Tag: Comox Valley

Kye Bay, Comox: A Peaceful Vancouver Island Beach Escape

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

Tucked just outside of Comox in the beautiful Comox Valley, Kye Bay is one of Vancouver Island’s most peaceful coastal treasures. Wide sandy shoreline, shallow waters, and incredible views across the Strait of Georgia. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise chaotic life.

Whether you’re walking barefoot along the tide flats, exploring tidal pools, or simply sitting back to listen to the sound of the waves, Kye Bay captures the simple joy of island life. And Island life is what these travellers are all about.

Why Visit Kye Bay?

Kye Bay is known for its calm atmosphere and natural beauty. Unlike some of the busier beaches on Vancouver Island, it has a more laid-back and quiet feel. Perfect for those who enjoy peaceful moments by the sea.

  • Long sandy flats at low tide make it perfect for beach walks.
  • Shallow waters create a safe spot for families and casual wading.
  • Stunning coastal views stretch across to the mainland mountains. At times it looks as if you could walk across to the other side, or flag the ferry down when it sails past.

It’s a beach where you’ll often find more driftwood than people, which adds to its charm.

Things to Do at Kye Bay

There’s no shortage of simple pleasures to enjoy here. It reminds me of my childhood growing up on Vancouver Island.

  • Beachcombing – Discover seashells, driftwood, and natural treasures along the shoreline.
  • Tidal Pool Exploring – At low tide, you’ll find little pools filled with marine life waiting to be discovered. Watch the little crabs scurry away from your feet, the tiny fish swim by, and perhaps spot a sand dollar. Don’t forget to leave them all behind. They are living creatures and belong in the sea.
  • Picnics by the Water – Bring a blanket and enjoy lunch with a view of the ocean. Nothing better than a beach picnic. Everything tastes better in the sea air.
  • Relaxing Walks – Perfect for both sunrise and sunset, the soft sand and wide open beach make it ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Local Tips for Visiting

  • Best Time to Go: Low tide is the most impressive, revealing a vast sandy expanse and tide pools.
  • Footwear: Water shoes are handy if you’re exploring the rocky sections or tidal pools.
  • Amenities: Kye Bay is more rustic than some beaches, so bring snacks, water, and any beach gear you need.
  • Peaceful Vibe: It’s less crowded than other beaches in the Comox Valley, making it a great spot to unwind.

Getting to Kye Bay

Kye Bay is located just a few minutes from downtown Comox. Parking is available near the beach, and local signage makes it easy to find. The drive itself is a short and scenic one, especially if you’re exploring the Comox Valley area.

Final Thoughts

Kye Bay isn’t a flashy destination—it’s a place to simply be. With the sound of the waves, the salty ocean breeze, and the wide-open stretch of sand, it’s a reminder of what makes Vancouver Island so special. And these Islanders are happiest by the sea.

For us, Kye Bay is about slowing down, appreciating the moment, and feeling connected to the natural beauty that surrounds this island we call home.

Ace Brewing Company: A Craft Beer Gem

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our travels, it is that the best moments often come from the simplest stops. A good pint, a great meal, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere is all we need. And that’s exactly what we found at Ace Brewing Company in Courtenay.

🌟 A Brewery with Character

As soon as you step into Ace Brewing, you’re greeted with a cool aviation-themed space that blends industrial charm with playful energy. The kind of spot that feels both local and special. Where regulars gather, new visitors are welcomed, and the beer flows with personality.

The name Ace pays homage to the region’s aviation history, and the theme is carried through from the logo to the decor. It’s a subtle but stylish nod to Vancouver Island’s roots — and makes for a fun and memorable backdrop to your visit.

🍺 What We Ordered

We came hungry — and left happy.

  • A pint of their signature brew: crisp, golden, and exactly what we needed on a warm island afternoon.
  • BLAT Sandwich: stacked with thick-cut bacon, fresh greens, and avocado — easily one of my favourites!
  • Grilled Cheese Melt: Nacho cheese mix served on toasted sourdough bread. Extra cheesy, golden-crisp edges, and total comfort food perfection. YUM!
  • Fries: Hot, crispy, and served in a metal bowl — because the details matter.

Whether you’re a hop-head or just here for the snacks, the menu hits the sweet spot between hearty and delicious.

