Travel and Tourism information for
Mt. Washington, Vancouver Island, BC
Chalets at Mt. Washington Village.
North of Forbidden Plateau and 23 km west of the
central Comox Valley city of Courtenay on Vancouver Island, Mt.
Washington rises to a height of 1585 m (5200 ft) above the adjacent
Comox Valley.
Vancouver Island’s largest skiing and snowboarding area, Mount
Washington Alpine Resort offers unique alpine experiences to its
visitors year round. During the winter months record snowfalls
create a paradise for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross country
skiing. In the summer months the alpine meadows burst into bloom
and hikers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds
take over the slopes at Mount Washington.
Nestled at the base of the ski slopes is Mount Washington
Village, a growing mountain village of seasonal lodging and
year-round chalets.
History
Mt. Washington was named in 1864 after British
Navy hydrographer John Washington. Until the late 1970s the
mountain was accessed only by logging companies and hikers. One
clear winter day about in 1980 years ago, three local foresters
flew by and look and were astounded at the quantity of snow. With
a fourth Victoria-based partner, they resolved to develop ski
facilities on the mountain. While slow to expand, Mount Washington
Alpine Resort is today the second mostt popular ski area in
BC.
Climate
While residents and visitors to the Comox Valley are teeing off on
the golf course on winter days when the rain subsides, the
precipitation on the mountain usually falls as snow. Mt.
Washington has boasted the deepest snow base in North America on
some years, and is nearly always near the top of the list.
Travel to Mt. Washington
Mount Washington is located 23 km west of the Comox Valley, 50 km
south of Campbell River and 110 km north of Nanaimo, on Vancouver
Island.
By Car
Take the Island Island Hwy. (#19) to Exit 130. Follow the paved
Strathcona Parkway for 16 km. (Approx. drive time: 1 1/2 hr from
Nanaimo, 3 hours from Victoria).
By Ferry
The Nanaimo ferry terminals
are serviced from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen on the Lower
Mainland.
By Air
Daily air service from
Vancouver to the Comox Valley Regional Airport (YQQ) is available.
Westjet flies direct from Calgary and Edmonton to Comox.
By Bus
Travel from Nanaimo or Victoria on Smith Transportation , or
Smith's Mount Washington Ski Bus (Nanaimo 250 756-2544 Victoria 250
382-2544 or 1-877-756-2544).
Travel from Victoria on Grayline's McDonald's Ski Express (250
388-5248 or 1-800-318-0818).
The Comox Valley has something for everyone: culture,
scenic beauty, numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, mild climate
and a relaxed lifestyle are all here to enjoy.
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