Ten FREE (or all most free!) things to do in the Comox Valley

I had a chance to spend almost two weeks in the beautiful Comox Valley recently and I was really pleased to see so many things to do - and many at little or no cost.

Here are a few of the ones I discovered - and there are lots more!

1. Explore the beaches! Miracle Beach has sandy beaches and if the tide is out, lots of shallow tidal pools. Bring a chair, sunscreen, book and snacks and spend the day!

2. Watch Canada’s own Snowbirds! In May, the Snowbirds migrate to the Comox Valley to practice their maneouvers in preparation for the many airshows they will perform at during the summer. Watch them from Singing Sands or Kye Bay – anywhere along the strait is a good place to see them.

3. Comox Valley Heritage Walking Tours give you a chance to learn more about the history of the valley as well as a chance to get some fresh air and exercise!

4. Visit Seal Bay Regional Nature Park! A network of trails on the Comox Pennisula, the paths are excellent for hiking and biking. A steep path leads to the beach where visitors sometimes see seals, sea lions and other wildlife (we didn’t L )

5. Visit the Courtenay & District Museum & Paleontology Centre. The first stop on the Great Canadian Fossil Trail, the centre offers year round fossil site tours ($$) but also has a permanent display of a fossillized twelve metre long Elasmosaur dinosaur. Centre also has local First Nations and early pioneer displays.

6. The Gardens on Anderton give you a chance to relax as well as offer hands-on activities. There is no charge, but donations to their program are gratefully accepted.

7. Visit the Comox Air Force Museum and Heritage Airpark. The history of the Comox Air Base is housed at the museum. There is an extensive photo and reference display to see inside before heading outside for a walk to the airpark where historic aircrafts are on display.

8. Check out downtown Courtenay, The city is filled with trees and greenery, and there are plenty of locally owned cafes and restaurants to have a cup of coffee or meal where you can sit and watch the world go by. One of our favorites is Hot Chocolate where you can enjoy a coffee or gelato (our favorite!)

9. Goose Spit Regional Park offers a great expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out and is the perfect place to enjoy a campfire on the beach at the end of the day. There is ample parking but it does fill up fast, so be sure to come early.

10. The Comox Valley Farmer’s Market is a great place to get your groceries - straight from the producers! Every Saturday from April to October at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 12:30 from July through August on England Ave. between 5th and 6th Streets, and October - April inside at the Native Sons Hall.

So many things still to do - will have to visit again soon!