Get your winter on in the Comox Valley
With ample outdoor activities for everyone
The Comox Valley is a fantastic winter destination on Vancouver Island. With a resort that boasts one of North America’s deepest snowpacks at its doorstep and endless opportunity for sub-alpine activities, the Comox Valley is fun for locals and visitors alike all season long.
Whether you choose to swoosh down the slopes, wander snowy forest trails on foot, or hit a round of golf on one of our year-round courses, there’s plenty of activity to choose from.
Winter activities in the Comox Valley are plentiful
Hit the slopes
Mount Washington Alpine Resort opens December 8, and is set for a fabulous season. Night skiing starts Thursday, December 21 and runs every Thursday to Sunday throughout the winter season. It will also run every night during Winter Wonderland from December 17, 2017 to January 2, 2018.
If you’re looking to venture further north, Mt Cain offers a rugged ski and snowboard adventure and excellent powder conditions.
Strap on snow shoes
Whether you set out on the groomed trails at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, or you explore more of Strathcona Provincial Park—and beyond—there are plenty of places to explore on snowshoe. Snowshoers can also easily locate routes along the Strathcona Parkway.
A local favourite is heading up to Forbidden Plateau and accessing the Becher trail route from the old Forbidden Plateau ski area that heads across the plateau to Paradise Meadows and Mt. Washington.
Toboggan your heart out
The old Forbidden Plateau ski area offers excellent winter family fun. Easily accessible located just minutes north of Courtenay, this spot is a great place to take the family sledding for the day. Be sure to bring along fire wood or a portable BBQ to extend your afternoon in the snow.
Take a winter walk
Our variety of lush forest trails are just as amazing to explore during the winter season, as they are during milder weather. They offer a much needed breath of fresh air, along with an excellent opportunity to see the beauty of our diverse forests at this time of year.
One of the most festive woodland areas to visit over the holiday season is Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. Throughout the month of December find Santa’s Barn, glittery garden lights, carol walks, and even a visit with Santa—naughty or nice!
Click here to find out where some of the best trails are
Harness the power of winter wind
A moderate Comox Valley climate offers visitors an opportunity to play in the winter waves. Exceptional windsurfing and kiteboarding is readily available to those brave enough to suit up and head out to a number of prime locations such as Goose Spit, Saratoga Beach, Miracle Beach, and Kye Bay.
Dive deep
While there’s plenty to do above water, don’t overlook winter diving as a way to explore the Comox Valley. Our area offers a multitude of diving adventures, and the winter season offers the clearest visibility below the waves.
Play a few holes
That’s right. It’s still golf season around these parts. The Comox Valley proudly boasts six golf courses that are open year-round. Each Comox Valley golf course has its own special attributes, and all are just a short drive from accommodations in either Courtenay, Comox, or Cumberland.
Why not add golfing in the winter months to your bucket list? Here, you will certainly enjoy some of the most picturesque and challenging courses on Vancouver Island.