Comox Lake sits at the edge of the Comox Valley on central Vancouver Island, offering clear water backed by the steep slopes of the Beaufort Range. The lake stretches roughly 12 kilometres and remains cold even in summer, fed by mountain streams that keep it refreshing for swimmers and boaters.
Why Visit Comox Lake
Visitors come for the combination of easy shoreline access and immediate wilderness. Unlike busier coastal spots, the lake feels remote yet lies only minutes from the towns of Courtenay and Comox. The surrounding forest and peaks create a dramatic setting for photography, especially at sunrise when mist often hangs over the water.
Things to Do
Swimming is popular at the main beach area near the dam, where a gentle slope leads into deeper water. Kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders launch from the same spot to explore quieter bays. Anglers target trout and Dolly Varden; a British Columbia fishing licence is required. Several informal trails climb from the shoreline into Strathcona Provincial Park, including routes that reach viewpoints above the lake. In winter the same hills attract backcountry skiers when snow conditions allow.
Getting There
From the Comox Valley airport or downtown Courtenay, drive west on Lake Trail Road or Comox Lake Road; both routes end at public access points. The drive from Nanaimo takes about 75 minutes via Highway 19 and Highway 19A. No public transit reaches the lake directly, so travellers without a vehicle often rent cars or join guided tours from Courtenay.
Best Time to Visit
July and August bring the warmest water and longest days, ideal for swimming and camping. Late spring and early fall offer fewer crowds and reliable fishing. Winter visits focus on forest walks and storm watching; snow rarely blocks the main roads but higher trails may require avalanche awareness.
Nearby Attractions
After a day at the lake, many visitors continue to nearby Cumberland for its historic mining trails or head to the beaches of Goose Spit Park in Comox. The Puntledge River offers additional paddling and salmon-viewing opportunities a short drive east.
