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North Central Vancouver Island

 

Map of Campbell River, Comox Valley and North-Central Vancouver Island

The North Central Island is a dynamic region with an intriguing history, vibrant arts and culture community, and all kinds of year-round activities in the great outdoors.

You can see whales in their natural habitat, watch bears as they forage for crab or fish for salmon, fly over the coastline on an aerial tour, take a First Nations-guided marine tour, travel on board a coastal freighter, fish for salmon or snorkel with them, visit a winery, shop at a farm market, and browse galleries and art studios — the list of adventures is as long as a summer’s day.

FACT > The North Central Island region stretches from the Comox Valley north beyond Campbell River, west to Nootka Sound and the Pacific Ocean, and east  to include Denman Island, Hornby Island, the Discovery Islands, and a portion of the mainland coast.

Things to Do

Fishing

If you love fishing, you’ll love this region where saltwater and freshwater opportunities abound.

Wildlife Viewing

Whales, bears, salmon, birds — you can see them all in this region, along with many other creatures. A variety of guided adventures is available including marine tours to see orcas in Johnstone Strait, boat and flight tours to see grizzly bears on the mainland coast, and snorkelling with the salmon tours. Check out our wildlife page for more details and operators.

Kayaking/Canoeing

Ocean kayaking can be a wild ride on the waves or a gentle paddle in a peaceful bay. Freshwater kayaking and canoeing are also popular in the region’s many lakes and rivers. Tours, lessons, and rentals are available.

Hiking

The excellent hiking opportunities in this region include Strathcona Provincial Park, which has a large network of day and overnight hikes, and on Nootka Island, where hikers trek through the scenery on multi-day adventures. Guided tours are available to the Comox Glacier, up Mount Becher, in Strathcona Provincial Park, and from Campbell River. Day hikers find established trail systems everywhere — ask at any Visitor Centre.

Cycling/Mountain Biking

Exploring on two wheels is a great way to discovery the North Central region. There are numerous cycling routes and several established mountain biking trail systems.

Diving

Divers can explore several wrecks and artificial reefs, as well as a plethora of natural dive sites in Nootka Sound, among the Discovery Islands, and off Cape Lazo and Maude Island.

Boating/Sailing

Excellent facilities and moorage and dazzling scenery make this region a boating and sailing paradise. Check out our Outdoor Guide website for more information on Water Activities in the Vancouver Island Region.

Winery/culinary

A variety of delicious attractions and tours make this region popular among wine and food lovers.

More activities in the North Central Vancouver Island Region

Long-board surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, skimboarding, climbing, caving, golfing, white-water and tamer rafting adventures, and a variety of marine sightseeing tours, including Zodiac tours of ocean rapids, First Nations-guided cultural tours, and trips aboard a World War II minesweeper and on a cargo freighter. For alpine sports visit out Winter Wonderland section on the Vancouver Island Outdoor Guide website..

One of the many great features of vacationing in the North Central Island region is that you can experience the adventure of the true wilderness in so many exciting ways, but you don’t have to sacrifice any of your creature comforts, unless you want to rough it in the wild. Despite its rugged, all-natural exterior, the North Central Island region has a very civilized side. After all, when you have spent the day hiking, kayaking, skiing, or mountain biking, what could be better than a trip to a spa? The Comox Valley is home to massage therapists, wellness centres, European-style spas, and a resort spa featuring a hydrotherapy experience. Day spas and resorts are located in Campbell River and on Quadra Island, and wellness centres are located at Oyster River, on Cortes Island, in Strathcona Park, and on Forbidden Plateau.

The region also has a strong arts community and is home to some exceptional artists and artisans whose work is displayed in galleries, studios, and at many events.

And speaking of events, this region has a calendar full of them! The Comox Valley is the setting for more than 50 annual events, including the Vancouver Island MusicFest in July and the Filberg Festival, which showcases more than 140 artists on the B.C. Day long weekend. In Campbell River, the Salmon Festival and Logger Sports in August features family activities and entertainment. Other Campbell River favourites include the Children’s Festival, Haig-Brown Festival and Rivers Day, Words on the Water, Painters at Painter’s, and Transformations on the Shore. In the Nootka Sound area, the Great Walk is a gruelling 63.5-kilometre (42-mile) trek from Gold River to Tahsis that takes place every June.

