Waiting for summer to arrive in Alberta can be a game of patience. Many are beckoned further west, in search of greener climates. The beaches, forest walks, wildlife and stunning vistas of Vancouver Island are a welcome retreat from the unpredictable and sluggish start of spring in the prairies.

While many flock to the sights and attractions of Victoria and area, a trip north to the Comox Valley, located mid-island, offers quick access to the ocean, mountains, forests and lakes.

A recent visit delivered some pleasant, off-the-beaten-path surprises that make this part of the Island so appealing for visitors looking to escape the ordinary for a few days.

The Village of Cumberland’s annual “Market Day” provides pedestrian-only access to their main Dunsmuir Street, showcasing, vendors, artisans and family activities. Cumberland is located just minutes from Courtenay and Comox, and offers quick access to a variety of recreational activities.

 

Seal Bay Nature Park in Comox offers forest paths, beach combing and wildlife sightings including Harbour seals and bald eagles. If you’re lucky, you might see a whale in the distance.

 

From wild to wacky, hiking paths in the Comox Valley offer every hue of green. The “Wacky Woods” located near Fanny Bay is the creation of a dedicated local who transformed a wooded area into an interactive work of art. In other areas, tiny doors to fairy homes decorate tree trunks and stumps along a walking trail.

 

In the Comox Valley, you can expect the pace to be a little slower, the mountains reaching higher, spring arriving much earlier and quirky delights around every corner.

You can also view this post here: http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2014/05/25/comox-valley-offers-island-surprises/