THE
VILLAGE OF CUMBERLAND

Cumberland brings a lively village feel to everyday life. Independent shops, cafés, and restaurants line its historic streets, while forest trails and Comox Lake offer ways to spend time outdoors. 

For people who love a close-knit community with easy access to nature, Cumberland offers a way to live in the Comox Valley.

Let’s find a piece of Cumberland that feels like home.

4,952

Est. Population
(2024)*

171/km²

Pop. Density
(Est. 2024)*

2.7%

Est. Growth
(2023-2024)*

39.2

Median Age
(2021)*

$86,000

Median Household Income (2020)*

Your Guide to Life in Cumberland, BC

Choosing a home also means getting to know the community around it. This Cumberland guide brings together practical information on schools, North Island College, parks, recreation, youth activities, dining, faith communities, senior care, and emergency services. Explore the sections below to see what’s nearby, with some resources covering the wider Comox Valley.

If you’re planning to buy or sell, I can help you put that local information to work. As a Cumberland REALTOR® serving the Comox Valley, I’ll answer your questions, help you weigh your options, and make a clear plan for your next move.

K-12 Schools in Cumberland's Catchment

If you’re looking at homes in Cumberland, school locations and daily travel may shape which streets you consider. Explore K–12 options in the village and across the Comox Valley, and confirm the current school catchment for any property that interests you.

2 schools

School Grades Type Students (2025/26)
Cumberland Community School Cumberland · elementary and junior secondary K–9 Public 683
Georges P. Vanier Secondary Courtenay · receiving secondary school 8–12 Public 1,453

School pathways

See the usual neighbourhood route from Cumberland to graduation, then confirm the assignment for your address with SD71.

The neighbourhood route reflects SD71’s published 2021 feeder chart, not a verified 2026 placement for any particular address. Catchments, placements and programs can change.

Find your catchment

Cumberland neighbourhood pathway

  1. 1. Elementary and junior secondary · K–9 Cumberland Community School
  2. 2. Secondary · Grades 10–12 Georges P. Vanier Secondary (Courtenay)

Vanier offers Grades 8–12 overall; students following the Cumberland Community School route normally enter after Grade 9.

French immersion option

SD71 offers French immersion at designated schools outside Cumberland, with secondary French immersion at École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld in Courtenay. Contact the district for current entry points, application rules, transportation and placement. Living in Cumberland does not guarantee a French immersion place.

Explore French immersion

Pathway sources: SD71 feeder chart (2021), pages 31–32 and SD71 French immersion information. This overview covers Cumberland’s neighbourhood route, not every district program.

North Island College Near Cumberland

Cumberland residents can access post-secondary education and career training at North Island College’s Comox Valley campus in Courtenay. If study or professional development is part of your plans, it’s a useful connection to consider during your Cumberland home search.

Comox Valley campus

2300 Ryan Road · Courtenay

NIC’s largest campus offers a range of post-secondary programs, including its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Explore the campus, book a tour, or check which programs are currently offered here.

Find a program

Degrees · Diplomas · Certificates · Trades

Use NIC’s program finder to browse subjects and filter by the Comox Valley campus. Program availability and delivery locations can change from term to term.

Continuing Education

2137 Comox Avenue · Comox office

Explore short courses, professional training and community learning. NIC’s Continuing Education office is in Comox; individual classes may take place at other locations.

Student housing & services

Comox Valley campus · Courtenay

NIC’s tul’al’txw student housing is open, with individual, group and family options. The campus also offers student services, library access and places to study.

Information checked September 26, 2026. Confirm current programs, course locations, housing availability and admission details directly with North Island College. External links open in a new tab.

Kids’ & Youth Activities in Cumberland

Looking for a home in Cumberland means getting to know what young people can do beyond school hours, too. Village recreation programs, outdoor spaces and activities across the Comox Valley offer kids and teens ways to play, learn and pursue their interests.

Comox Valley United Soccer Club

Soccer · Valley-wide

Recreational and development pathways for young players, with program choices by age and season.

Comox Valley Wild Lacrosse

Box lacrosse · Field lacrosse

A local lacrosse association for young players. Visit the club for current divisions, seasons and registration.

Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association

Minor hockey · Ice sports

Team hockey for children and youth, based around the Valley’s ice facilities.

Comox Valley Raiders Youth Football

Flag football · Tackle football

Youth football programs include spring flag and fall tackle. Check the club for current age divisions and playing fields.

Comox Valley Baseball Association

Minor baseball · Team play

Local baseball programs for young players, with registration and field details available through the association.

Comox Valley Sharks Swim Club

Year-round swim club · Development · Competition

The Comox Valley Aquatic Club offers swim groups from early development through competitive levels.

Comox Valley Blue Devils

Summer swim club · Competition

A seasonal summer swim team for young swimmers. Check the current registration and practice schedule.

