Cumberland, BC, Canada
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Cumberland, BC

Cumberland, B.C is a small community located west of Courtenay, BC on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is the home to Comox Lake, history and mountain biking. Comox Lake is a recreation destination. Coal mining is part of its history. Mountain biking is a major attraction.

Although Cumberland is a small community, it has been around for a long time. It was a coal mining town in the 1800s.. and mining continued until 1966. It was during these peak times that Cumberland was the industrial hub of the region.

At one point Cumberland was one of the bigger communities in the region due to the influx of coal miners. People arrived from all around the world to work in the mines. Today, the coal mining history of the community is still visiable by the rows on rows of old buildings that line the streets. Some are homes, some are shops.

Today the main street in the community is the commercial centre of Cumberland. The street is lined with stores like antique shops, restaurants, gift stores, gas stations and accommodations. Walking down main street, passing by old buildings, is a good way to explore in the community.

Located west of the community is Comox Lake. During the summer boaters, swimmers, campers and canoeists all enjoy time on Comox Lake. The lake park includes a boat launch and a campsite with picnic tables, picnic shelters, washrooms, swimming area, a concession stand, sandy beach and a children’s play park.

Cumberland is also well known as a moutain biking destination. The back country behind the community has many marked single track and downhill trails for the avid mountain biker. Trail maps are available in the community. Trails range from easy to extreme.

How to get to Cumberland:

From Victoria (South Vancouver Island) : Travel north for 111 kilometres on Highway #1 to the community of Nanaimo. From Nanaimo continue traveling on Hwy #1 (or travel the Oceanside Route - Inland Highway) north for 107 kilometres to the community of Courtenay. Approaching Courtenay look for signs turning west to Cumberland. Cumberland is located a short drive off the highway.

From Port Hardy (North Vancouver Island) : Travel south for 238 kilometres on Highway #19A to the community of Campbell River. From Campbell River continue traveling on Hwy #19 (or travel the Oceanside Route - Inland Highway) south for 50 kilometres to the community of Courtenay. Approaching Courtenay look for signs turning west to Cumberland. Cumberland is located a short drive off the highway.