With airports in Comox (YQQ) and Campbell River (YBL), plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and services, the North Central Island region is well equipped to provide everything you could want in a vacation.

The Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is a spectacular region that includes Denman and Hornby Islands, Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland. The outdoor adventure options are excellent and range from hiking, mountain biking, and golfing to kayaking, boating, diving, and fishing. The Comox Valley is also a significant culinary and agritourism region and features a vibrant retail and cultural scene. Explore the area with Comox Valley Heritage Experience Tours, a series of one driving and four walking tours that highlight the landscape and history.

Denman and Hornby Islands

Magnificent beaches, heavenly scenery, and excellent outdoor activities — what more could you ask for? On Denman Island, visit Fillongley Provincial Park and camp by the beach, hike the trails, or stroll the shoreline. Hornby Island’s best beaches include those at Whaling Station Bay and Tribune Bay, known as “Little Hawaii.” Helliwell Park on Hornby Island has a very scenic five-kilometre walk. Both islands are renowned for their art galleries and studios, and Hornby Island is also gaining a reputation for wine, mead, gin, and vodka. Annual highlights include the Denman Island Home and Garden Tour in June and Hornby Fest July/August.


Photo of  Comox Valley Airport
Comox Valley Airport

Your Vancouver Island journey begins at the Comox Valley Airport.  At YQQ you get friendly, personalized service and daily direct flights from Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, plus seasonal charters to Mexico.  With stunning views, a gift shop, cafe and car rentals on site, YQQ has everything you need to start your vacation out right.  So skip the ferries, the traffic and the lineups!  Fly YQQ, where journeys begin.

250-890-0829
Comox
North Central Island

Photo of  Tourism Campbell River & Region
Tourism Campbell River & Region

So full of outdoor recreational adventures that the hardest decision you’ll have to make is what activity to enjoy next. World-renowned fishing, whale watching, kayaking, rafting, diving, caving, golfing, skiing, …- challenge yourself a little or a lot.  Campbell River & Region has an irresistible lure to visitors from around the world in search of outdoor experiences, tranquil beauty, spectacular scenery, and traditional First Nations culture.  Discover Your True Nature!  Call for your free Visitor Guide today

1-877-286-5705
Campbell River & Region
North Central Island

Discover Comox Valley

The Comox Valley offers a rich culinary bounty from land & sea, over 50 arts, music and sporting events & festivals a year and stunning alpine to ocean resorts & spas.  It’s a place of supernatural beauty that offers rich cultural and outdoor experiences.  In the Comox Valley we specialize in the culture of relaxation. A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from deluxe hotel rooms to campsites in the rugged backcountry.

Comox Valley
North Central Island

Photo of  Coast Discovery Inn & Marina
Coast Discovery Inn & Marina

Situated on the downtown waterfront, the Coast Discovery Inn & Marina is a first class, full service hotel. Campbell River is the salmon capital of the world and on the doorstep of the Coast Discovery Inn is access to fishing and boat rentals as well as guided fishing and diving charters. Guests receive a complimentary hot buffet breakfast every morning of their stay (some restrictions apply). After a long day enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and friendly service of D.I. Restaurant & Lounge or stay-in and order room service, available 24 hours a day.

250-287-7155
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Harbour Air Seaplanes
Harbour Air Seaplanes

Harbour Air offers frequent scheduled flights connecting Victoria, Vancouver, Richmond (YVR), Comox, Sechelt, and the Sunshine Coast.  Experience a true West Coast tradition, scenic tours and flight seeing packages available.  All flights are carbon neutral.

1-800-665-0212
Richmond, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox, Sechelt


Photo of  Old House Village Hotel & Spa
Old House Village Hotel & Spa

Comox Valley’s Old House Village Hotel & Spa is a 79 room West Coast inspired boutique hotel.   The hotel features spacious studio, one and two bedroom suites. Rooms include: a petite or full kitchen, a fireplace, & soaker tubs, DVD player and free wireless internet.  Guests can also enjoy the lush grounds, year-round outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, walks along the River way Trail, and pampering treatments at its full service Oh Spa.

