 I-Hos Gallery Big House, Carol Clemens photo
A driving tour of the Comox Valley takes in history, culture, the Comox Marina, the Air Force Museum, and the forests and marshes of Seal Bay Regional Nature Park. The Comox Valley and Courtenay Visitor Centres go to bat for motorists with the free Comox Valley Heritage Experience Driving Tour brochure. First Nations Art & Crafts First stop is the I-Hos Native Gallery and Gift Shop, 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. Comox Marina At the Comox Marina, the boardwalk 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. Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park The Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park 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. Comox Air Force Museum Aircraft and history buffs beeline to the Comox Air Force Museum. The 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 opens Tues to Sun, May to September, admission free. The Spitfire restoration is available for visits Sat only, but call 1 250-339-8162 to be sure. Seal Bay Nature Park 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. Plan a return visit.
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