Spacious Suite in Courtenay Guidebook
Food Scene
Regular art events and live entertainment make Cornerstone Café & Taphouse not only a great restaurant, but a cultural hub in the heart of Downtown Courtenay.
Inspired by some of our favourite taphouses all over North America, we offer friendly pub-style service, and an incredible rotating tap list.
Our creative take on classic comfort food is paired with 24 rotating craft cider and beer taps, and 8 rotating wine taps for a truly unique dining experience in the Comox Valley.
19 locals recommend
Cornerstone Taphouse
208 5th StRegular art events and live entertainment make Cornerstone Café & Taphouse not only a great restaurant, but a cultural hub in the heart of Downtown Courtenay.
Inspired by some of our favourite taphouses all over North America, we offer friendly pub-style service, and an incredible rotating tap list.
Our creative take on classic comfort food is paired with 24 rotating craft cider and beer taps, and 8 rotating wine taps for a truly unique dining experience in the Comox Valley.
Atlas Café, in the Comox Valley, is the home of perfectly overstuffed breakfasts, bustling lunches and inspired dinners. It’s where friends and family share laughs, colleagues share ideas, and the entire community gathers to share our passion for great food. For a restaurant with consistent quality food, service and fun in Downtown Courtenay, Atlas is the place to go.
96 locals recommend
Atlas Cafe
250 6th StAtlas Café, in the Comox Valley, is the home of perfectly overstuffed breakfasts, bustling lunches and inspired dinners. It’s where friends and family share laughs, colleagues share ideas, and the entire community gathers to share our passion for great food. For a restaurant with consistent quality food, service and fun in Downtown Courtenay, Atlas is the place to go.
Locally grown and produced foods are fresh, and fresh is synonymous with healthy. Health conscious people are willing to make the little extra effort to source food grown and produced locally. At Locals Restaurant, we are about celebrating the uniqueness of the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island, and hold a strong belief in local environmental sustainability and quality. We are dedicated to providing a quality dining experience through our strong connections with local food producers in order to provide quality products, offered with heartfelt service.
67 locals recommend
Locals Restaurant
1760 Riverside LnLocally grown and produced foods are fresh, and fresh is synonymous with healthy. Health conscious people are willing to make the little extra effort to source food grown and produced locally. At Locals Restaurant, we are about celebrating the uniqueness of the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island, and hold a strong belief in local environmental sustainability and quality. We are dedicated to providing a quality dining experience through our strong connections with local food producers in order to provide quality products, offered with heartfelt service.
Mudsharks Coffee Bar is located in the heart of Downtown Courtenay and has the best patio in town. We are a locally family owned and operated community café.
All day breakfast, lunch, eats, and treats. All baking and food made right here. Lots of Gluten Free and Vegan options.
12 locals recommend
Mudsharks Coffee Bar
255 4th StMudsharks Coffee Bar is located in the heart of Downtown Courtenay and has the best patio in town. We are a locally family owned and operated community café.
All day breakfast, lunch, eats, and treats. All baking and food made right here. Lots of Gluten Free and Vegan options.
Made by hand in the Comox Valley:
At Hot Chocolates, we make every one of our chocolates by hand following the same artisan methods that we’ve adhered to since 1986. The result is an eclectic selection of truffles, barks, bars, caramel, fudge and other confections that express our core values of quality and freshness. When it comes to creating great chocolate, there can be no shortcuts.
25 locals recommend
Hot Chocolates
368 5th StMade by hand in the Comox Valley:
At Hot Chocolates, we make every one of our chocolates by hand following the same artisan methods that we’ve adhered to since 1986. The result is an eclectic selection of truffles, barks, bars, caramel, fudge and other confections that express our core values of quality and freshness. When it comes to creating great chocolate, there can be no shortcuts.
Outstanding pizza and Italian inspired food made from local ingredients found very near our home. This new restaurant is considered by some local foodies as the best restaurant in the Valley. Craft beer, cocktails, wonderful ambience.
13 locals recommend
Pizzeria Guerilla
444 5th StOutstanding pizza and Italian inspired food made from local ingredients found very near our home. This new restaurant is considered by some local foodies as the best restaurant in the Valley. Craft beer, cocktails, wonderful ambience.
Wonderful Italian food within walking distance of here. Highly recommended for excellent food and reasonable prices. Not cheap, not over-priced. We recommend you call for reservations.
12 locals recommend
Il Falcone Restaurant
536 6th StWonderful Italian food within walking distance of here. Highly recommended for excellent food and reasonable prices. Not cheap, not over-priced. We recommend you call for reservations.
A wonderful outdoor patio on the water, within walking distance. Good food, great spot.
