Comox Valley

9.64 km - about 0 hours 13 min

Begin at the Comox Valley Visitor Centre and head towards Comox. First stop is the I-Hos Native Gallery and Gift Shop (on Comox Avenue), a treasure trove of First Nations arts and crafts with prints from famed artist Bill Reid, pewter jewellery, carvings, basketware and masks. And psssst: Remember to check out the beach across the road for bald eagles. It's a favourite haunt for the kings of the sky.

2.59 km - about 0 hours 3 min

Drive west to see the Comox Marina, which has a boardwalk that leads to a sweeping panoramic view of Comox Bay, the Beaufort Mountains and flat-topped Comox Glacier. Exquisitely seen and photographed in early morning or late afternoon, the glacier is pure spectacle. Little wonder the people of the K'omox First Nation called it 'Queneesh' – the great white whale.

0.84 km - about 0 hours 2 min

Continue west on Comox Ave to reach the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park. This is the historic homestead of Robert Filberg, once president of a giant BC logging firm, and his wife Florence. The park is sumptuously landscaped with exotic trees. The reclining nude Naiad from carver Michael Dennis represents a Greek mythological figure who watches over rivers, streams and brooks. How appropriate.

4.25 km - about 0 hours 8 min

Exit Filberg Park by turning west on Comox Avenue and then north on Pritchard Road. The next stop is for aircraft and history buffs. The Comox Air Force Museum and Heritage Air Park offers an al fresco collection of 19 historic war planes including the Lockeed Starfighter, nicknamed "the missile with a man in it."

In the Heritage Hangar, the museum is restoring a Y2K Spitfire, the versatile fighter that defeated Hitler's Luftwaffe. The museum is open Tues to Sun, May to September, admission free. The Spitfire restoration is available for visits Saturday only, but call 250-339-8162 to be sure.

9.23 km - about 0 hours 14 min

The driving tour concludes with walking trails leading through forest and marshlands to the beach in Seal Bay Nature Park, 15 minutes north of Comox. Soak in the beauty and diversity of the park and its activities, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Check out the seals and sea lions on the beach.