I quietly stepped up to the small, screened window allowing me a direct view into the eagle house. He was perched in full view, his female companion Hyacinth closeby. Humpty, who did, indeed, have a great (and near fatal) fall from the nest, is now a perfectly...

  When I see snow on the mountain peaks, I pine for an escape to Mt. Washington. I mean really, how lucky are we to have such a fantastic place so close by and where there is so much to do. While downhill skiing is my number one craving, I also have a strong...

It is 100% true, the only place on Vancouver Island where you can ski, beachcomb, golf, bike and be an urban explorer in the same place, is right here in the Comox Valley.  It’s amazing really, to think that you can wake up at the Old House Hotel and, less than one...

I am on my way to a way-too-hot destination in the U.S, and I’ve just opened West Jet Magazine. An article catches my eye because it reads like our Old House newsletter subject line: Extend Your Summer on Vancouver Island. “Ah, great, I think to myself, let’s see what...

There for a while, when our kids were small and we were choosing a hotel, we’d search for the ones with a free breakfast. At first glance, those spreads looked scrumptious. But once they got to my fork, the cold scrambled eggs, processed syrup, tasteless melon and...

Maybe our Outside the Old House Front Door blog should be renamed "Inside" the Old House Front Door, because this adventure doesn't require you to leave the Hotel at all.  It starts "inside" at Ohspa, with my first and completely rejuvinating experience with Glacial...

It is a breezy, sunny Sunday afternoon, and we've decided to finally make good on a promise to Patti Wilson, one of our favourite Locals Restaurant waitresses.  She is a vibrant woman whose short, wildly cool haircut, funky glasses and sense of humour radiate energy,...

For the longest time, I have set out from the Old House to walk the spectacular trail that borders the Courtenay River and its sister K’omoks Estuary. It plays out like a movie that completely relaxes and uplifts me, that is until the very end where a parting scene...

There is place in howling distance of the Old House Hotel, that will likely change you forever. People have come from as far as Belgium to see one single animal, Tundra the wolf at the SWELL WOLF EDUCATION CENTRE. As close to wolf as you can get (90%), this amazing...

If you're staying at The Old House, it is likely that you’ll be dining in at some point or maybe the whole time!  You might crave a quiet morning with breakfast in bed or a happy hour in your room enjoying locally-made wine, cheeses and meats.  Perhaps movie night by...

To be sure, heaven on earth can found in hundreds of places here in the Comox Valley. It could be found floating along the gentle current of the Puntledge River, beachcombing an expanse of Williams Beach, sunbathing on the rock of Seal Bay as boisterous marine friends...

One of the best kept secrets in Courtenay is the actual place you go to get information about the best kept secrets in Courtenay and the entire island!   The The Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, just off Route 19 and Comox Valley Parkway, might have been more aptly...

I must admit, I love adventures.  I’ll also admit that there is often angst associated with embarking on them – the packing, the I-think-might-be-getting-a-cold syndrome before leaving, the last-minute work assignment, the dog just threw up scenario, the...

Dogs. Leave home without them? Are you kidding? Dogs are part of our family; leaving home without them is often not an option for many of us, including me.  At the Old House Hotel, I am happy to say dogs are mighty welcome.  Upon checking in, pups are offered Faithful...

My house is a collection of pottery from special places around the world. It’s not worth millions, but each piece is a treasure, and I’ve loved unpacking them after every move! In fact, just a few weeks ago, I stuffed two pieces in my large purse (thanks to Hides in...

Outside the Old House Front Door... A Comox Valley Explorer Blog It figures that if you’re looking for cool gifts, best to go to where the selection is huge right? Well, actually not always. In fact, one of my favourite places to find gifts for friends and family (and...

“It’s just you and the wind.” I wish I could spend more time doing the sports I love, but even more so, trying the ones still on the "to-do" list. Lately kite boarding or “kiting" is piquing my interest. Why? Because a few months ago, new business associate, Todd...

Thank you Comox Valley for naming us the best place to get a facial and a finalist for the best pedicure! The entire team here at Ohspa could not be more thrilled!