Comox, Vancouver Island, British Columbia – Summer Camping Destination
My husband believes every little boy should experience camping in a tent. I’m a light sleeper and every little twig snapping in the forest comes with visions of wild animals stalking our tent to torment me. The first night usually means a restless sleep, but it gets better after that.
I was concerned that this trip to Comox would mean a puppy barking at every sound outside the tent resulting in upset campers, and grumpy kids. I was pleasantly surprised that the kids slept like babies, as did the puppy. Must have been from pure exhaustion.
Comox is an approximate 4 hour drive from Victoria, British Columbia, and is home to Canadian Forces Base Comox.
What to Do Around Comox, Visit Air Force Beach, Comox Air Force Museum and Wander the Town of Comox
Air Force Beach
Air Force Beach is a beautifully well-kept sandy beach, that even on an August long weekend, was not horribly busy. The kids were on the hunt for sand dollars and the puppy wore herself out racing down the beach and playing in the shallow water. My eldest tells me it’s perfect for skimboarding and he spent a good portion of the day practicing that. Sandcastles were built, kites were flown, and half the beach ended up in the van and tent. A sure sign that fun was had by all.
Comox Air Force Museum
If you want to get up close to the planes, visiting the Comox Air Force Museum allows you to get a better look at them.
Comox itself is a quaint and beautiful town which hosts the Filberg Festival every August long weekend. It consists of numerous venders and attractions for all ages down at the marina.
Caffe Amantes, Comox
I’m always on the hunt for a great cup of coffee. Not a coffee chain or service station cup, but something different. I came across Caffé Amantes which serves organic coffee, paninis, and treats. Each drink order is topped with the cutest little ginger snap cookie. It takes such a small little thing to make me gloriously happy.
Where we Stayed near Comox– The Tee Pee Park Campground at Air Force Beach
I’m not certain if the Tee Pee Park Campground is a well-kept secret, or just a case of many assuming it is only for use by military members. The campground is basically nestled between the end of the runway and Air Force Beach. I was a bit worried as we were setting up camp that we would be listening to helicopters and the like all through the night, but instead, we were able to watch gliders being pulled through the sky, and our own personal air show of helicopters and other types of aircraft. The boys were very excited to watch them, and it made the campground that much more unique.
We chose the perfect weekend to go as there was so much going on in town and the blackberries were sweet and plentiful. The blackberry bushes surround the campground and the kids loved to pick them. The campsite has some stunning sites overlooking the water.
We did not have time this trip, but the all-season resort area of Mount Washington is only 25km west of Comox. There are so many great things to do outdoors in and around Comox. It’s definitely worth booking some time off to explore the area.