TOP 10 TTD in Comox and surrounding area

10: Spend time on the deck and breathe.

AJ could watch the ocean for hours and hours.. He relished in being surrounded by nature’s beauty. The eagles would fly down and he couldn’t peal his eyes away from the breathtaking site of them. He would say to me “Just Be” and “Breathe”.

I struggle with sitting down – I am known to my family and friends as having “ants in my pants”. But nowadays I am trying to be more mindful and just breathe. Watching the chickadees and humming birds is better than TV. Of course the sunrises and sunsets are a sight to behold. And everyday there is something different.

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9: Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Go paddling or boating or kayaking. This can be done right from the deck. But please wear a personal floatation device unless you are an amazing swimmer- and even then, I would recommend you carry it on your waist.

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8: Explore the beaches.

There are some wonderful beaches in the vicinity. It’s not Hawaii by any means, but beautiful nonetheless. My favorite is Air Force beach which is just a 10 minute walk from the house. In April, the snowbirds put on a spectacular air show and there’s even an enthusiastic volunteer at Air Force Beach who does a commentary. Definitely worth it. Amongst the other beaches I have explored include Kin Beach, Kai Bay, Goose Spit, and Saratoga beach. They all have something different to share. Just relax or walk along the beaches or play frisbee – your choice.

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7: Mount Washington.

Snowshoeing or skiing on Mount Washington is heavenly. And in the summer you can go hiking or quading.

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6: Trestle Hike.

 We discovered this hike accidentally. It’s not well known and there aren’t any signs, but if you go on highway 4A towards Cameron Lake, there’s a small parking spot where you can park and then walk on the abandoned railway tracks. There are three trestles which have glorious views of Cameron Lake and the mountains. But don’t go on this hike if you are nervous of heights. If the weather is good, use the rope to climb down into Cameron Lake for a lovely dip. Legend has it that there there is a sea serpent residing in the bottom of the lake- maybe a Canadian cousin to the Loch Ness Monster. Hmmm- so much for a relaxing dip!

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5: Berry Picking and good eating.

The raspberries and blueberries in the Comox Valley are delicious! “LittleRiver Farms” U Pick Blueberries are yummy, and if you run out of time to do your own picking, the owner will even pick them for you. I’ve been eating them morning, noon and night. My teeth are even turning blue. John, the owner informed me that the apples and pears are going to be ready this fall. Next year he is hoping to have raspberries. Seifert’s market, which is just a couple of kilometers from the airport, has a wonderful assortment of fresh produce from their farm. The snap peas are amazing. For those of you who like seafood- go to Portuguese Joes for the most incredible variety of fresh seafood. The pinkest salmon I have ever seen. Talking about delicious cuisine, if you must go out to eat, try “The Black Fin”. Your taste buds will explode. I imagine there are numerous fabulous restaurants, but I love eating my own simple creations on the beach so am not able to comment on the fine dining in the Valley.

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4: Tribune Bay.

Hop on to the ferry for Denman Island and then to Hornby and you will find Tribune Bay. It rivals the beaches in Hawaii (my humble opinion). Go kayaking or paddle boarding or just sit and be. There’s also a 5 km hike which is worth doing, time permitting, in Helliwell Park. But don’t miss the last ferry back or you will be sleeping in your car.

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3: Kingfisher Spa.

If you feel like indulging and pampering yourself, this is a great place to go to. Located in Royston, approximately 40 minutes from Comox, it is situated on the ocean and is world renowned. I heard that it was featured on the Bachelorette show. The hydro bath spa is great. I haven’t tried any of the other spa services but everyone who has visited has been duly impressed

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2: Cathedral Grove.

This is a spectacular forest in MacMillan Provincial Park near Port Alberni. The Grove has majestic old trees, some of which are more than 800 years old. There are giant Douglas fir trees and for the Star Wars fans, some of the scenes from the movie “Return of the Jedi” were filmed in this Redwood forest.

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1: Nymph Falls.

My absolute favorite place to go. I have taken everyone who has visited me in Comox and they all concur it is breathtaking. Pack your swimsuit and towel and a picnic lunch and be amazed. And if you feel like hiking or biking, the trail to Comox Lake is worth it. If you are a good swimmer and like to dive, go on the trail to Barber’s Cove.

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