Whatever the weather, there's something to do in the Comox Valley
The Comox Valley is a hub for outdoor adventures, but when the weather calls for it, plenty of indoor spaces exist to keep you active and engaged. From bringing active pursuits like climbing and golf indoors, to arcade-style entertainment and creative takes on our landscapes, there’s something for the whole family to make your fall escape fun.
Where can I climb or golf indoors in the Comox Valley?
WIP Climbing in Courtenay, just a short drive from the Comox Lake bluffs in Cumberland, is popular with local and visiting climbers of all ages. There are colourful bouldering walls, a top-rope climbing wall, and several auto-belays if you’re travelling solo. There’s also a moon board, training area, weight room, and a cafe to refuel or simply hang out when you get a bit pumped.
If you’re usually more into a green than rock, Swing City Golf Lounge brings the joy of golfing to the heart of downtown Courtenay with its indoor range. Perfect for inclement weather scenarios or simply those looking to get some rounds in just a short walk from bustling restaurants and our independent stores. The golf simulators and friendly staff create a welcoming space whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to golf, with the option to pick between some of the world’s best courses or just have a go at some interactive games.
What can I do with kids if it rains in the Comox Valley?
The CV Kids Playhouse is sure to keep kids entertained on a rainy day in the Comox Valley. They’ll burn some energy off indoors with inflatable obstacle courses, ball pits, and superslides, and there’s a cafe on-site when you’re ready for a pause. Right next door, anyone called to a playful, energetic afternoon—no matter your age—will be thrilled by the recent addition of Archie’s Entertainment. Archie’s Entertainment is packed full of fun, featuring everything from an indoor arcade centre and glow-in-the-dark mini putt to a team activity involving foam ball launchers called Bazooka Ball.
Over in Cumberland, the building that housed the historic Ilo Ilo theatre has been reopened in a new format. It’s still packed full of character, with a playful surprise tucked into the tool store: the Quarter Master Arcade Theatre. The arcade is steeped in nostalgia and offers free play for $10 an hour.
What arts and theatre venues are there in the Comox Valley?
As the days draw in, the Comox Valley’s cultural venues light up with their fall/winter programs. For performing arts enthusiasts, the Sid Williams Theatre typically hosts anything from dance recitals and comedy recitals to touring musicians across diverse genres. Live music, from local favourites to touring musicians, fills popular venues like The Waverley, as well as more intimate spaces like breweries, pubs, the atmospheric Regier Theatre, and the community halls on Denman and Hornby Island.
The rain that makes our forests and waterways so spectacular and lush may drive you inside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still appreciate the landscape’s beauty. Our scenery consistently inspires local artists, so you can take in creative representations of our ecosystems from the warmth and comfort of many independent galleries.
The non-profit, volunteer-run Pearl Ellis Gallery specifically celebrates artists from the valley and the wider Vancouver Island artistic community. For those who best experience art in a dynamic environment, ARTWRX Studio Gallery is an immersive visit. A studio space where works in progress can be seen, creative processes experienced, and conversations sparked. Artful: The Gallery features contemporary artists from all over, but has a similarly inviting, intimate space—complete with couches that invite you to take your time in contemplation.
If you love tactile artworks, particularly those made from clay and mud, visit the Living Earth Pottery Studio or Elementerra Art Studio. When creative inspiration hits, Creative Cove hosts pottery and paint nights, and other workshops with a view of the water and mountains, while Loam Pottery hosts workshops frequently themed around nature or the season.
Don’t let the end of summer hold you back from a trip to the Comox Valley. It’s even one of the best times to explore our trails, beaches, and parks when the rain does stop (or you’re simply dressed for wet weather), with temperatures still moderate, pathways a little emptier, and plenty of colour. Pack accordingly, warm up in one of our cozy breweries, restaurants, spas, or saunas, and head inside to soak up our many artistic and entertainment-focused local businesses.