🌿 Why We Love It

✅ Relaxed vibe
✅ Friendly staff
✅ Great food and local craft beer
✅ Dog-friendly patio (yes, bring your pup!)
✅ Walking distance from downtown Courtenay

It’s the kind of place you want to linger in — and we did. With local art on the walls, community events on the board, and a playlist that keeps the energy just right, Ace Brewing is more than just a beer stop — it’s a local hangout with heart.

📍 Plan Your Visit

Ace Brewing Company
Courtenay, British Columbia
Website | Instagram

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Comox Valley or looking for a casual afternoon spot, Ace Brewing deserves a place on your list. We’ll definitely be back — for the beer, the food, and the good vibes.

Travel Tip:
Hit Ace Brewing for lunch, then take a stroll along the nearby Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk which passes along the Air Park. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the island.

Great Food from the Heart of Vancouver Island – Locals Restaurant

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times

One thing I love about living in the Comox Valley (Vancouver Island) is the abundance of locally grown food close to home. Whether it be from your home garden or the plethora of local farms. Local businesses pride themselves on using fresh ingredients which are locally sourced. In this day of endless fast food restaurants and pre-packaged meals, I believe that is a pretty big deal. One local business that does this perfectly is Locals Restaurant.  In fact, they pride themselves for serving “Food from the Heart of the Island”. Now that sounds pretty good to me.

This little gem of a restaurant has been high on my list of places to try since moving to the Comox Valley. I’ve been trying to get my husband there for awhile now, but it wasn’t until we recently had friends visiting from out of town, that we finally made it. It was the perfect excuse. Not that an excuse or occasion is required, we should all treat ourselves once in awhile. It also gave us ladies a reason to get dressed up for a lovely evening out. The restaurant has an atmosphere of casual elegance and what better way to spend a summer evening than with “Good Friends and Good Food”.

This restaurant has a delightful drinks menu and the evening started out with a drink to celebrate long time friendship. I started the evening with one of their house cocktails, a Black Raspberry Mojito. Perfectly refreshing on a hot summer evening.  True to nature, my husband stuck to a pint of beer from a local brewery, of which there are many.  Our friends stirred things up and went all James Bond with the perfect martini – “shaken, not stirred”. They also have a fabulous selection of British Columbia wines, as well as Old World and New World, to pair with dinner. I think you will find one that meets your sipping pleasure.

Dinner choices were many. The Charcuterie Board and the Artisan Cheese Board make for great starters. Dining on the West Coast, you can never go wrong with a seafood choice for dinner. Seafood not your thing, there are a great selection of entries from the Farms and Fields.  Don’t forget, this restaurant prides itself on locally sourced, so you are getting the best of the best, and quality is tops. We stuck to the West Coast seafood, and it was a definite hit.  My Island Girl roots were showing. Two in our group ordered the Locals Seafood Trio and the other two had the West Coast Seafood Pasta. Both dishes were a definite hit. I truly don’t think you would go wrong with anything on their menu, it’s just a matter of preference.

To end the night, we couldn’t pass up dessert to finish the celebration. There are many sinfully decadent choices such as the Chocolate Truffle Cake or the Crème Brule Trio, but I was most impressed with the Locals Pie of the Day. It was an individual short crust rhubarb pie with a scoop of lavender vanilla ice cream. The crust was delightfully light tasting, not at all heavy, and the hint of lavender in the ice cream finished it off perfectly. I’m still dreaming of this pie today.

I am so happy that I can finally cross this restaurant off my Bucket List and add it to my Must Do Again list. It didn’t disappoint and the beautiful, elegant atmosphere made for a lovely dining experience with local flavour. We all had nothing but great things to say about it and would highly recommend for a special evening out, or whatever occasion suits your fancy.

A little history on the Building

Locals Restaurant is in the newly remodeled Comox Valley Heritage building which is known to local residents as The Old House. Much care was taken to preserve as much of the original building as possible and to blend the new with the old.  The Old House is valued as an eclectic example of Arts and Crafts architecture in Courtenay during the city’s first post-war expansion. It was constructed in 1938 as a residence for the Kirk family, and the house features locally produced wood construction with masonry detailing.

1760 Riverside Lane, Courtenay (Vancouver Island), BC