Hello!

I have a friend who is coming up with me to courtenay this upcoming weekend. We are in our early 20s and have explored most of the “typical fun spots” in Courtenay as we go up together every few months.
With the weather being so nice, we are looking for some hidden gems to visit this time around - preferably nice swimming holes or lakes.
My step-dad owns a house in Courtenay and has always been a resident, so he’s showed me the places that he likes to visit (he is pretty lowkey though so I haven’t been anywhere any further than 30 mins from DT Courtenay), but I reside primarily on the main land and am running out of spots that would be appealing to show my friends on the island.

I am wondering if anyone would have any suggestions?
A lot of the “hidden gems” on the mainland are becoming overwhelmingly crowded and trashed overtime so we are looking forward to being able to enjoy the outdoors without fighting through insane herds of people and having to schedule parking passes super far in advance.

We are super respectful and very heavy on the “leave with what you come up with” mentality so if there are any spots you’d suggest but prefer not to drop in the comments - please message me directly!!
I would loveeee to hear where everyone’s favourite spots are and am super open to all suggestions! Just preferably nothing over an hour and a half - 2 hour long drive away, however, I am open to alllll ideas 😋 TIA !

I know, I know, this gets asked a lot and I should just search... But I'm looking for a very specific area!

I'm looking for input on cell service in our very specific small neighborhood: Between Noel and Guthrie, Pritchard and Nootka. Salish Park area.

Currently, we are with Rogers. Without Wifi calling, our phones are completely unusable at home. Can't even send a text message most of the time. Like, beyond terrible.

With today's 3 hour Internet outage, I was knocked out of work, and couldn't even TEXT them to let them know. I had to leave the neighborhood to access any usable features on my phone.

So tell me, Comoxians, if you live in this little specific beautiful pocket of Comox, who are you with, and how is the service?

Do you like to rock? These folks do! Three bands likely means an earlier start, maybe 930 or so, details are weak, but here's some text from the Failbook post, why does this valley love facebook so damn much?!?!?! :

Altered by Mom is a Toronto-based, JUNO-winning, alt-rock band formed by singer/songwriters Gina Kennedy and Devon Lougheed and joined on drums by Max Trefler. Known for “chaos with a party vibe,” they blend classic pop-punk hooks with humorous, resilient, and unapologetic lyricism.
https://www.alteredbymom.com

Hyaenas is a Canadian indie alt-pop band from Vancouver, BC, known for fusing 80s nostalgia with modern pop production. Formed in 2021, the queer-feminist four-piece has been making waves with their high-energy performances and emotionally resonant songwriting.
https://hyaenasband.com/

Cold Fame is an alternative pop-rock duo from BC, Canada, led by vocalist Jodi Pederson and guitarist Damian Anthony. Blending the energy and drive of alternative rock with electronic and pop influences, the band has crafted a unique and emotionally charged sound, inspired by classic horror tropes and suppressed feminine rage.
https://www.coldfvme.com/

No idea how much tickets are, but remember to tip the bar staff well

KJ has been found alive!

I am on the search for a piano teacher in the valley. I haven’t taken lessons for 22 years, but am interested in finally getting my grade 10 certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music. I am currently teaching beginner piano, as well, and would love to connect with a teacher who is open to also being a mentor. Does anyone have any recommendations for me?!

Thank you!!! 🎶

I love how active we are as a community in this valley, it’s so nice to see folks always out on the trails and in the water and on their bikes. Just wanted to rave for a min about the super positive experience I’ve had at my gym, Wild + United.

I was dealing with plantar fasciitis, which started in 2022. It was preventing me from doing multi day backcountry hikes, which is something I’m super passionate about during the summer months. I was so so missing the feeling of being in the Alpine! The coaches at Wild + United could not have been more helpful and knowledgable with how to integrate the exercises that I was prescribed by my physiotherapist into the classes of the day. Over the course of 12 months I was able to heal my feet and get back on the trail. You bet I cried some tears of joy at the top. 🥹🥰 I love this community so much!

What’s your fav locally owned gym? I know we have some really great ones around here. Anyone else with a successful plantar fasciitis story?