Offers some of the best skiing in Canada. It features downhill, snowboarding, ozone snow tubing, cross-country. Many learn to ski programs available. Restaurants, gift shop and more. It is also a wonderful destination in the summer for a chairlift ride to the top, a beautiful horse back ride, hiking, biking and more. Visit http://www.mtwashington.ca
Mountain Biking
Mount Washington Ski Resort ~ 338-1386
For those of you who are interested in extreme or cross country mountain biking, Mount Washington is the place for you. It offers a wide variety of trails and added features. Check out www.mtwashington.ca for all the details.
Hiking and Walking Paradise Meadows
The Paradise Meadows Trailhead is one of the gateways into Strathcona Park. The trailhead is located by Raven Lodge at Mount Washington (1100 m elevation). The Paradise Meadows Loop is a spectacular hike through beautiful alpine meadows and forested areas which provide the opportunity to experience nature at its very best. See wildlife such as deer, marmots, black bears, eagles and a variety of other birds. This magnificent spot needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Mount Washington You can hike or choose to ride the scenic chairlift up Mount Washington. Descend using the chairlift or hike a more rugged downhill trail to the base. Strathcona Park Strathcona Park is Vancouver Island's largest, and British Columbia's oldest provincial park. Comprised of more than 500,000 acres, this wilderness area is accessible from Mount Washington and Forbidden Plateau and offers unsurpassed hiking, mountain biking, camping, canoeing and wildlife viewing.
Seal Bay Seal Bay Regional Nature Park is a network of wooded trails on the Comox Peninsula. The paths are excellent for hiking and biking and some are wheelchair accessible. A steep path leads to the beach where visitors often see seals, sea lions, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Courtenay Airpark and Riverway The Courtenay Riverway is a paved walkway that runs along the Courtenay River and estuary and is bordered on one side by the Courtenay Airpark. This is a prime location for viewing many species of birds and watching small airplanes take off and land. The Courtenay Riverway is a popular place for walkers, cyclists and roller-bladers and its level grade accommodates wheelchairs and infant strollers.
Beaches and Parks
If beachcombing is your pleasure, take a stroll along one of the local beaches - keep your eyes peeled for sand dollars and pretty seashells. Airforce Beach, Goose Spit, Kin Beach, Saratoga Beach and Miracle Beach are a few favorites. The Comox Valley boasts over 40 parks and numerous beaches that are ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and camping. Many of the parks encourage physical play with jungle gyms, slides, swings and open areas to run and play ball. Visit an observation area along the Puntledge River to observe spawning salmon head upstream to the Puntledge Hatchery, or attend an interpretive program at Miracle Beach.
Fishing
The biggest attraction is salmon fishing, but other varieties of fish are available as well. Licenses for fishing may be obtained at the CANEX, most local resorts, some food stores and sporting goods stores.
Hunting
Conservation Officer ~ 334-3281 Vancouver Island abounds with wildlife. Please check with the local Wildlife Conservation Office to see when and where you can hunt, and what licenses are required.
Golf
The Comox Valley and surrounding area has nine golf courses, six of which are open year-round. Facilities range from a deluxe championship golf course complete with full service clubhouse, four star accommodation, restaurant and lounge to a miniature golf course that caters to family groups. Each course has its own special attributes, and all possess stunning mountain views. Special stay and golf packages are available at many hotels, motels and resorts.
Curling
Comox Valley Curling Club ~ 338-8324 Located at 4835 Headquarters Road featuring six sheet curling rink.
Diving
Jacques Cousteau rated the waters near the Comox Valley as the second best cold water diving destination in the world! A high level of visibility, slight fluctuations in temperature, wreck sites and a wealth of sea life, including 12-foot long six-gill sharks, guarantee a rewarding dive. Visit one of the local dive shops to rent equipment and get tips on the best diving spots.
"Working to enhance the quality of life for military members and their families in our community."