VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 262

this region retreated, it stalled, leaving behind a massive mound of finely ground glacial silt.
Wind and water action in the ensuing years have uncovered the silt, forming white cliffs
that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding bedrock.
Practicalities
Regular motel accommodations are limited in Comox, but for a resort-like atmosphere, it's
hard to go past Crown Isle Resort (399 Clubhouse Dr., 250/703-5000 or 888/338-8439,
www.crownisle.com , from $149 s or d), a sprawling golf and real estate development set
on 330 hectares (800 acres) north of Comox off Ryan Road. The standard rooms and one-
and two-bedroom villas are comfortable and relatively spacious; some have kitchenettes
and fireplaces. The best rates are available by purchasing a golf package. Other amenities
include a fitness room and two restaurants.
The most serene place to enjoy lunch is the landscaped gardens at Filberg Heritage
Lodge, where the Filberg Tea House (Comox Ave. at Filberg Rd., 250/339-0747,
11am-3pm Wed.-Mon. in summer, lunches $8-14) offers picnic tables spread out under ma-
ture trees. A delightful setting more than makes up for the uninspiring café fare.
Ferry to Powell River
BC Ferries (250/386-3431, www.bcferries.com ) sails four times daily between Comox and
Powell River, saving visitors to northern Vancouver Island from having to backtrack down
to Nanaimo or Victoria. To get to the terminal, stay on Highway 19 through Courtenay, then
take Ryan Road east to Anderton Road. Turn left and follow the signs down Ellenor Road.
The regular one-way fare for this 75-minute sailing is adult $14.20, child $7.10, vehicle
$44.95.
NORTH TOWARD CAMPBELL RIVER
From Courtenay, it's an easy 30-minute drive north along Highway 19 (Inland Island High-
way) to Campbell River. A more enjoyable route is the original route north, now known as
Highway 19A (Island Highway), which provides many access points to the Strait of Geor-
gia.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Miracle Beach Provincial Park, off Highway 19A (Island Highway) 23 kilometers (14.3
miles) north of Courtenay, is mostly about camping (519/826-6850 or 800/689-9025,
www.discovercamping.ca , May-Sept., $28), but it has one of the nicest sandy beaches along
this stretch of coastline, a few forested walking trails, and the opportunity to watch salmon