Situated on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, the Comox Valley stretches from Fanny Bay to Saratoga Beach and includes the communities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, as well as Denman and Hornby Islands. The Comox Valley is accessible by land, sea or air - choose your favourite mode of travel and let the journey become the start of your holiday!
By Vehicle:
The Comox Valley is a three-hour (220 km/137 mile) drive north from Victoria or a 75-minute (107 km/66 mile) drive from Nanaimo, where the ferry terminals of Departure Bay and Duke Point are located. Drive Highway #19, the new inland, four-lane expressway. From Highway #19 take exits #101, #117, #127, #130 or #144 to access various points in the Comox Valley. Visitors can also take the scenic Oceanside Route on the old Island Highway #19A.
By Ferry:
Regular ferry service links the British Columbia Mainland and Washington State to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Riding a ferry provides an opportunity to stretch your legs, get something to eat, browse the gift shop and observe marine traffic and wildlife. It is a mini-cruise in the middle of your vacation.
Take advantage of discounted ferry fares with the Sunshine Coast CirclePac. This Circle Tour offers four ferry/highway routes linking the Comox Valley with the Mainland and lower Vancouver Island. A truly unique way to make the journey a memorable part of the holiday!
From the BC Mainland, you travel to Vancouver Island via BC Ferries.
Contact BC Ferries at 1-888-223-3779 for route information and at 1-888-724-5223 for reservations on major routes.
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (Victoria)
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Duke Point (Nanaimo)
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Departure Bay (Nanaimo)
- Powell River to Comox
- Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
- Bella Coola to Port Hardy
From Washington State, you can travel to Vancouver Island via several routes. Schedules and information can be found at the Washington Ferries website.
- Princess Marguerite: Seattle to Victoria
- Victoria & San Juan Cruises: Bellingham to Victoria
- Victoria Clipper: Seattle to Victoria
- Victoria Express: Port Angeles to Victoria
- Washington State Ferries: Anacortes to Victoria
By Air:
Numerous direct flights from the Vancouver International Airport, Calgary International Airport and the Edmonton International Airport land daily at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) in Comox.
Pacific Coastal and Central Mountain Air also offers a convenient service to and from Vancouver. Call Pacific Coastal 1-800-663-2872 or Central Mountain Air 1-888-865-8585 for schedules and reservations.
WestJet Airlines operates non-stop flights from Comox to Calgary and Edmonton, with connections to other WestJet serviced airports out of Calgary. Call 1-888-937-8538 or 1-800-538-5696 for schedules and reservations.
Helijet International offers non-stop flights to and from Seattle Boeing Field to the Campbell River Airport, which is a 35-minute drive from the Comox Valley. Call 1-800-665-4354 for reservations and schedules.
Small aircraft and floatplanes can land at the Courtenay Airpark near downtown Courtenay. Call (250) 338-9814 for information.
By Boat:
Those travelling by boat will find a full range of facilities including moorage, showers, restaurants and shops adjacent to the Comox Marina. Contact the Comox Valley Harbour Authority at (250) 339-6041, for more information.
By Train:
The E & N Dayliner (VIA Rail) makes daily trips between Victoria and Courtenay. This small train offers a behind the scenes view of rural communities and Vancouver Island forests. For schedules contact VIA Rail at 1-800-561-8630.
By Bus:
Daily bus service connects all parts of Vancouver Island with the Mainland. For passenger service and tour schedules contact Laidlaw Coachlines at 1-800-318-0818.
Throughout the Comox Valley and surrounding areas, local bus and 24 hour taxi services are provided.
