A rundown of activities to take in and partake in
Hey, it’s summertime!
After a long couple of years and a particularly wet spring, it’s time to get out and start enjoying the many varied activities this region has to offer.
From festivals and get-togethers to outdoor activities and recreation, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. So why not jump right in and start making plans?
Festivals are back!
Yay! Festivals are returning and, fittingly, it starts with the Vancouver Island MusicFest, running July 8 to 10 at the Exhibition Grounds in Courtenay. Three days of uplifting, spine-tingling performances that feature a broad range of musical styles and artists. The headliner this year is the ageless wonder Taj Mahal.
This summer also sees the return of Comox’s Filberg Festival and Comox Nautical Days on the August long weekend. Filberg offers a great line-up of musicians as well as amazing artisans, while Nautical Days is known for its fireworks, BC Day parade and vintage car show as well as vendors, performers and family fun at the Comox Marina Park.
Cumberland Wild runs August 20th and 21st. An arts and culture music festival held in the heart of the Legendary Cumberland Village. Music, food and fun are the priority. Cumberland is also host to the Comox Valley Ribfest, near and dear to the hearts and stomachs of many! August 26 to 28 at Cumberland Village Park, there’s food, music and fun for the whole family.
Not exactly a festival, but Downtown Courtenay is celebrating its 50th Annual Market Day on July 16th. Eats, arts, crafts and merchants combine with entertainers to make for an enjoyable time.
Recreation options around the Comox Valley
With three different community recreation centres, summer programming is plentiful. Whether you’re looking to keep the kids busy or hoping to find a class for yourself, it’s easy to get active.
Visit their various websites and find out what’s on tap this summer by clicking the following links: Courtenay Recreation; Comox Rec; Cumberland Recreation. Plus, private sailing camps, golf lessons, riding options and more can be found with a simple Google search.
Oh, and since you have the whole summer to prepare…. Here is your chance to swim, bike and run your way through the forests of Cumberland at The Dodge City X Off-Road Triathlon. As a proud local sponsor, I'm pleased that this annual event is back on September 10th. A tough course, it has been chosen to be the site of the national championship this year. If that sounds a little much, consider volunteering and cash in on some swell swag instead.
Arts and culture
Looking for a rainy-day getaway? As noted in my recent blog, Comox Valley’s galleries offer lovely diversions even on sunny days.
Prefer museums to galleries? Summer isn’t complete without checking out the Elasmosaurus at the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre. The Cumberland Museum and Archives details the stories and history of the village and surrounding areas. Recently renovated, this jewel is open Tuesdays through Sundays in the summer. For those with an interest in aviation, the Comox Air Force Museum is a must. Plus, the airpark that surrounds it offers up-close views of a variety of aircraft. Super cool!
And make sure to check out the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market; it runs on Saturdays at the Exhibition Grounds as well as Sundays in Cumberland through the summer and Wednesday afternoons in Downtown Courtenay.
Life’s a beach – what’s your favourite?
We could debate over what’s the best local beach for the rest of summer, so let’s just agree that they’re all special. Following are some of my favourites.
Goose Spit is a great spot any time of year but truly shines in summer. And with wheelchair-accessible spots, everyone can enjoy it. Air Force Beach, on the other side of the Comox Peninsula, features a pavilion and picnic shelter next to its sandy beach. Free for the military community, civilians are also welcome as guests or with the purchase of a $25 annual beach pass. And neighbouring Kye Bay Beach offers similar sandy areas and tidal pools. If you have the chance to hit Hornby Island, make sure to stop in at Tribune Bay. With its sandy white beaches and warm, shallow waters the feeling there is tropical.
Camping fun in the Comox Valley
Want to get out of the house and set up camp for a few days? The Comox Valley has several tenting and RV options, here are just a few.
Located about 20 km north of downtown Courtenay, Miracle Beach Provincial Campground has more than 200 large family-oriented campsites. Reservations can be made through the provincial government website. Cumberland Lake Park Campground on Comox Lake is a family-oriented park, with 62 sites. Some have hookups and some don’t, but all are near the concession, boat launch and enclosed swimmers-only area. Located in the Comox Valley and overlooking the Strait of Georgia, Kin Beach Provincial Park offers a large day-use area with picnic facilities and a playground, as well as an 18-site campground. With full RV hookups as well as cozy and peaceful tenting sites on a truly unique oceanfront setting, Bates Beach RV Park offers convenience with a view.
With so much to see and do this summer, you better get on it! As always, for more information on playing and living in this beautiful area or buying and selling real estate in the Comox Valley, contact me, visit my website or check out my Facebook page.
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