The blissful beaches of the Comox Valley rank among Vancouver Island's best. Endless beach, including the renowned Goose Spit Regional Park, flanks the town of Comox. The tide at Saratoga and Miracles Beaches rolls out 300m/984ft, almost as far as the eye can see, leaving a playground of packed sand, ideal swimming conditions and spellbinding marine life in tidal pools. Clean, safe beaches invite watersports including wakeboarding, kite-surfing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and even beach fishing for wild salmon.
Goose Spit
It only sounds unromantic: Goose Spit Regional Park is a simitar of sand sweeping out into Comox Harbour. The wind comes up in late afternoon, windsurfer sails punctuating the horizon. At dusk, Goose Spit is the place to catch a Comox sunset, especially for photographers. And, pssssst, Goose Spit is the insider's choice for a midnight walk under the full moon.
Saratoga Beach
Saratoga Beach, at the mouth of the Oyster River, is one of Vancouver Island's treasured family retreats. It extends for more than 1.6km/1mi along the Strait of Georgia, with neither deep water, strong currents, nor powerboats to spoil that fleeting sense of paradise.
Kye Bay
Kye Bay has sandy beaches, warm waters, tidal pools and a natural reef, rich with marine life. The beach at glacier-fed Comox Lake is the place for freshwater swimmers.
Seal Bay
The beach at Seal Bay Regional Nature Park 15 minutes north of Comox trumpets a network of hiking trails through ravine and forest and scenic views across the Strait to Powell River and the Sunshine Coast. Only here the swimmers are seals and sea lions. Oct through April is prime time for feathered friends, as the whole gang from Harlequin ducks to American Wigeons turns up to delight birdwatchers. Little wonder the K'omox First National called it Xwee Wshya Lug, a place with atmosphere or serenity. Hold the bathing suit. Bring a camera. And a zoom lens. For more information on beaches and where to swim, head to the Visitor Centre.