Exchange Zones

Our home is a spacious and comfortable 2 storey 4-bedroom home (2100 square feet) with 2 bathrooms located in a quiet but central neighbourhood in Courtenay. We have over a quarter of an acre with a huge back yard. We are a professional child-free couple in our early 40s who travel extensively and would love to exchange our charming peaceful home in Canada's paradise on Vancouver Island for your comfortable home in various places throughout the world.

Due to severe seasonal allergies, we are hoping to exchange for the entire month of June every year with another couple who live in a dry, desert-like climate- maybe the Okanagan in Canada or else New Mexico or Arizona in the USA. Also, we have family is Israel and London, UK and are hoping to go there this October for a couple of weeks. And we are totally in love with Hawaii and would love to do a 2-4 week exchange this winter- you ski and we lie on the beach!

We have 2 adorable loving non-allergenic cats (Siberian breed) whom we'd love to have company while we're gone, but are totally fine leaving them with a beloved and trusted cat-sitter at another home if you prefer no pets. But if you love kitties, you'll fall in love with Abe and Ike. One of us is severely allergic to cats, but has never had a single reaction to this breed, nor have any of our friends and family who are also allergic to cats.

About the area:

The Comox Valley is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It covers an area of around 1725 square kilometers and includes the communities of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland. It also pertains to outlying areas such as Hornby and Denman Islands, Saratoga and Miracle beaches, Oyster river, Royston, Black Creek and Merville. It is fast becoming recognised as one of the best places to visit in the province of BC and it's not hard to see why. There is so much to see and do here, ranging from stunning scenery, to magnificent wildlife to exhilarating activities. So with this in mind, let's take a look at some of the activities that you can expect when you get here.

If you could sum up the Comox Valley in one sentence it would probably be, "It's a place of outdoor experiences and rich culture, stretching from the alpine peaks to the blue waters of the ocean." The valley itself is a large area of untold beauty that is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Because of its wide and diverse area, there is so much to see and do here. You can literally go skiing in the morning, and sailing in the afternoon. So if you really like the rugged outdoors then the Comox Valley can deliver.

Alpine Areas

The alpine views from the mountains offer stunning views that you simply wouldn't want to miss. In the summer time experience crystal clear mountain lakes and beautifully scented mountain flowers. The Forbidden Plateau Recreation area offers the visitor a chance to trek and mountain bike in some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet. The recreation area gives you access to Strathcona National Park. Here you can experience 2 or 3 day hikes to places such as Mount Drabble, Mount Becher, the Comox Glacier and Indian Head Mountain. Other summer activities up in the mountains include mini golf, disc golf, mountain bike competition and bungee trampolining. Also special events include beer, wine and alpine food festivals as well as open-air alpine concerts.

Winter activities take place at the Mount Washington Ski Resort and include snow boarding, snow tubing, down hill and cross-country skiing. Skiers have a choice of numerous ski lifts to take them to where they want to go. There is also a great restaurant here along with shops and equipment rentals.

Ocean and Lake Areas

The Comox Valley area is situated right at the heart of some of the most stunning and accessible waterways and chartering a boat is a great way to explore this vast area. Imagine sailing past rocky coastlines, sweeping sandy beaches and sheltered inlets into which flow glistening waterfalls. Then at night why not moor your boast at Comox Harbor and relax with a well-earned drink and some great food.

One of the biggest attractions of the Comox water area is fishing. Well stocked lakes, and protected oceans means that you can catch a myriad of fish such as Halibut, Salmon, Red Snapper, Steel-head and Cut Throat Trout. Why not take a fishing charter out onto Comox Lake and try to catch the "big one".

If you prefer to swim or bathe, then Comox Valley offers a wide choice of places you can go for a dip. Some of the best areas are Nymph Falls, Trent River, Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, Saratoga and Miracle beaches and of course Comox Lake itself.

If you like your activities to be a little faster paced then the Comox Valley also offers a wide variety of watersports that include kitesurfing, waterskiing, windsurfing and snorkelling/diving.

Trails, hiking and camping

If the great outdoors is your thing, then the Comox Valley is definitely the place for you. Why not explore some of the endless kilometers of hiking trails that will take you past ancient rainforests, glistening crystal clear streams, vast lakes and a plethora of wildlife. Trek into the mountains and grab a chairlift to the top of Mount Washington. From here you can see the entirety that makes up the Comox Valley.

If you need to set up camp then there are a wide variety of different camping options to choose from. There are several privately owned camping grounds where you can pitch up for the night, or alternatively there are "hike in" camping spots nestled deep in the forest. Finally, if you feel like a little bit of luxury then there are also beachfront provincial parks.

Adventure tours

If you really want to get in on the action, then there are a number of awe-inspiring adventure tours that you can do. How about a helicopter ride through the valley itself, skimming over the mountaintops and opening up onto the incredible wilderness below. If it's wildlife you've come to see, then what could be more beautiful then observing an animal or bird in their natural environment? In the Comox valley you can go killer whale watching, observe the black bears through the Strathcona Park, or go eagle sighting. Whatever you decide to do, it is bound to be a truly awesome spectacle. If you want to see the valley from a different mode of transport then take a kayak trip or you can trek through the wilderness on horseback.

Golf

If golfing is your game, then you're in luck! The Comox Valley has nine golf courses to choose from and six of these are open all year round. You really are spoilt for choice and courses range from a miniature golf course that's great for families and fun for the kids, right up to a fully deluxe championship style course complete with club house, four star accommodation, lounge and restaurant. Each course is different, but they all have one thing in common: Spectacular views!

You can also check out our new visitor centre's website for more information on the beautiful area:

http://www.discovercomoxvalley.com/explore/vancouver-island-visitor-centre