4h: YQQ is a small, efficient airport, so a short layover is best spent close by. After arrival, clear formalities and step outside for fresh Vancouver Island air and mountain views. If you want to stretch your legs, take a short taxi (5–10 minutes) to the Comox Marina Park area: stroll the waterfront walkway, watch seaplanes and boats in Comox Harbour, and grab a coffee or snack at nearby cafés along Port Augusta Street or Comox Avenue. If you prefer to stay at the airport, relax in the terminal’s seating areas, use Wi‑Fi to plan your trip, and enjoy a snack from on‑site vendors while watching aircraft movements. Be sure to return to the airport at least 60–90 minutes before your next domestic flight (longer for international) as there is no rapid public transit directly serving YQQ.
8h: With about 8 hours, you can see a slice of the Comox Valley. From YQQ, take a taxi or rideshare to downtown Comox (about 10 minutes). Start at Comox Marina Park and the Harbour Walkway for ocean and mountain views, then wander up to Comox Avenue for boutiques, cafés, and galleries. Continue to Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park to explore heritage buildings and landscaped grounds overlooking the water. If you enjoy beaches and easy trails, head a bit farther to Goose Spit Park for a walk along the narrow spit with panoramic views of the Coast Mountains and Baynes Sound. Alternatively, go to nearby Courtenay (15–20 minutes from the airport) to explore 5th Street’s shops and restaurants, or visit the Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre. Plan your time so you’re back at YQQ at least 90 minutes before departure, factoring in taxi availability and potential ferry or highway traffic if you’ve ventured farther afield.
24h: A full day or overnight layover lets you experience more of the Comox Valley’s outdoor and culinary highlights. After landing at YQQ, drop your bags at a hotel in Comox or Courtenay. Spend the day exploring the waterfront at Comox Marina Park, Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, and Goose Spit Park for beach walks, birdwatching, and sunset views. Head into Courtenay to stroll historic 5th Street, browse local shops, and dine at farm‑to‑table restaurants showcasing Vancouver Island seafood and produce. If you have a car and the season cooperates, drive up to Mount Washington Alpine Resort (about 40–45 minutes from the airport) for hiking, mountain biking, or scenic chairlift rides in summer, and skiing or snowboarding in winter. Nature lovers can visit Seal Bay Nature Park or Nymph Falls Nature Park for forest and riverside trails. In the evening, sample local craft beer or cider at a Comox Valley brewery or cidery, then overnight in town. Allow generous time to drive back to YQQ, return any rental car, and check in—especially in winter or if you’re coming down from Mount Washington.