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If you
are already a resident of the island, you are probably aquainted
with its year-round beauty and boundless choices of recreational
activities. If you are new to the valley or considering
relocation here, you will find plenty of activities and
opportunities to fit your busy lifestyle.
Nestled in the heart of the oldest provincial park in B.C,
Strathcona Park, the Comox Valley spans from the picturesque
Oceanside Fanny Bay to the more rural feel of Oyster River.
Year round golfing, biking, and gardening, world-class fishing,
diving, skiing and sailing make for an enviable combination
for any outdoor enthusiast. Both locals and tourists alike
enjoy the wide array of arts and cultural activities that
the valley has to offer. Whether it's a jazz festival, a
night out at the theater or a lunch at one of the many outdoor
eateries, there is something for everyone.
Framed by the beauty of the scenic Comox Glacier, Courtenay
is the first of three focal cities in the valley and boasts
one of the world's top rated golf courses, Crown Isle- situated
in one of the island's most attractive, housing communities.
The Sid William's Theater which started in the 1920's is
now the backbone of Courtenays diverse and active cultural
scene- hosting world renowned blues and jazz artists as
well as lively local theater presentations. With a warm
and charming downtown core, the Courtenay shops are known
for their hospitality and customer service. Take a stroll
through the park and along the river on your way into town
or ride on one of the many bike trails. Courtenay 's proximity
to Mount Washington also makes it a highly desirable destination
for skiers and those who enjoy all types of mountain activities.
Offering diverse hiking trails and chair lift equipped mountain
biking in the summer along with 55km of cross country skiing
and some of the highest snowfalls in North America, Mt.
Washington has become a first-class resort. Recently becoming
its own entity as Mt. Washington, B.C., along with the addition
of over 400 acres of advanced terrain opening in December
2004, it is well worth the drive up. Investment opportunities
and new housing developments await. With a short 75 minute
drive to Nanaimo's mainland ferries, and quick access to
Comox's newly renovated International Airport, Courtenay
has it all.
About a 10 minute drive from downtown Courtenay, you will
find Comox- a lovely seaside haven located at the gateway
to the Straight of Georgia, one of the most beautiful and
accessible waterways on Vancouver Island. A quaint older
community, Comox is famous for its many amenities- some
that are unique only to its laid-back brand of coastal living.
Kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing and kite-boarding are only
a few of the water sports that entice athletes and spectators
alike. In addition, Comox is home to 4 marinas and is bustling
with Pubs and Bistros. With some of the best salmon fishing
in the world, as well as one of the safest year-round harbours
on Vancouver Island, it is no wonder that the Comox Harbor
is a favorite spot for tourists and a delight to live in.
Catch a breath-taking sunset or watch the sea lions swim
playfully along side the locals. Beachcomb for seaside treasures
or build a campfire and roast marshmallows at Goose Spit
Park. Spend the afternoon perusing the shops or buy fresh
flowers and produce from one of the many local markets.
An array of some of the finest west-coast cuisine partnered
with a lively nightly music scene makes Comox a one-stop
destination for anyone seeking diversity and culture.
Cumberland is the third of our communities and is located
just south of Courtenay. An old mining town, it is a testament
to old world tradition and heritage as it hosts over 100
historical buildings, local festivals and a magnificent
view of the Comox Glacier. Just minutes to Comox lake, Cumberland
offers a beautiful serene setting and a vast array of hiking
trails with extreme mountain bike terrain and some of the
most picturesque waterfalls all accessible through the mountain
walkways. A variety of local taverns and homestyle bistros
all served up with laid back hospitality also makes Cumberland
a local treasure worth excavating.
Just up island on the old Inland Island Highway, you will
find a variety of beaches tucked into the smaller communities
of Saratoga Beach and Black Creek, a thriving rural farming
community which hosts Miracle Beach Provincial Campground,
a highly populated tourist destination in the summer months.
Stroll the sandy beach or wander the trails through the
beautiful surrounding rainforests. Rent Kayaks or windsurf
at one of the lovely Oceanside resorts. Or just relax at
one of the seaside restaurants or pubs ranging from casual
cuisine to romantic and classy coastal fare. Whatever you
are looking for, The Comox Valley has it to spare with vibrant
and active lifestyle choices, a moderate climate and scenic
surroundings wherever you look. Known as one of the finest
choices for a retirement destination, the Comox Valley also
boasts acclaim from Travel and Leisure and Conde Naste Magazines
as North America's most diverse recreational and cultural
island destinations. Just one more reason to consider the
Comox Valley for your next commercial, residential, retirement
or vacation location!
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Marnie Mortenson. c2005 |
