Air Force Beach is a 2km sandy beach on Kye Bay north of Comox, BC, operated by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services at 19 Wing Comox. Civilian access requires a paid parking pass ($5/day or $30/year + GST), available at the TeePee Park office on-site. The beach features warm tidal pools at low tide, fire rings, washrooms, and a summer food kiosk, with access from 6 am to 10 pm from April through September.
At Air Force Beach, there is a large parking lot with plenty of room to explore, though parking costs; Kye Beach, which is free, has more shade and a smaller parking lot. Below you will find information to help you decide which one is best for you.
Parking, Facilities, and Beach Access
- Best for: Families, sand play, a day in the sun and low-tide beach walks
- Cost: Daily parking $5 or Annual $30 + GST; buy at TeePee Park office source
- Season: May–September for beach days; shoulder seasons are quieter with great low-tide walks
- Facilities: Washrooms near the office; food kiosk in summer; fires allowed in rings with a proper permit
- Dogs: Dogs on leash; check on-site signage for any seasonal rules
- Map: Google Maps • Trail map: AllTrails
Hidden behind the Comox Valley Airport is one of the nicest beaches on Vancouver Island, a 2km stretch of white sand worth visiting. Air Force Beach is a private beach at the end of Kilmorley Road in Comox. Once the road ends, the sign reads, “Passes only at this time.” Continue through the gate to the office, where you can purchase your daily or yearly parking pass.
Kilometres of white sand beach await you. Operated by the Canadian Military, this privately run beach and campground is home to the best beach in the Comox Valley and arguably Vancouver Island.
The primary function of Air Force Beach and TEE PEE Park Campground is to provide camping and beach areas for authorized military personnel, family members, and guests. Luckily for us, with the purchase of a parking pass, civilians can enjoy crystal clear water and a stunning sandy beach. As you pull up to the entrance, it’s evident that the military owns and operates this area. You will quickly notice the fencing and signage that you might expect a military operation to have.
Entrance and Parking
The entrance into Air Force Beach can be intimidating. The gates are open all year round, and although it doesn’t look very welcoming, drive through until you reach the main camp office. Here, you can purchase a day parking pass or a yearly pass. Two parking lots are available. The lower lot is closer to the beach but is smaller. The upper, larger parking lot is big enough to park a trailer or motorhome.
Beach Access:
6:00 am – 10:00 pm April 1st – Sept 30th
8:00 am – 6:00 pm Oct 1st – March 31st
Throughout the summer, the food kiosk next to the camp office offers hot dogs, chicken fingers, ice cream, and drinks at a reasonable price. The office building also houses well-maintained and very clean restrooms. They have running water and showers. During the winter months, portapotties are located at the pavilion.
Fires are allowed on the beach with a proper permit and following the park guidelines. Burning of beach driftwood is prohibited.
The beach is unsupervised, so swim at your own risk.
Walking along the Air Force Beach, you will notice large driftwood structures like our very own west coast cabanas thrown together along the edge of the beach, offering protection from the wind and elements.
Air Force Beach gets its name from the airport, and the Canadian Air Force operates out of the military base on the property. It is an operating airport but not overly busy. You might have the opportunity to spot fighter jets, Snowbirds, or other military craft.
Kye Beach – Elks and Royal Purple Park
Elks and Royal Purple Park are at the southeast end of the beach, home to a small parking lot, picnic tables, a kids’ park, and washrooms. During the busy season, it’s common to see a food and ice cream truck parked there, feeding all of the visitors.
Directions To Kye Beach – Google Maps
You will find a rocky shore that isn’t as pretty, but in just a short walk along the bay, you’ll get to the same white sand you find at Air Force Beach.
Kye Bay Beach’s biggest benefit over Airforce Beach is its FREE. Although the access point is only 2km away, it’s located on the other side of the airport. To reach the other side of Kye Bay is an 11km drive around the Comox Valley Airport.
Which Beach is Best in the Courtenay Comox Area
If you are planning to stay for the day and are wondering which beach is best for you, consider the affordable $5 parking fee at Air Force Beach. You’ll find better washrooms, more space, and a better overall experience.
Whether you decide to visit Air Force or Kye Beach, you won’t be disappointed, as Kye Cove is known for being close to the top of the list of Vancouver Island Beaches. It’s recommended to head out during low tide to get the full ‘beach life’ payoff.
