Totem pole in Lewis Park, Courtenay. The Comox valley is home to the indigenous K'ómoks people.
Anyone familiar with Canada's Vancouver Island will know this is the place where people engage in the peculiar practice of going "up island". I recently decided to do just that, to find out what the weather is like in March in the Comox Valley, somewhat less than halfway between Victoria and the northern tip of the island.
Ferry arriving at Nanaimo on a rainy day.
It was pouring rain when I left Victoria, when I reached my destination of Courtenay, and at all points between. My bus stopped in Nanaimo to collect ferry passengers arriving from Vancouver.
A wood fire provided a cosy welcome to Courtenay.
The route "up island" is the Trans Canada Highway 1 including a section just north of Victoria known as Malahat Drive where, from October 1 to March 31, cars require snow tires and big trucks must carry tire chains. I encountered no snow although the Courtenay museum has a display showing that heavy snowfall and snowy winters have occurred here on occasion. A wood burning fire place at my accommodation provided much appreciated warmth.
The Comox Valley is comprised of three main communities. The city of Courtenay has a population of about 24,000, the town of Comox about 13,500, and the village of Cumberland about 4000. Courtenay is the main business centre and I had found accomodation within an easy walk from downtown. The local bus system has gotten me out to see more of the area. Yes, it has rained much of the week since my arrival.
Downtown street view in Courtenay.
Comox is known for its airforce base, CFB Comox, and more recently for tourism and as a retirement destination.
View from main street of Comox.
Comox Harbour with wooden Harbour Promenade to left.
Cumberland was once a thriving coal mining centre and the streets are dotted with benches made from mine railcars. Many buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century have been preserved despite a devastating 1933 fire.
Bench made from a mine railcar & 1907 Cumberland federal building.
Cumberland hair salon inhabits a former bakery rebuilt after the 1933 fire.
1895 church building in Cumberland is still in use.
The Comox Valley is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty that is enhanced by a diversity of cultural activities. It is easy to see why it is a retirement magnet for those who don't mind the rain. Spring is here. My host has already planted peas and sweet peas in the garden.
Crocuses are a sign of spring.