Comox Valley International Airport / CFB Comox

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) sits on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, about 6 kilometres south of the town of Comox and 20 minutes from Courtenay. It's a regional airport that serves the Comox Valley, a region known for its mountains, ocean, and outdoor recreation. The airport handles scheduled flights from Air Canada, WestJet, and Pacific Coastal, connecting the area to Vancouver, Calgary, and other destinations. With a single terminal building and a single runway, it's compact but efficient—check-in to gate can be done in under 15 minutes on a quiet day. Yet during peak hours, especially weekday mornings around 10 am, the terminal fills with commuters, military personnel from nearby CFB Comox, and travellers heading south for work or holidays.

Getting There

Comox Valley Airport is located at 4900 Discovery Drive in Comox, British Columbia. Driving is the most common way to reach it. From downtown Comox, the trip takes about 10 minutes via Ryan Road and the Comox Valley Parkway. From Courtenay, expect a 15- to 20-minute drive south on the Old Island Highway or the parallel Inland Highway. Parking is available directly in front of the terminal: there's a short-term lot for drop-offs and a long-term lot for stays of several days. Rates are reasonable compared to Vancouver Island's larger airports.

For those without a car, taxis and ride-shares operate regularly from Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland. The B.C. Transit bus route 2 (Comox–Courtenay) stops near the airport entrance, but it's a short walk from the stop to the terminal—plan for that. Cycling is possible, but the road lacks dedicated bike lanes in some sections. The airport itself has no direct hotel shuttle, though several accommodation options in Comox offer courtesy vans for guests. If you're flying out early, book a taxi the night before, as morning demand is high.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Comox Valley Airport is a single-story building with a straightforward layout. Upon entering, the check-in counters are to the left and the security screening is straight ahead. The departures area has a few rows of seating before security, but most passengers head straight through after checking bags. Security is staffed by CATSA, and the line moves quickly even during the busiest times—Monday through Thursday at 10 am—because the airport handles only a few flights at a time. Expect a wait of 10 to 20 minutes at peak, less outside those hours.

Beyond security, the departures lounge is compact but comfortable. It offers wheelchair-accessible seating, gender-neutral toilets, and a changing table for families. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the terminal. There is no restaurant past security, but a small café before security serves coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. The airport is fully wheelchair-accessible, with an accessible entrance, car park, toilet, and assistive hearing loops. Wheelchair rental is available upon request through the airline or at the airport information desk. The gate area has a few charging stations, though they can be occupied during peak times. Boarding is usually by bus to the aircraft, as there are no jet bridges—dress for the weather, especially in winter.

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) and Comox

Comox is a town of about 14,000 people, but the larger Comox Valley—including Courtenay and Cumberland—has a population of over 70,000. The valley sits at the intersection of the Strait of Georgia and the Beaufort Mountain Range, which means spectacular scenery and myriad outdoor activities. For many visitors, the airport is the gateway to skiing at Mount Washington, hiking in Strathcona Provincial Park, or fishing on the Comox Lake or Puntledge River. The area is also home to CFB Comox, a Canadian Forces base that operates the airport jointly with the civilian terminal.

The town of Comox itself has a historic waterfront, with a marina, restaurants, and the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park—a 9-acre heritage site with gardens and beach access. The Comox Air Force Museum, near the base, chronicles military aviation history. Courtenay, just north, offers the Courtenay and District Museum, which features fossils from the local Puntledge River—including an elasmosaur skeleton. In Cumberland, you'll find a former mining town turned mountain-biking destination, with trails that have hosted national competitions.

People travel to Comox for its blend of coastal and mountain recreation, its quieter pace than Vancouver or Victoria, and its strong local food scene—ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to artisan bakeries. The airport's role in connecting this region to the rest of Canada is crucial: the drive to Vancouver requires a ferry or a six-hour journey including the ferry ride, so flying saves significant time. Flights from Comox to Vancouver take about 30 minutes, and to Calgary about 90 minutes.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily, but hours vary. Check the website for exact times, as the terminal typically opens 90 minutes before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Phone: +1 250-890-0829. Website: http://www.comoxairport.com/. The busiest times are weekday mornings around 10 am, when flights to Vancouver depart. If you're flying during those hours, arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. For other times, 45 minutes is usually enough.

One concrete piece of advice: if you're parking for more than three days, consider the off-site lot operated by the airport—it's cheaper than the main lot and a short shuttle ride away. And since the café before security closes early, bring snacks if you're on a late afternoon flight, especially on weekends when nearby options are limited.