Whether you arrive by keel or wheel to the Comox Valley, prepare to stay awhile. The wealth of culinary and cultural offerings plus the close proximity to the outdoors make for an amazing year-round destination.
The Valley is home to a trifecta of communities, Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, each offering fun and relaxing experiences, no matter what you are in the mood for. It’s the perfect place to experience coastal island life.
Start your first morning ashore at Tidal Café; it’s a great gathering spot for breakfast and brunch. After you indulge in your first meal of the day, it’s time to see some sights.
Goose Spit is one of our favourite seaside destinations in the area. It’s about a 17- minute bike ride to reach the unique stretch of land from the Comox Marina. Walk the lagoon or expansive sandy beach at low tide. If you’re looking to ramp up your workout, hit the stairs! Nob Hill Greenway Staircase is nearby and is a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts to pair a good workout with an incredible view.
Another favourite is Filberg Park, located on nine beautiful acres of waterfront land. This heritage park is only a 20-minute walk from the marina; a great destination to stretch the legs after a night on the boat. Don’t forget to pick up a drink for the stroll—The Mill Coffee is a great way to start any walk in the area.
You may find yourself at one of the many coffee houses or local breweries sipping something satisfying throughout your stay. The Flying Apron Cafe & Bakery, which serves up a wide variety of baked goods, is described as a European-style bakery with a North American influence. Located ten minutes away are Church Street Bakery and Church Street Taphouse, respectively, on – you guessed it – Church Street. These neighbours dish up varying menus and equally delicious drinks. Indulge in one of the daily specials, choose from the rotating tap menu at the tap house, or opt for a wood-fire pizza by the slice in the intimate Church Street Bakery setting.
If you’re up for a longer bike ride, head over to I-Hos Gallery, which is band owned and operated by K’ómoks First Nation, home to a collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork. Or to The Comox Air Force Museum, located at the military base. While you’re in the area, you’d be remiss if you didn’t make a stop at On The Fly Cafe’s take-out window at the Comox Valley Airport. Specializing in a mix of sweet and savoury pies, there is no wrong choice! If you’re looking to quench your thirst, head for a tasting experience at Land & Sea Brewing before the 13-minute bike ride back to the Comox Harbour.
Browse to your heart’s content along Comox Avenue; the inviting shops are all within walking distance from the marina. Island Affair Giftware proudly supports local, making it easy to pick up Vancouver Island brands for souvenirs and gifts. Since you have plenty of time to put your feet up and crack open a book, it’s a good idea to visit Blue Heron Books, an independent and locally owned store. Coast Surf Shop specializes in clothing, accessories and paddleboard rentals; you can’t miss their location along the main street as they are located in the building with the hull of the boat makes for a great photo!
If you’d prefer to eat alfresco, consider picking up a sushi combo from the Japanese family-run Sushi Kobo, a hand-stretched pizza pie from Boonies Pizza or pick from the same-day soup selection at the Comox Soup Shack. To add to your picnic, stop by OMG Macarons to choose from their hand-crafted French macarons or to Benino Italian Café & Gelato to drool over the wide variety of in-house made gelato & sorbetto and other snacks.
If you’re here during the spring and summer months, be sure to check out the food trucks at the Comox Marina. They dish out a mix of cruising, anything from tacos to salads, fish and chips and ice cream.
Whether you’re stocking up on provisions, getting your heart rate up with a pedal or looking for your next meal, make the most of your port visit by supporting local businesses and celebrating your journey with memorable food & drink experiences. We respectfully acknowledge that the Comox Valley Regional District is located on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
