The free swims will begin tomorrow, Saturday, July 3rd and run through to Saturday, August 21st from 1-4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome on a first come, first served basis restricted only by pool bathing load capacity. The wave pool, slides, sauna and hot tub will be open as will the fitness centre.

“It is our goal to establish closer relationships with companies, businesses and organizations which will provide greater aquatic recreational opportunities within the Comox Valley and increase the profile of our sponsors,” said Sheila Van Nus, the CVRD’s marketing specialist. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Canadian Western Bank to enhance its corporate image and share likeminded values such as health, wellness, accessibility and community spirit.”

For more information on the ‘Free Saturday Swim Program’, or for information on the Comox Valley sports and aquatic centre schedules and programs visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca.

Where to picnic may depend largely on your circumstances. If you need something with easy access you may want to consider stopping by the Courtenay Airpark or Lewis Park along the River. For those with kids, any one of the many playgrounds would serve you well, or of course you may want to consider Comox Lake, or one of the fabulous ocean beaches like Kye Bay or perhaps Goose Spit. While it may be a bit of a drive north, Miracle Beach has long been a favorite Picnic Spot.

Stotan Falls, Comox Valley

If your kids are a bit older, Stotan Falls (at least when the water levels are low enough) is a fantastic place to kick off your shoes and enjoy a bite and a brisk dip in the water.

For the more adventurous, why not consider packing a lunch and heading out on a hike up in Paradise Meadows – There are plenty of spots along the trails to stop for a scenic bite to eat.

The Comox Valley is home to almost countless picnic venues. Where are your favorite spots? Be sure to drop a comment on this post and let us know where you like to head out on those warm sunny afternoons!

For the golfing enthusiasts there are ample golf courses to choose from. Crown Isle caters to the seasoned golfers, but amateurs are welcome too. If you are looking for more of a pitch and putt, longlands offers a shorter course perfect for beginners. For those of you who want a few longer holes, but are either too worried about slicing a ball into the windows of some high value real estate or just don’t want to spend a fortune Mulligan’s may be more your style, with twilight rates as low as only $8!

For those mountain bikers out there the trails are ready to go with a wide variety of options for the hard-core extremists as well as the entry level riders. Cumberland has plenty of great trails to choose from, especially if you are looking for some big air, or you can take it easy with the chip trails over at Seal Bay.

Kayaking is also a great pastime during the summer months with some great river, lake, and ocean kayaking available. A popular drop in spot is not far from down town, at the north end of the Courtenay Airpark – you can then paddle up stream to Lewis Park, or head out into the estuary and Comox Harbour. For the next few months, just follow the signs for the construction on Cliffe Ave and you’ll get there!

We can’t forget about the many Comox Valley beaches! There is endless water fun in all corners of the Valley. If you want Lake, River, or Ocean swimming it’s all here. There are some great beaches around Comox Lake and along the Puntledge River. Sandy ocean beaches can be found at Miracle Beach, Kye Bay, and Goose Spit to name a few.

No matter what you are into, if it’s recreation, you will find it here in the Comox Valley! For some more ideas, be sure to check out our Comox Valley Recreation page!

To date the Cumberland Community Forrest Society has raised enough money to purchase and donate 150 acres to the Village of Cumberland, and are looking to acquire a second parcel of the historic forest to preserve the hiking and biking trails for the community.

Last year they raised more than $7,500 and are hoping to do even better this year.  If you are looking for some spare parts, or even a new bike, but sure to check out the Bitz and show your support. For more information be sure to visit www.cumberlandforest.com.

We were going to post a bunch of tips and advice to help you out should you encounter one of these hungry animals, but a couple other sites have done such a great job, we will just give you a couple links to read up.

• Our Big Earth: A Spring Primer on Cougar & Bear Safety. Published on May 30, 2010
• Comox Valley MTP: Cougars and Mountain Bikers – Not a Great Mix. Published on May 12, 2010

Due to the continuing extreme dry weather and high fire hazard, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is implementing a ban on fires at its Goose Spit regional park effective Friday July 31st, and continuing until further notice.

This ban follows the provincial government’s fire ban and is undertaken in the name of safety of property and surrounding flammable landscape.

“The CVRD is exercising caution during these very dry conditions,” said fire services manager James Bast. “Several jurisdictions have followed the province’s lead in implementing local bans, and we have assessed the situation at Goose Spit and have determined that a ban at this time would be in the public interest.”

Although only a portion of the spit is CVRD parkland, there are Department of National Defence structures along one end and, vegetation all along the spit and bluffs covered in grass and shrubs nearby.

“The regional district requests the community’s full cooperation in adhering to this ban,” said Bast.

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing nearly 60,000 residents with 85 services — from parks to full-service sports facilities to a solid waste system that serves both the CVRD and the Strathcona Regional District.

Registration is until noon and the official kite fly runs from 12:30 to 3:30. There are a number or prizes in categories such as: Peoples Choice, Hard Luck Flyer, Stunt Kites, Largest Home Made Kite, Family Entry, Oldest Pilot, and Smallest Kite.

Be sure to head on down for the fun!

The games will take place at Lewis Park again this year on Saturday May 16th, 2009. The all day event features drumming, highland dancing, and a variety of events. The day starts off with a 7:30am Pancake breakfast and individual piping. For more information you can call 250.897.8885

Highland Games Schedule of Events

7:30-10:00
Pancake Breakfast

9:00
Dancing Begins
Individual Piping & Drumming

9:30
Heavy Games Registration

10:00
Heavy Games Begin

11:00
Bear Garden Opens

1:30
Dancing Begins

2:30
Pipe Band Competition Begins

4:30
Massed Bands

May 1 – September 7, 2009

• 10 fire rings available for your enjoyment
• Firewood for sale daily from 4:30 – 10 pm
• Hibachi barbecues and propane fires are allowed year round
• Burn only untreated, dry firewood
• Bring a pail for water to completely extinguish fires
• Extinguish fires by 11 pm

More information on beach fires can be found at the Regional District website.

Pre-registration takes place at 11, with the swim set for noon.

Dress up in your best costume, pack your hot chocolate and join everyone at the beach for the fun!

The Courier Islander recommends some tips provided by VIHA:

• If you have heart disease or any known medical condition consult your doctor first
• Do NOT drink alcohol before the swim, it accelerates hypothermia
• Make your stay in the water as brief as possible
• Don’t get undressed until immediately before going into the water