To the North: Rural Communities in the Comox Valley Regional District
A drive into the Comox Valley’s northern communities takes visitors through a fertile valley brimming with incredible produce-laden farm stands, the tranquillity of extensive forest trails, tucked-away coffee spots, wineries, and picturesque, picnic-worthy beaches. The rural charm of these communities is further shared in lively events at community venues and through immersive agritourism destinations. Take your time here over several day trips from Courtenay or Comox—the northernmost point, Saratoga Beach, is a thirty-minute drive along the 19A Highway—or stay in beachfront or farm-based accommodations.
Pastoral Charm and Craft Beverages in Dove Creek
Before settling onto the 19A Highway, choose the small detour route through Dove Creek and Headquarters Road. Seek out the scattering of flower farms, horseback riding opportunities, and quieter trails. Delight in a crisp glass of fruity Raven’s Moon Craft Cider or unique blueberry or wild blackberry-based Blue Moon Estate wine. Check out the K’omoks Treaty Lands and Tribal Park Wildwood Interpretive Forest with its bike, hiking, and horseback riding paths. This 682-acre forest is a vital wildlife corridor, so remember to be wildlife aware. Take the Bob Webb Trail to connect to the One Spot Trail near Dove Creek Road and create a full 13.5km loop route.
By car, take Piercy Road to Headquarters Road to connect back toward the communities of Merville and Black Creek. Grab specialty coffee and treats for the road at Drifter’s Cafe at Outback Nursery & Garden Centre (open seasonally). More trails exist around Tsolum Spirit Park and Tsolum River Commons—these areas also provide access to the Tsolum River for swimming and recreation.
Abundance rooted in Nature in Merville
Merville is where your tour of the independent farms of the Comox Valley truly begins. Farms selling diverse vegetables, meat, eggs, home-baked goods, and juicy berries unfold along Highway 19A, Coleman Road, and some of the meandering side roads. Farm stands that showcase the results of this coastal growing climate entice travellers from the road.
Stop at Homegrown Bee for local honey and to learn about the fascinating world of bees. Beaufort Wines is a popular, small-scale winery; the intimate patio with its vineyard and mountain views is as worthy of a stop as the wine. Snack on berries and pick up bunches of flowers at Berry Best Organic Farm.
Grab produce from Whitaker Farm or Amara Farm and take a picnic to the artistic Kitty Coleman Gardens or Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park to watch for whales and soaring birds. Adventurous walkers can connect from Eagles Drive Park nearby through the Eagles Greenway to the Brian and Sarah McLoughlin Park with its cabin, rare plants, and occasional artist-in-residence event.
Sauna Sessions, Wine, and Intimate Farm Markets in Black Creek
The delights of a slower pace are further exuded in Black Creek. Discover more farm stands overflowing with lush produce, and intimate farm shops where you’ll be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of homemade meals, fresh herbs, and baked bread, like Clever Crow Farm and Shorewolf Farm. Meet the growers, makers, and producers behind this thriving rural community. Make a stop at Coastal Black Winery and delight in another thriving bee farm with its roadside stand at Big D’s Bees on Endall Road. Be sure to check seasonal operating hours.
Black Creek is also home to Island Sauna—the perfect complement to nourishing yourself with local food. Choose from a wet or dry sauna and experience a full hot-cold circuit with the accompanying cold plunge tubs, relaxation lounge area, and hot showers.
The natural landscapes and quieter pace of Black Creek also inspire several artists. Discover the dynamic sculptures of Douglas Walker, Brian Scott’s eye-catching artworks, or Marilyn Peeters’ immersive nature-inspired paintings.
Golfing and Waterfront Activities at Miracle Beach and Saratoga Beach
The northernmost reaches of the Comox Valley reward travellers with several beautiful beach spots. While away a day playing beach games, dipping in the sea, wandering along meandering trails where the treeline meets the sand, and keeping an eye out for spouting whales and other marine wildlife.
Miracle Beach is home to Miracle Beach Provincial Park. Its large sandy beach and adjacent campground is popular with families. For those seeking a bit of a thrill, the racetrack at Saratoga Speedway is a novel experience, and Miracle Beach Mini Golf is right next door. Further down Macaulay Road, Bear Creek Nature Park brings walkers closer to the Oyster River and the ecologically significant wetland around it, while Bear Creek Ranch is a longstanding provider of horseback trail rides.
Saratoga Beach is home to spectacular beachfront accommodation, the Saratoga Beach Golf Course, and a vast sandy beach. Several fishing charters and ocean adventure companies operate out of the marina by Pacific Playgrounds Oceanside Resort. Coffee, food, and tasty snacks can be sought out at the Hidden Gem Bakery, Beachcombers General Store, and Jackknife Pizza.
Where to stay in the Comox Valley’s northern communities
Carve out more time to slow down and soak up the many farm stands and beach days by staying in accommodation in Comox Valley’s northern communities. Pick from beachfront resorts like Breakers Beachfront Resort at Saratoga Beach, provincial or private campgrounds, elevated cabins nestled on farms and in the forest like Riverway Cabin (with sauna access), or go glamping, sink into the relaxation of the sauna, and play a round of disc golf at Smith Lake Farm.
