Major city · Canada
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Go for 1–2 nights if you ski or ride; day-trip from Courtenay (40 min) otherwise. No car in winter means the ski bus or nothing.
Mount Washington is Vancouver Island's largest commercial ski area, 18 km up Strathcona Parkway from Highway 19 near Courtenay. Winter is downhill, cross-country, tubing and snowshoeing; summer is hiking and lift-served mountain biking. There is no town at the base — you sleep in Alpine Village or drive up from Courtenay or Campbell River.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Dec–Mar for snow; Jul–Sep for hiking and biking
- avoid Nov and Apr–May (thin or closed snow, mud season); check snow reports before booking
- Airports
- YQQ · YYJ
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mount Washington Alpine Resort911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mount Washington Alpine Resort, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyThe mountain is safe for normal resort use; the real risks are winter driving on Strathcona Parkway, unmarked tree wells and deep snow off-piste…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Health advice (BC, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYQQ Comox Valley Airport (Closest airport, about 45–60 min by car via Courtenay (check); seasonal flights from Vancouver and Calgary…
- Getting aroundYou need a car or the ski bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee on the mountaincheckC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerDraught beer in the resort barcheckC$8–12 (≈ US$6–9)
- Metro or bus rideValley bus, Courtenay/Cumberland returnC$20 (≈ US$15)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekcheckC$15–40 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedTwo-bedroom apartment, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
- Mid-range bedAlpine Village lodge room (queen), a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedAlpine Village lodge room (queen), a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$120 (≈ US$90) · Mid C$220 (≈ US$160) · High C$380 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YQQ Comox Valley Airport (Closest airport, about 45–60 min by car via Courtenay (check); seasonal flights from Vancouver and Calgary — check the schedule.) · YYJ Victoria International (About 3.5 h by car; the Victoria ski bus runs Fri–Sun in season, daily over the Christmas–New Year weeks.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
May
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Jun
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jul–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest Nov (19 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mount Washington Alpine Resort: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
18 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
15 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
17 rd
Apr
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
15 rd
May
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
13 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Oct
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
15 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
19 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car or the ski bus. From Courtenay take Cliffe Ave north, right on 1st St, left on Condensory Rd, left on Piercy Rd to Highway 19, then Exit 130 and 18 km up Strathcona Parkway to the end. In ski season a valley bus runs between the resort, Courtenay and Cumberland (about $20 round trip, 40–60 min each way), and a Victoria–Nanaimo ski bus runs Friday to Sunday, daily over the Christmas–New Year weeks. On the mountain everything is walkable from Alpine Village.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Drive 18 km (11 mi) down Strathcona Parkway, then Highway 19 southDrive 11 mi (18 km) down Strathcona Parkway, then Highway 19 south
Groceries, restaurants and the valley bus connection.
Door to door: About 40 min
Highway 19 north from Exit 130
Good base for the north island; whale-watching and fishing trips.
Door to door: About 50 min
Highway 19 south to Comox Valley
Airport, beaches and a quieter base than Courtenay.
Door to door: About 1.5 h by car
Highway 19 south, or the seasonal ski bus
Doable as a transfer day, not a return day trip in winter.
Door to door: About 3.5 h
Highway 19 to Highway 4 via Port Alberni
Too far for a day return; sleep on the west coast.
Door to door: About 2 h
Highway 19 south then Highway 4 west
A stop on the way to Tofino and Ucluelet, not a day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Alpine Village (on mountain)
The resort's on-mountain lodging: lodge rooms and 1–3 bedroom apartments steps from the lifts. Rates and minimum stays: check with the resort.
Courtenay
About 40 min down the mountain; hotels, motels, restaurants and groceries. Other on-mountain beds: check.
Campbell River
About 40 min north of the highway turnoff; useful if you are working your way up the island.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$120–180 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed (lift ticket, packed food, bus)
- Mid
- C$200–320 (≈ US$150–250) excl. bed (lift ticket, rentals, on-mountain meals)
- High
- C$350 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed (private lessons, gear demo, apartment)
Trip budget
| Alpine Village lodge room (queen)1 × 2 nights × C$190 | C$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$220 | C$880 |
| Valley bus, Courtenay/Cumberland return2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Ski bus from Nanaimo, return2 × C$53 | C$105 |
| Ski bus from Victoria, return2 × C$86 | C$171 |
| Parking on the mountain, per day1 × C$0 · check | C$0 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$158 |
| Trip total≈ C$434 per person per day, bed included | C$1,734≈ US$1,300 |
check
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; lift tickets, rentals and lessons excluded. Alpine Village bed rates are check — confirm with the resort. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee on the mountaincheck | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Burger or bowl at an on-mountain outletcheck | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Draught beer in the resort barcheck | C$8–12 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Lift ticket, adult full daycheck; cheaper midweek and in advance | C$90–130 (≈ US$70–95) |
| Ski or snowboard rental, full daycheck | C$50–80 (≈ US$40–60) |
| Valley bus, Courtenay/Cumberland return | C$20 (≈ US$15) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a weekcheck | C$15–40 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter driving: Strathcona Parkway climbs 18 km (11 mi) and can require chains or winter tires; check road and snow conditions before you leave Courtenay.Winter driving: Strathcona Parkway climbs 11 mi (18 km) and can require chains or winter tires; check road and snow conditions before you leave Courtenay.
- No petrol, no hospital and very limited groceries on the mountain (check) — fill up and shop in Courtenay.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the upper mountain and on the parkway (check).
- Summer bike park riding is on steep, loose terrain: full-face helmet and pads, and check trail status daily.
- Book Alpine Village and lift tickets ahead for weekends, holidays and the Christmas–New Year period (check).
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Health advice (BC, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Mount Washington Alpine ResortMount Washington Alpine Resort
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Health advice (BC, 24 h)811
Embassy
No consulate on the island; US consulate-general in Vancouver, other embassies in Ottawa. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Valley bus, Courtenay/Cumberland return: about C$20 (≈ US$15), 40–60 min each way
- Ski bus from Nanaimo, return: about C$52.50 (≈ US$40), 1.5 h each way
- Ski bus from Victoria, return: about C$85.50 (≈ US$65), 3.5 h each way
English is spoken everywhere; no local phrase needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar for snow; Jul–Sep for hiking and biking · avoid Nov and Apr–May (thin or closed snow, mud season); check snow reports before booking · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Snow-report and road-condition fixtures for the parkway, with chain requirements and bus fallbacks.
- Lift, rental and lesson price pages with verified 2026 season rates and cutoffs.
- Alpine Village unit pages with verified nightly rates, taxes and minimum stays.
- Summer bike-park trail status and shuttle pages.
Sources
Ask about Mount Washington Alpine Resort
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