On the Island it’s white and green

DOC POW

Crowne Isle Golf and Country Club, BC Canada

Doc Pow gets some swings in at the Crowne Isle golf course.
BRANDON BOUCHER/SnowSeekers

COMOX-COURTENAY, BC — Vancouver Island is full of exceptional adventures that can keep anyone busy for a lifetime. Year-round caving, surfing, storm watching, salmon fishing, and golfing are only some of the attractions for the outdoor enthusiast.

On a recent visit to the west coast, I took the 35 minute drive from Mount Washington Alpine Resort to Crowne Isle Golf and Country Club just outside of Comox, one of the premier courses north of Victoria. The only trouble was, I didn’t know what to do with my snowboard boots. Can you valet these things?

Time to make a lifestyle change

“After years with Bell Canada, in 1997 my wife and I decided we needed to live somewhere we could golf, ski, and have a lot of fun,” said Ron Waugh, the club’s golf operations supervisor. “There are some days through the winter that we can get frost delayed, but for the most part, we are always open.”

My buddy Brandon Boucher and I got our turns in up on the slopes of Mount Washington until around 3 p.m., only to retire the boards and pick up the sticks for a round of nine holes to add some swing to our day.

“Comox and the valley around here offers so much just in the winter alone. I mean you can leave the shovel at home and sub in the skies and the clubs. What more can you ask for?” said Waugh.

Opportunities are numerous

“Just the chance to be able to golf and ski within 45 minutes of each other, to enjoy the spectacular scenery and then have the ability to get out for a hike or a dip in the water ... it's incredible. You feel like you're in a place where that no one has ever been before. That is the best part.”

This exceptional championship 18-hole course offers some outstanding views that look up at Mount Washington and the older ski resort in the area, Hidden Plateau. Crowne Isle is a full resort, with on-site accommodations and a stellar club house with an excellent menu.

The resort offers some great packages for both skiing and golfing, and yes, they do include both green fees and lift tickets in the same package. For more information, visit www.crownisle.com.