Pristine, sandy beaches, rainforests fragrant with cedar and fir, thundering waterfalls and vast alpine meadows—the Comox Valley’s natural beauty will stun you. Get outside and explore the hiking trails, ocean coves and incredible wildlife, or visit award-winning vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants for culinary experiences to remember. There’s a reason the K’omoks First Nations named our region the “land of plenty.” We look forward to welcoming you to our oceanfront oasis on the east coast of Vancouver Island!
Waterfalls
In the Comox Valley there are countless waterfalls, and each one is wonderfully unique. Some are easily accessible while others are for adventure seekers, but they all include spectacular rock formations. We recommend Nymph Falls: it’s fairly easy to access, has wonderful walking trails and offers the perfect place to swim on a hot summer’s day. For adventure seekers, Trent River Falls, Brown River Falls and Cumberland Potholes will take you off the beaten track.
Beaches & Kayaking
The Comox Valley is rich with a number of beaches. A local favourite is Goose Spit, which can be seen directly across Comox Bay from the Kingfisher. Sandy beaches also await you at Kye Bay, Miracle Beach Provincial Park and Saratoga Beach. All of these beaches are perfect for beachcombing and water activities. Bring your paddle board, kayak or water toys—or simply a towel and a great book! For paddle board and kayak rentals, visit Comox Valley Kayaks.
Hiking & Walking Trails
Hiking and walking trails in the Comox Valley are plentiful. For alpine walks and longer hikes, head up to Mount Washington in Strathcona Provincial Park. For a short but scenic walk complete with shipwrecks, visit the Royston Seaside Trail, a three-minute drive from the Kingfisher.
Further afield, Seal Bay Nature Park offers forest and ocean trails combined, and Nymph Falls Nature Park is a local favourite river walk, with incredible rock formations. For a very unique hiking adventure, visit the “Tree of Life,” located on west Thurlow Island with Wild Waterways Adventures.
Whale Watching
The Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound offer some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world! Humpbacks and killer whales (orcas) are often seen in our waters. Travel north from the Kingfisher for 45 minutes to Campbell River and then hop on a whale watching tour. Visit Big Animal Encounters, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours or Wild Waterways Adventures for more details.
Grizzly Bear Tours
For the ultimate BIG animal encounter, take a scenic boat ride from Campbell River to the spectacular Desolation Sound, where you’ll be met by members of the Homalco First Nations, in their traditional territories of Bute Inlet.
Once there, visitors have the opportunity to view grizzly bears as they descend on the river to feast on salmon. A once-in-a-lifetime experience only available mid-August to mid-October each year, visit Big Animal Encounters, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours or Wild Waterways Adventures for more details.
Fishing
There is incredible fishing in the protected waters of the Georgia Strait. People travel to Vancouver Island from all around the globe to have the opportunity to catch Pacific salmon species, including Chinook and coho, as well as ling cod, snapper, halibut and more. Half-day and full-day tours are available with Cliffs Chinook Charters or Island Pursuit Sport Fishing. For longer stays, you can contact Nootka Marine Adventures, with headquarter in Courtenay, and operating with a large fleet of boats on the west coast of the island.
Sip & Savour
Discover the Comox Valley’s culinary abundance, starting with a tour held by Island Gourmet Trail Tours! From award-winning wines and spirits to local craft beer, the Comox Valley will provide you with a true island culinary experience. Visit incredible vineyards such as 40 Knots Winery and Comox Valley’s first vineyard, Beaufort Winery. Blue Moon Winery and Coastal Black Winery boast a selection of refreshing fruit wines, meads and ciders. Distilleries in the region include Wayward and Shelter Point Distillery.
Visiting on a weekend? The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday year round and boasts an incredible array of organic fruits and veggies, award-winning cheeses, baked goods, wines, ciders and more!
Golfing
The Comox Valley and surrounding area have nine golf courses, six of which are open year round. Facilities range from a deluxe championship golf course, complete with a full-service clubhouse, to beginner courses. Enjoy stunning mountain views and Vancouver Island’s temperate climate.
Biking
Cumberland has become the unofficial epicentre of mountain biking on Vancouver Island—and it’s only 10 minutes from the Kingfisher! Nestled in the foothills of the Beaufort Range, beneath the shadow of the Comox Glacier, the historic Village of Cumberland invites riders to enjoy a varied selection of trails, all within easy access from the village. View the Bike Trail Map or book a tour with Island Mountain Rides.
Mount Washington
Winter and Summer Activities
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a year-round Comox Valley recreation destination, located only 25 minutes from the Kingfisher. Winter mountain activities include lift-accessed beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain for skiers and snowboarders, a snow school and a demo centre, a tube park and a nordic centre with 55 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails for classic and skate skiing in a wonderful provincial park. Summer mountain activities feature a new 2.3-kilometre ZipTour, lift-accessed beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain biking trails, hiking, scenic chairlift rides and more!
Island Hopping
Sandy Island, Hornby Island and Denman Island are all unique and spectacular northern Gulf Islands and can be seen from the Kingfisher’s oceanfront. Sandy Island is a BC Provincial Park with beautiful sandy beaches and a sensitive ecosystem that’s home to numerous species of birds and rare plants.
With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, rich biodiversity and laid-back island vibe, Hornby Island is often called “Canada’s Hawaii,” and it’s easy to see why. Since Hornby is a long day trip from the Kingfisher, we recommend a boat tour around the island.
Denman Island offers a vibrant arts scene and beautiful parks complete with lighthouse walks and swimming lakes. Denman is a great day trip destination via car or bike, accessible by ferry south of the Kingfisher.