250-703-0202
Courtenay
North Central Island

Photo of  Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa

Defining casual elegance and tranquility - Beachfront Suites, an award winning Spa and spectacular Oceanside Dining are nestled between old growth forest and the Georgia Straight.  Our Pacific Mist Hydropath is a one of kind spa experience.  Eagles and seals play outside your patio door.  Come visit, you deserve it.

1-800-663-7929
Courtenay
North Central Island

Discovery Marine Safaris

MAKE YOUR CANADIAN DREAM COME TRUE! Our covered vessels depart daily from Campbell River, gateway to Vancouver Island’s unique wildlife sightings: watch awe-inspiring, giant killer whales breach high out of the water, follow playful dolphins and swift porpoises or observe majestic grizzly bears hunt for salmon. We operate our tours with respect to the pristine coastal environment and its animals, and our passionate guides will add the icing to your experience of a life time! WIR SPRECHEN DEUTSCH!

250-287-7008
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre
Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre

Let our wilderness lodge be your comfortable home base for exploring the beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park.  Overlooking the shores of Upper Campbell Lake and a procession snow capped peaks, our accommodations include timber-framed chalets and cottages.  Adventure options include:  rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, white water paddling, backpacking, survival skills, ropes course and zipline, wildlife viewing.

1-250-286-3122
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Brown's Bay Resort
Brown's Bay Resort

Nestled in the Salmon Capital of the world known as Campbell River, Brown's Bay Resort is just a short 5km drive off hwy 19.  This unspoiled resort includes new Rental Cabins, an oceanfront RV Park, full service Marina with fuel barge, tackle shop, restaurant and launch facilities. Please visit us at brownsbayresort.com for more information and reservation details.

250-286-3135
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Canadian Princess Resort
Canadian Princess Resort

Located in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Canadian Princess Resort offers a variety of accommodations: stay on the permanently moored 235’ ship or in traditional shoreside rooms. Savour the thrill of guided fishing trips targeting salmon, halibut and bottom fish and whale watching adventures through the Broken Group Islands.

250-726-7771
Ucluelet
Pacific Rim Region

Photo of  Comox Valley Bed & Breakfast Association
Comox Valley Bed & Breakfast Association

Let us spoil you! Our accommodations are located in rural settings, in town, or oceanfront. Choose to have breakfast or not -  vacation rental or B&B.  All our hosts are knowledgeable about the area and are happy to help plan a memorable holiday. Truly a better way to stay!

Comox Valley
North Central Island

Photo of  Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge
Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge

A nature based, oceanfront property offering privacy and seclusion with an 1100 acre forest on the southern tip of Quadra Island, just a 10 minute ferry from downtown Campbell River.  Tsa-Kwa-Luten's ocean front location offers spectacular views of historic Discovery Passage and the upper reaches of the Beaufort mountain range from all main lodge or beachfront cottage accommodation.  West Coast seafood cuisine abounds in the casual yet elegant atmosphere of the seaside dining room.

250-285-2042
Quadra Island
North Central Island

Photo of  I-Hos Gallery
I-Hos Gallery

I-Hos Gallery presents a collection of traditional and contemporary Northwest Coast artwork. Masks, prints, gold and silver jewelry and wood carvings produced by First Nations artists are displayed on the Comox First Nation band lands.

250-339-7702
Courtenay
North Central Island

Photo of  Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
Best Western Plus The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

As Courtenay's only full-service hotel providing a host of convenient hotel facilities.  From an onsite restaurant, lounge, pub and specialty wine and liquor store to a heated indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, enjoy great value and complimentary at-home extras including hot buffet breakfast, internet, parking and local phone calls.

1-800-668-7797
Courtenay
North Central Island

Photo of  April Point Resort & Spa
April Point Resort & Spa

A west coast paradise away from the crowds, April Point Resort & Spa combines natural beauty, serenity and adventure to create the ultimate vacation experience. Discover a thrilling whale watching adventure, rejuvenate with a massage at the Aveda spa, or simply relax and enjoy the best of Quadra Island, BC.