20 locals recommend
The White Whale Restaurant
975 Comox RdA wonderful outdoor patio on the water, within walking distance. Good food, great spot.
A wonderful Ramen restaurant very close to us on 5th Street. It is very small and often busy. You can definitely order take out and bring it home to enjoy. Otherwise, enjoy the active, busy environment. Highly recommended!
18 locals recommend
Nikkei Ramen-ya
320 5th StA wonderful Ramen restaurant very close to us on 5th Street. It is very small and often busy. You can definitely order take out and bring it home to enjoy. Otherwise, enjoy the active, busy environment. Highly recommended!
We like this place for its Cinammon Buns. These may be the best Cinammon buns in the world. So good! It is also very close to here.
6 locals recommend
Frankie Jo's Bakery Café
501 4th StWe like this place for its Cinammon Buns. These may be the best Cinammon buns in the world. So good! It is also very close to here.
Drinks & Nightlife
Our award-winning beers are something we are proud of. Using the best quality ingredients from around the world, we focus on Belgian ales, European lagers, and Pacific Northwest style India pale ales.
Our creative brew team has a focus on tradition, with a flare for experimentation. Traditional styles of Belgian ales, European lagers, and Pacific Northwest style India pale ales are poured alongside experimental small batches.
The Gladstone Brewing Co. heritage building operated as the Seale and Thomson mechanics garage and dealership in the 1940s. Taking inspiration from its roots, Gladstone Brewing Co. opened the doors to our mechanic-inspired, laid-back, tasting room in 2015.
77 locals recommend
Gladstone Brewing Co.
244 4th StOur award-winning beers are something we are proud of. Using the best quality ingredients from around the world, we focus on Belgian ales, European lagers, and Pacific Northwest style India pale ales.
Our creative brew team has a focus on tradition, with a flare for experimentation. Traditional styles of Belgian ales, European lagers, and Pacific Northwest style India pale ales are poured alongside experimental small batches.
The Gladstone Brewing Co. heritage building operated as the Seale and Thomson mechanics garage and dealership in the 1940s. Taking inspiration from its roots, Gladstone Brewing Co. opened the doors to our mechanic-inspired, laid-back, tasting room in 2015.
The live music community in the Comox Valley is amazing. The number and variety of musicians in a community this small continues to shock. This is matched only by the volume of live music venues in the area. From the Fanny Bay Inn, to Cornerstone, the Cumberland Hotel (the Cumby), the Waverley, High Tide, the Mex, Whistle Stop, the Avalance, Roys Town Inn and countless other one-night and specialty shows, there is almost always live music to be found. If you pull yourself away from your devices, you could enjoy some great live music in this wonderful Valley.
43 locals recommend
Waverley Hotel
2692 Dunsmuir AveThe live music community in the Comox Valley is amazing. The number and variety of musicians in a community this small continues to shock. This is matched only by the volume of live music venues in the area. From the Fanny Bay Inn, to Cornerstone, the Cumberland Hotel (the Cumby), the Waverley, High Tide, the Mex, Whistle Stop, the Avalance, Roys Town Inn and countless other one-night and specialty shows, there is almost always live music to be found. If you pull yourself away from your devices, you could enjoy some great live music in this wonderful Valley.
This is a decent bar with live music that is worth checking out. We suggest you go online to confirm if what's playing is to your musical tastes.
The Flying Canoe West Coast Pub
1590 Cliffe AveThis is a decent bar with live music that is worth checking out. We suggest you go online to confirm if what's playing is to your musical tastes.
Recently re-branded to High Tide Public House on 5th Street. It is very close and offers solid live music and good pub food. It may be prudent to check out who is playing to confirm the music is something that interests you. The Wednesday night 'jam' is very popular and not loud.
High Tide Public House
268 5th StRecently re-branded to High Tide Public House on 5th Street. It is very close and offers solid live music and good pub food. It may be prudent to check out who is playing to confirm the music is something that interests you. The Wednesday night 'jam' is very popular and not loud.
The Avalanche has regular live music on most weekends. During the last Saturday afternoon of the month, there is a very active 'jam' session that finds many local musicians participating. Additionally, the Avalanche has regular Jazz nights, although they are not a regular event. We recommend you confirm the musical offering before heading over. Please note - the neighbourhood looks rougher than it is, but it is worth pointing out that it may seem a little sketchy. Once inside, you will be very comfortable.
6 locals recommend
Avalanche Bar & Grill
275 8th StThe Avalanche has regular live music on most weekends. During the last Saturday afternoon of the month, there is a very active 'jam' session that finds many local musicians participating. Additionally, the Avalanche has regular Jazz nights, although they are not a regular event. We recommend you confirm the musical offering before heading over. Please note - the neighbourhood looks rougher than it is, but it is worth pointing out that it may seem a little sketchy. Once inside, you will be very comfortable.
Parks & Nature
Spacious park featuring forest trails with wildlife & waterfront areas for bird & seal viewing.
