Farm Experiences in the Comox Valley
Roots of Abundance: Discovering the Comox Valley’s Fertile Heart
Nurtured by freshwater rivers, diverse ecosystems, and its proximity to the ocean, the Comox Valley’s fertile soil means there is an incredible community of farmers, small producers, and agritourism businesses, particularly in the rural communities to the north and south of Comox and Courtenay.
Carve out plenty of time to slowly savour a drive through the vistas of farmland unfolding to the coast and toward the mountains. There’s something for everyone—from quintessential farms complete with animals the kids will love and the sweet scent and colourful hues of sustainable flower farms, to beekeeping education and vineyards. Read on to discover the best of our local farms and agritourism experiences.
Stop by our Farmers’ Market and Farm Stands
If your visit coincides with a Saturday, the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market showcases a collection of our incredible farmers and small producers year-round at the Native Son’s Hall (winter) and the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds (spring to fall). It’s the perfect place for a relaxed weekend wander to scope out tasty treats, gather the freshest ingredients, pick up a bouquet, chat with our local farmers, and immerse yourself in our community spirit.
In the summer, there is an additional Wednesday evening market in Comox, as well as a Sunday market in Cumberland.
Go one step further and take a relaxing drive through the rural vistas of Dove Creek, Merville, and Black Creek to discover rustic farm stands or more established farm stores that gather multiple local growers in one place.
Just some to stop by include:
- Shamrock Farm farm stand near Seal Bay Nature Park, for flowers, sustainably-grown springtime produce, and goat milk soap
- Clever Crow Farm Store for vegetables, herbs, and plant starts, beautiful handmade willow baskets, frozen soups, cookbooks, and lots of other local goodies.
- Shorewolf Farm’s substantial farm market, which has organic, freshly baked sweet and savoury items, organic butter, and produce from both their own farm and others.
- Dirty Girls Flowers or The Blooming Barn (u-pick) for stunning, seasonal bouquets
Discover more farms and plan your route with the Comox Valley Growers Guide.
From Beekeeping to Botanicals
Beyond the quintessential farms serving up the best of the Valley’s produce, there are dynamic agritourism experiences that blend farming education and behind-the-scenes insights, with serene rural getaways and wellness rooted in nature.
Smith Lake Farm not only provides its own meats for sale, but there are also lakefront glamping tents, saunas, disc golf, and beekeeping courses. If you’re intrigued by the lives and benefits of bees, Home Grown Bee and Big D’s Bees are two other spots providing tours, workshops, and local honey.
Near Royston in the south of the Comox Valley, Innisfree Farm and Botanic Garden opens seasonally with a tasty cafe, sculpture garden, yurt accommodation, and a handful of events. Their focus is on medicinal, native, and botanical plants, and the serene gardens are a beautiful, sensory, family-friendly destination to while away a spring day.
Introduce young minds to farm animals for the first time with the Hands on Farm at the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Gardens. Open seasonally, even adults will delight in the goats, sheep, mini-horses, and other animals.
If you’re ready to put a little effort into your Comox Valley adventure and help do some harvesting, heading out for a U-Pick later in the year is a fantastic way to introduce the whole family to a little farming life, while reaping the reward. Stop by spots like Blue Haven U-Pick to gather a glut of big, juicy blueberries and a delicious ice cream, McClintock’s Farm, or the strawberry u-pick at Fireweed Farmstead.
Taste our unique terroir, paired with local cheeses
Vegetables, botanicals, and berries aren’t the only produce thriving in the Comox Valley. There is also an intimate collection of wineries, with the main stops being Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery, 40 Knots Winery, and Coastal Black Estate Winery. Each has its own considered approach and atmosphere, as well as delicious wines that showcase the Valley’s terroir. Meanwhile, Blue Moon Estate Winery is a hotspot for its experimental ferments, exceptional fruit wines, and flavoured cider (under the Raven’s Moon label).
Beyond beverages, there are many culinary producers scattered amongst our pastoral communities. Dairy is showcased in the delicious cream-topped creations of Tree Island Yogurt and the fresh, award-winning soft varieties of Natural Pastures Cheese Company, which partners with the likes of 40 Knots Winery to curate the ultimate picnic experience. Jams, ferments, and many more concoctions can be found at the Farmers’ Market and by keeping an eye out as you drive through the countryside and along the coast.
