There is no shortage of exciting activities to take part in during your visit to The Alders with lakes, mountains, islands and parks nearby. Not to mention local artisans, artists and award-winning culinary experiences in our closest communities.
For more suggestions and ideas, visit: Discover Comox Valley
All five Pacific Salmon species are present in local waters. Campbell River, a twenty-five minute drive from The Alders, is world famous for its sport fishing. In late August and September a Pink Salmon run gathers off The Alders before entering the Oyster River just to the north. Coho and Chinook have been caught off The Alders using mooching, trolling, and spinning techniques. Owing to the large spiny dogfish population, mooching using frozen strip or whole bait should be done with care to tidal conditions.
Lingcod and numerous species of rock fish abound in local waters. Mooching or jigging is usually the best way to catch them. Despite their appearance, many species make excellent eating (fish and chips).
The Alders does not have a full boat launch to back a car down, but there is a wooden ramp to carry boats with a sandy launch site. The nearest trailer launch site is just south at Bate’s Beach.
BC sport fishing regulations and information are available at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Professionally guided fishing charters include:
Located in nearby Courtenay, Comox Valley Kayaks offer rentals, tours and lessons. They can also pick up and deliver to The Alders or where you’d like to go.
Open year round.
And for the younger set, there is also Mini Golf only a 15 minute drive from The Alders.
The Comox Valley’s diverse geographical attributes, from vast sandy beaches to alpine peaks makes it an area of remarkable contrasts. One of the best ways to explore it is on foot. There is a wide assortment of trails and terrain, from easy strolls to strenuous mountain hikes. Good trails, awe-inspiring scenery and an abundance of wildlife viewing makes hiking one of the most popular pastimes for visitors to the Comox Valley.
Hiking areas include:
Hit the track at Saratoga Speedway with Go-Karting, Monster Truck rides, and racing events. Only a 15 minute drive from The Alders in Black Creek.
Hit the powder at nearby Mt. Washington, a year-round recreation destination with over 1,700 acres and 505 vertical metres of alpine terrain, 55kms of cross-country skiing and 25kms of snowshoeing trails.
Summer features a new 2.3 kilometre ZipTour, lift-accessed mountain biking, quad bungy trampoline, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, miniature golf, boardwalk chess and checkers, shopping and dining.
Comox Valley cyclists are blessed with an unlimited variety of opportunities. Gliding through the Valley’s diverse geography on a bike offers adventure, challenge and fun for riders of all skill levels.
Popular riding areas include:
The Alders is a good place to watch birds. The bird species visiting The Alders vary seasonally, but the combination of ocean, forest and several surrounding fields seems to attract a wide variety.
Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park is home to the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia, and offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph wildflowers and birds. Accessible by boat only.
Whale watching trips, grizzly bear expeditions, snorkel and scuba diving adventures – oh my!
Walk right next door to our neighbour, a working farm that provides fun and entertainment for the whole family, and informative farm tours. Buy farm raised venison, yummy preserves and more at their Farm Store.
Here are a few of our favourite dining spots in the local communities.
Experience the excitement and entertainment of some of the best community festivals in Canada. There is always something interesting and fun happening in the Comox Valley.
The Comox Valley area is well known for its artistic community, boasting one of the highest per-capita concentrations of artists in Canada. The art and cultural communities offer a multitude of activities and performances year-round for visitors to enjoy. Galleries cover everything from experimental contemporary to traditional pieces and First Nations’ art.
More about Comox Valley arts, culture & heritage at: Discover Comox Valley