88 locals recommend
Seal Bay Nature Park
Bates RoadSpacious park featuring forest trails with wildlife & waterfront areas for bird & seal viewing.
Forested trails, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Picnic tables, Scenic views, Swimming, Toilets, Waterfront.
Nymph Falls Nature Park protects 61 hectares (151 acres) of second-growth forest located on the north side of the Puntledge River. The river and falls rage over series of exposed bedrock ledges, from fall to spring, to the delight of white water enthusiasts. In summer, the glacial waters run calm, clear and cool, making the park and nearby Barber’s Hole popular spots for a refreshing dip on hot days.
78 locals recommend
Nymph Falls Nature Park
4481 Forbidden Plateau RdForested trails, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Picnic tables, Scenic views, Swimming, Toilets, Waterfront.
Nymph Falls Nature Park protects 61 hectares (151 acres) of second-growth forest located on the north side of the Puntledge River. The river and falls rage over series of exposed bedrock ledges, from fall to spring, to the delight of white water enthusiasts. In summer, the glacial waters run calm, clear and cool, making the park and nearby Barber’s Hole popular spots for a refreshing dip on hot days.
Adventure is in the air at Horne Lake on central Vancouver Island where a stunning landscape sets the stage for a feast of outdoor experiences that feeds any appetite from mild to wild. We encourage taking advantage of our year-round guided cave tours where animalistic instincts direct your movements as you meander your way through a natural underground wonderland. Step out of your comfort zone and discover a new inner strength. Challenge your abilities and see the world through a caver’s eye. When you explore the fascinating realm beyond the surface, you also explore the deepest reaches of yourself.
Horne Lake Regional Park
Horne Lake Caves RoadAdventure is in the air at Horne Lake on central Vancouver Island where a stunning landscape sets the stage for a feast of outdoor experiences that feeds any appetite from mild to wild. We encourage taking advantage of our year-round guided cave tours where animalistic instincts direct your movements as you meander your way through a natural underground wonderland. Step out of your comfort zone and discover a new inner strength. Challenge your abilities and see the world through a caver’s eye. When you explore the fascinating realm beyond the surface, you also explore the deepest reaches of yourself.
Hiking, outdoors, and everything you would want in the largest and oldest provincial park in BC. It is a bit of a drive to get there, but easily doable in a day, including hiking and exploring.
17 locals recommend
Strathcona Provincial Park
Westmin RoadHiking, outdoors, and everything you would want in the largest and oldest provincial park in BC. It is a bit of a drive to get there, but easily doable in a day, including hiking and exploring.
Everything Else
While you are in the Valley, we highly recommend a visit to Cumberland. It is the Island epicentre of hipster cool – unless you can’t tolerate hipsters - then it’s simply just a very cool little town. It is home to the legendary Waverley Hotel – a live music venue that has seen amazing musicians from around the world revel in its incredible vibe and engaged audiences. A walk down the main street (Dunsmuir) will find you encountering great restaurants, cool shops and a definitive mountain bike culture. Cumberland is home to arguably the best mountain biking on the continent – if you like being beat to hell with highly technical riding.
72 locals recommend
Cumberland
While you are in the Valley, we highly recommend a visit to Cumberland. It is the Island epicentre of hipster cool – unless you can’t tolerate hipsters - then it’s simply just a very cool little town. It is home to the legendary Waverley Hotel – a live music venue that has seen amazing musicians from around the world revel in its incredible vibe and engaged audiences. A walk down the main street (Dunsmuir) will find you encountering great restaurants, cool shops and a definitive mountain bike culture. Cumberland is home to arguably the best mountain biking on the continent – if you like being beat to hell with highly technical riding.
Entertainment & Activities
Mount Washington has the highest average annual snowpack of any ski resort in North America. Sorry Whistler. It’s also affordable, approachable and a ton of fun.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is an alpine skiing ski resort located on Mount Washington on the eastern side of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
The mountain allows for a wide variety of downhill terrain, ranging from beginner to expert. There are two terrain parks and additional facilities for snow-tubing. Mount Washington also manages 55 km of Nordic trails some of which are in the adjacent Strathcona Provincial Park.
During the summer months the lifts are open to sightseers and downhill mountain bikers.
133 locals recommend
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
1 Strathcona PkwyMount Washington has the highest average annual snowpack of any ski resort in North America. Sorry Whistler. It’s also affordable, approachable and a ton of fun.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is an alpine skiing ski resort located on Mount Washington on the eastern side of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
The mountain allows for a wide variety of downhill terrain, ranging from beginner to expert. There are two terrain parks and additional facilities for snow-tubing. Mount Washington also manages 55 km of Nordic trails some of which are in the adjacent Strathcona Provincial Park.
During the summer months the lifts are open to sightseers and downhill mountain bikers.