Winter gift guide and markets
Cumberland, Comox, and Courtenay invite visitors to a sparkling, centralized winter shopping experience, thanks to each having a main street lined with independent stores that prioritize supporting local, twinkling holiday lights, and heartwarming eateries to pause in while perusing for thoughtful gifts. Cumberland has Dunsmuir Avenue, Courtenay has 5th Street, and Comox has Comox Avenue. Although you’ll also want to wander a few blocks in each direction to make sure you don’t miss out on other locally-owned gems tucked around each corner.
Beyond tangible gifts, the Comox Valley is packed full of exciting active, culinary, and wildlife-focused experiences that would make a particularly memorable gift for the whole family to share in.
Seek out our artisans and support locally-made
The Comox Valley is well-known for having a creative community that is frequently inspired by our region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Seek out one-of-a-kind winter creations from silversmiths, ceramicists, knitters, sewers, painters, and photographers, who prioritize natural fibres, nature-inspired scenes, earthy hues, and organic shapes.
Stores like Tin Town Cafe, Euspira, Shoppe Kindred, Smöl Store, Island Affair Giftware, Wolf Shed, and West Coast Karma gather together some of these artisans and small creative brands from across the Island and Canada. Our art galleries and studios are also fantastic spaces to uncover local artists, whether you’re looking for a full-scale piece or a Comox Valley-inspired greeting card.
For the voracious reader, it’s easy to support an independent bookstore: Laughing Oyster or Second Page Used Books in Courtenay or Blue Heron or Castaway Used Books in Comox. For record and music enthusiasts, Moon’s Records in Cumberland and Bop City Records in Comox are must-visits.
Give the gift of an unforgettable experience
The Comox Valley is filled with tours and attractions across outdoor recreation, food and beverage, and the arts—many of which can be given as a gift card or pre-booked as a surprise.
For the outdoor enthusiast, grab a ticket for the slopes or tube park at Mount Washington or book a warm-weather experience on the water through Fun Ship, Comox Valley Water Sports, Comox Valley Kayaks, or Grey Wolf Expeditions. Fishing charters are also a very popular attraction around the Comox Valley coastline. Why not take the whole family to enjoy the anticipation of their very first catch?
For the wildlife appreciator, book a wildlife watching tour with Wild Waterways Adventures or Big Animal Encounters to embark on an immersive and responsible water excursion, looking for marine mammals like whales, seals, and dolphins, as well as seabirds, eagles, and bears.
For foodies and amateur sommeliers, sign up for tours and tastings with the likes of Beaufort Vineyard, Blue Moon Estate Winery, Wayward Distillery, Island Gourmet Trails, or 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate. Choose from pre-booked tours and tastings and additional events like in-depth classes on the world of wine.
Or what about a creative workshop? Loam offers classes and workshops in all things clay, and several Comox Valley-based photographers, like Catherine Babault and Taylor Michael-Burk, host giftable workshops and photo tours throughout the year.
Winter markets in the Comox Valley
Several winter markets, each with its own twist, showcase a diverse spread of these Comox Valley makers and business owners. The K’omoks First Nation Winter Market on December 13 and 14 at the K’ómoks First Nation Band Hall (3320 Comox Rd, Courtenay) will feature bannock and a bake table, alongside Indigenous art, jewellery, stained glass, pottery, and many, many more artisans.
The Made with Love Market on December 13 will feature tasty festive treats, around 50 vendors, and plenty of handmade goods, while raising funds for the food bank.
The Queneesh Holiday Market takes place at the Florence Filberg Centre on December 20 and 21, featuring not only some 60 artisans and vendors, but also a photo booth, seafood chowder and bannock, and lots of festive cheer. A non-perishable food item or cash donation toward the QICS Food Security Pantry is encouraged.
You’ll want to keep an eye on the Comox Valley festival and events calendar to make sure you don’t miss additional markets, the Comox Valley Winter Farmer’s Market, and other joy-filled holiday events like carols, festive wine tastings, and more.