250-286-1102
Quadra Island
North Central Island

Photo of  Golf Vancouver Island
Golf Vancouver Island

Golf Vancouver Island is a "one-stop-shop" for booking golf packages and vacations on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail – a 250 km of Pacific paradise from Victoria to Campbell River, awaiting golfers on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.   Owned and operated by the golf courses on Vancouver Island, consumers save time and money, while choosing from 11 golf courses and over 15 accommodation options on the Vancouver Island Golf Trail.  From airfares and ferry reservations to tee times, accommodations and even après golf activities, Golf Vancouver Island takes care of it all!

1-877-709-5566
Victoria (Head Office)
South, Central, North Central Island and Cowichan Region

Photo of  Marine Link Tours
Marine Link Tours

Explore the spectacular & remote central coast of British Columbia aboard a working freight boat, the "MV Aurora Explorer". Enjoy fabulous meals, incredible scenery, abundant wildlife & marine life.  Visit secluded villages, logging camps, fishing lodges & destination resorts, meeting many unique characters that work & live along "Aurora's Coast".

250-286-3347
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Painter's Lodge
Painter's Lodge

Nestled on the pristine shores of Vancouver Island, Painter’s Lodge offers exhilarating outdoor adventure in a stunning natural setting.  From legendary salmon fishing, whale watching and wildlife viewing to relaxing in the new Aveda spa, experience the best of British Columbia at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River.

250-286-1102
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Steep Island Lodge
Steep Island Lodge

Spectacular Private Island Lodge, all inclusive fishing and adventure packages, day trips, eco-tours, kayaking, private cabins with ocean views capacity 22, reserve lodge for group of 12 or more exclusively. Ideal for wedding, family reunions and corporate retreats.

250-830-8179
Campbell River, Steep Island
North Central Island

Photo of  Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community

Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community located in the heart of the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  Full Resort including 2 restaurants, 90 Guest Rooms, Car Museum, Pro Shop, Conference facilities and of course our Master Planned golf course. Come for a tee time, stay for a lifetime.

250-703-5050
Courtenay
North Central Island

Mothership Adventures Inc.

Explore remote coastal British Columbia in luxury! Sea kayaking and cruising tours to Desolation Sound, Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest aboard the immaculate heritage vessel Columbia III. 3-10 day tours. Certified crew and ship. Spectacular wildlife viewing!

1-888-833-8887
Heriot Bay
North Central Island

Salmon Point Resort RV Park & Marina

Salmon Point Resort is located midway between Campbell River and Courtenay on the Morningside of Vancouver Island offering stunning  views of the Georgia Strait & Coastal Mountains.  Open year-round, spacious, full-hook-up sites & fully equipped cottages.

1-866-246-6605
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Heron's Landing Hotel
Heron's Landing Hotel

New cozy boutique hotel ~ 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites ~ Full Size Kitchens ~ Heavenly king beds ~ Balconies with ocean view ~ Rooftop patio ~ Healthy breakfast included ~ Underground parking ~ Free wireless internet

1-888-923-2849
Campbell River
North Central Island

Photo of  Travelodge Courtenay
Travelodge Courtenay

Travelodge Courtenay is in the heart of the city with easy access to Highway 19A and only 10km from the Comox Airport. Located next to the Driftwood Mall, Rialto Theatre and within walking distance to restaurants, our location offers an ideal place to stay. We are pet friendly, and offer complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and guest laundry facilities. Nice Rooms. Great People. We look forward to seeing you soon!

800-795-9486
Courtenay
North Central Island

Photo of  Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Comox Valley
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Comox Valley

Welcome to Courtenay, home of the 100% smoke-free Holiday Inn Express & Suites.  Combining the best of business and leisure world, our hotel stands out from the crowd.  Opening in 2009, your stay offers complimentary amenities such as hot breakfast, swimming pool, hot tub and the Valley's only in-hotel waterslide.

778-225-0010
Courtenay
North Central Island

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