Town of Comox

Comox Overview

History

First settled by the Salish, the name Comox is derived from the Indian word "Koumuckthay", meaning "Land of Plenty". The Port of Comox was founded in the mid 1800's on the slopes of the Comox Peninsula. Overlooking the protected waters of Comox Harbour, it was an important port for the ships of the Royal Navy and transport steamers.

Today Comox is primarily residential in nature, with a population of about 12,000 and covers some 1500 hectares. Located in the centre of a rich agricultural area producing potatoes, vegetables, fruit and dairy products, Comox retains a friendly village atmosphere.

Our moderate climate, unsurpassed recreational opportunities and comprehensive community services are just three of the reasons that Comox is rapidly becoming known as a retirement mecca.

Tourism

Tourism is a growth industry with Comox being ideally situated to act as a base for the enjoyment of the wonderful outdoor resources available in the area.

Bay & Glacier2p

Comox is well served by a modern new highway south to Nanaimo and Victoria, and north to Campbell River. The older Island Highway serves the logging, mining and fishing communities north of Campbell River. There is a ferry to Powell River on the Canadian Mainland, and as many as seven scheduled flights daily to the City of Vancouver and island destinations. BC Transit operates a local bus service within the Comox Valley.

CFB Comox

CFB Comox is a integral part of the community. Having been founded in 1942 as a Royal Air Force base, CFB Comox has played a major role in shaping and supporting the community. The primary responsibilities of CFB Comox are Search and Rescue operations, maritime patrols and support of naval and air force defences. In addition to the essential roles the base plays for the community, BC and Canada, CFB Comox is a large supporter of community events routinely supplying volunteers and equipment wherever needed.

Amenities

Amenities located within the town include a number of marinas for commercial, sports fishing boats, and pleasure craft including a large number of sailboats. You will also find a well equipped volunteer fire department and commercial airport in Comox. A 9 hole golf course, modern community centre, library, the largest hospital north of Nanaimo which included extended care and psychiatric wings, and 125 hectares of parks, playing fields and reserves also service the needs of the community.

Education is provided in four elementary, two junior high and one senior high school. North Island College, which provides equivalency, Diploma and university transfer courses together with a wealth of leisure programs is also located in the Comox Valley.

My friend's pet~Mimi~

Leisure

The renowned sailing of the Inside Passage, wind surfing in the protected waters behind Goose Spit, world class cross country and downhill skiing on Mount Washington and Forbidden Plateau, hiking in the mountains and lakes of Strathcona Provincial Park are all accessible from the Comox Valley. For the fisherman we can offer river, lake and salt water angling, for the golfer we have half a dozen courses and for the kids a day at the beach. For the family there is camping, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding.

If you just want to relax; then pull up a bench in one of our many parks and admire the view. Perhaps try your hand at bird spotting in one of the nearby sanctuaries, or amble down to one of our marinas, and sit and watch the comings and goings of sail and motor craft, ending the day with some fresh Halibut, Salmon, Tuna, Crab or Prawns bought directly from a fishing boat at the wharf.

A visit to one of our four museums can be very rewarding. The Comox Archives and Museum Society is located in downtown Comox. Every month there is a new display of interest to Comox Residents. Learn about mining in Cumberland, dinosaurs in Courtenay or aviation at CFB Comox.

If you are a photographer or artist how about a foreground of tall masts screening a blue expanse of water, perhaps broken by a diminutive tug pulling a log-boom. And in the near distance (the other side of the bay) a mountain skyline dominated by the white splash of the Comox Glacier all set against a blue sky. If you prefer something a little more intimate, you may like to set up your easel or unsheathe your long lens in the gazebo set in the wetland sanctuary at the head of the harbour and try for a goose, swan, duck, crane, or one of the many other birds and fowls frequenting the area. Eagle and Harbour Seal call Comox their home, and deer still wander our streets looking for an unprotected vegetable garden or fruit tree.

Entertainment

Comox, and the surrounding area boasts a variety of world class artists. Each year on the first weekend in August the Filberg Festival is held in Comox. This feast for the senses provides a forum for hundreds of artists and performers to display their work and entertain for three days. CYMC, a three week summer music festival and workshop attracts each year young musicians from far afield.

"Yes, Comox has it all, culture, sports, education, scenic beauty the "great outdoors", mild climate and the village lifestyle. All here for us to experience, maintain and enjoy."