Things to do in Comox with kids

Comox, BC is an outdoor adventure mecca. There are so many fun things to do in Comox with kids, here are a few of our favorites.

We take the ferry from Tsawwassen to Duke Point, Nanaimo, and drive an hour and a half north. There’s also a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo.

Spend the Day at Air Force Beach

This is a beautiful white sand beach that is open to the public for a $5 daily fee or an annual pass fee of about $26. There’s about a 300 foot sandbar at low tide. People were there on kayaks, floating toys, and stand up paddleboards. This is a dog friendly beach, and while the dogs were well behaved, some of the owners are obviously not – there were more than a few turds among the sand dunes.

There’s an ice cream stand at the parking lot where they sell other snacks and drinks.

We had more than one visit to Air Force Beach during our most recent visit. This is a must do if you’re visiting Comox with kids.

Located at: 19 Wing Comox

Courtenay and District Museum & Palaeontology Centre

Location: 207 4th St Courtenay 250-334-0686
Visit website
Hours 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-4pm Sun, closed Mon & Sun in winter
Price by donation.

We visited the Palaeontology Centre before heading to a Riverbed near Cumberland to hunt for fossils. Vivi spent hours wearing safety googles hammering small rocks in search of fossils. We didn’t find any, but she did bring home some cool pieces of quartz.

Tube the Puntledge River

Location: 38 Powerhouse Road; various exit points

Start this scenic river float near the fish hatchery in Courtenay. You can stop for a swim at Puntledge Park and exit at Condensory Bridge or go all the way to Lewis Park.

Have a Beach Fire at Goose Spit

Location: Hawkins Road, Comox
Website: Click here

Goose Spit Regional Park has ten dedicated fire pits. The shore of Goose Spit is a mix of sand, rocks and driftwood.

Kayak (or Jet Ski) to Tree Island

Website: Click here

Tree Island – Jáji7em and Kw’ulh Marine Park (or Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park.) For a full day trip launch near the Courtenay Air Park, or from Union Bay or Goose Spit for a half day trip. Several of the kayak rental shops offer guided trips to Tree Island. We went my jet ski, and it was a blast.

Seal Bay Nature Park

Website: Click here
Location: Bates Road, Comox
Well maintained multi-use trails lead through this leafy seaside park to the beach. We saw eagles, crabs, and starfish. We could hear the seals in the distance, but none were in close to shore.

Looking for kid-friendly activities on the mainland? Here’s how to experience Vancouver with kids.