good reason. Long sunny days, warm lake waters, and festival energy everywhere. The Filberg Festival, Nautical Days, and Snow to Surf relay bring the valley alive. Hiking, kayaking, swimming, and camping are at their best.
Fall (September – November)
10–15°C · Crisp & Colourful
Autumn paints the valley in gold and crimson. Harvest season means apple festivals, pumpkin patches, and the farmers market overflowing with produce. Fewer crowds on trails, crisp hiking weather, and the first snowfalls dusting the mountain peaks.
Winter (December – February)
5–10°C · Cozy & Snowy Peaks
While the valley floor stays mild, Mount Washington transforms into a winter wonderland with reliable snowfall for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Down in town, cozy cafes, craft breweries, and storm-watching on the coast make winter unforgettable.
Explore Our Communities
Four distinct communities, each with its own character
Courtenay
The valley’s largest urban centre and commercial hub. Downtown Courtenay features local shops, restaurants, the Sid Williams Theatre, and the Courtenay & District Museum. The Puntledge River winds through town, offering riverside trails and a scenic suspension bridge.
Comox
A charming seaside community with a bustling marina, Goose Spit beach, and panoramic ocean views. Home to CFB Comox and the Comox Valley Airport, this town blends military heritage with a laid-back coastal vibe. Ocean kayaking starts here.
Cumberland
A historic coal mining town reborn as a mountain biking mecca and arts hub. Cumberland’s tiny village core punches above its weight with craft breweries, independent shops, and a fiercely creative community. World-class trail networks start right from town.
Denman & Hornby Islands
A short ferry ride from Buckley Bay takes you to these Gulf Island gems. Artists’ studios, pristine beaches, organic farms, and a slower pace of life define island living. Hornby’s Tribune Bay is often called the “Hawaii of Canada.”
Visitor Services
The Comox Valley Visitor Centre provides free maps, brochures, and local advice to help you make the most of your visit. Staff and volunteers can recommend trails, restaurants, and hidden gems that only locals know about.
Whether you need help planning a day trip, finding pet-friendly accommodation, or navigating the ferry schedules, our visitor services team is here to help. Reach out before or during your visit for personalized recommendations.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Discover everything the Comox Valley has to offer