Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
yourself, around the local waterways or out on nearby Denman and Hornby Islands. The
company also rents canoes ($40 per day)—great for nearby Comox Lake.
Accommodations and Camping
The valley's least expensive motels are strung out along the highway (Cliffe Avenue) as
you enter Courtenay from the south. The 67-room Anco Motel (1885 Cliffe Ave., 250/
334-2451, www.ancomotelbc.com , $75 s, $85 d) is typical, with a small outdoor pool and
high-speed Internet access as a bonus.
Overlooking Gartley Bay south of Courtenay is Kingfisher Oceanside Resort (4330
Island Hwy. S., 250/338-1323 or 800/663-7929, www.kingfisherspa.com , $180-455 s or
d), set around well-manicured gardens and a large heated pool right on the water. The re-
sort also holds a spa facility, yoga lounge, a bar with outdoor seating, and a restaurant
renowned for its West Coast cuisine (and a great Sunday brunch buffet). Accommodation
choices are in regular rooms, each with a private balcony,ornewer beachfront suites, each
with a fireplace, hot tub, and kitchen.
An excellent choice for campers looking for a vacation vibe is Cape Lazo RV &
Campground (685 Lazo Rd., Comox, 250/339-3946, www.capelazo.com , tents $25-30,
hookups $34-44), within walking distance of the beach. To get there from the highway,
takeComoxRoadthroughdowntownComoxandturnrightontoBalmoralAvenue(which
leads into Lazo Road).
Food
In the heart of downtown, the Union Street Grill (477 5th St., 250/897-0081, 11am-9pm
daily, $17-25) dishes up well-priced global choices that include a delicious jambalaya and
expertly prepared fish from local waters. Save room for a slice of delicious cheesecake.
In the vicinity, the Rose Tea Room (180 5th St., 250/897-1007, 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat., af-
ternoon tea $12.50) is a friendly little place where older locals catch up over simple sand-
wiches, scones and tea, and decadent rocky road brownies.
Occupying one of Courtenay's original residences, Locals (1760 Riverside Ln., 250/
338-5406, lunch and dinner daily, $19-34) sits among landscaped gardens of a much more
modern Old House Village Hotel & Spa. The menu is filled with tempting yet well-priced
Pacific Northwest choices, with produce and game sourced from local producers where
possible. You could start with wild mushroom risotto; then move on to pan-seared halibut
as a main.
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