Raiders Cheer

Sideline cheer · Youth teams

The Raiders offer cheer alongside their youth football programs, with practices and game-day locations that vary by season.

Tumble City Courtenay

Sport cheer · Gymnastics · Tumbling

Explore cheer and movement programs at Tumble City’s Courtenay location. Confirm class availability with the studio.

Comox Valley Jets Softball

Youth softball · Team play

The Comox Valley Baseball Association also lists a Jets softball program. Check current age groups and registration.

Swimming and skating lessons

Comox Valley Regional District · Recreation

Explore children’s swim lessons, skating lessons and seasonal day camps at regional recreation facilities.

Comox Community Centre

Children’s recreation · Camps · Indoor sports

A central place to browse Comox recreation classes, camps and activities for kids.

Comox Valley Arts

Visual art · Youth workshops · Camps

Creative learning opportunities for young people, including workshops and seasonal art camps.

Comox Valley Youth Music Centre

Music · Musical theatre · Summer programs

Music and performing arts programs for young people, with offerings that vary by season.

Sitka Stage & Screen

Acting · Theatre · Film

Acting classes, theatre activities and workshops for juniors, youth and teens in the Comox Valley.

Rainbow Youth Theatre

Youth theatre · Productions

A community theatre group where young performers can take part in productions and build stage skills. Rehearsal venues vary by show.

GAMUT Creative & Performing Arts

Physical theatre · Acting · Creative performance

A performance and creation program combining movement, theatre and collaborative projects. Check age and entry requirements.

CYMC Musical Theatre

Singing · Acting · Stage performance

The Comox Valley Youth Music Centre offers a musical theatre program for young performers when scheduled.

Courtenay Recreation arts programs

Creative classes · Youth programs

Browse the current recreation guide for age-specific arts and creative activities at Courtenay facilities.

Pantuso Dance

Ballet · Jazz · Hip-hop · Musical theatre

Explore dance styles and class levels for children and teens at this Courtenay studio.

Triple Heat Dance Studios

Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Hip-hop

Programs range from early childhood dance to classes for older students and performers.

Laurie Tinkler School of Dance

Highland · Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Irish

A longstanding Comox Valley studio offering a range of dance styles for young learners.

Studio G Dance Academy

Ballet · Contemporary · Performance

A Courtenay dance studio with classes for children and teens, from recreational learning to further training.

Community recreation dance

Introductory classes · Seasonal programs

Check Courtenay and Comox recreation guides for current dance classes and camps.

The LINC Youth Centre

Drop-in · Indoor skatepark · Games

A youth space in Courtenay with an indoor skatepark, games and social activities. Check age groups and the weekly schedule before visiting.

Scouts Canada

Scouting · Outdoor skills · Community

Use the national group finder to check which Beaver, Cub, Scout and older youth groups currently meet in the Comox Valley.

Cadets Canada

Sea · Army · Air cadets

Use the official unit finder to locate current cadet units, meeting sites and eligibility near Courtenay and Comox.

Comox Valley Youth Unlimited

Youth connection · Group activities

A faith-based organization offering youth gatherings and activities across the Valley. Check current programs and locations directly.

A selection of Comox Valley activities, not a complete directory. Ages, fees, seasons, registration and meeting locations change; confirm details with each organizer. External links open in a new tab.

Where to eat and spend a night out in Cumberland and the Comox Valley.

Cumberland’s village centre gives residents local places to meet over a meal or make an evening of it. As you explore Cumberland real estate, take time to visit its cafés and restaurants; they’re part of the day-to-day character of living here.

Experience

Area

Place Experience Area Location Google reviews
Locals RestaurantWest Coast dining by the riverDinnerCourtenay
Ocean7 RestaurantOceanfront dinner at KingfisherDinnerRoyston
Martine’s BistroBistro dining near the marinaDinnerComox
Avenue BistroUpscale casual diningLunch and dinnerComox
Atlas CaféIndependent downtown café and evening bistroBrunch and dinnerCourtenay
Blackfin PubHarbour views and pub diningPub diningComox
AQUA Bistro & Wine BarOceanfront casual plates and wineBistroRoyston
The Waverley HotelPub food and live musicPub and musicCumberland
Cumberland Brewing Co.Craft beer and foodBrewery diningCumberland
Biblio TacoIndependent Mexican restaurantCasual dinnerCumberland
Riders PizzaCreative pizzas on Dunsmuir AvenuePizzaCumberland
COOKS RestaurantSmash burgers and casual comfort foodBurgersCumberland
Niji CumberlandAsian-inspired dishes and cocktailsDinner and cocktailsCumberland
Laneway Coffee & KitchenSpecialty coffee, sandwiches and brunchCoffee and brunchCumberland
Cumberland Village BakeryHistoric village bakery known for doughnuts and sourdoughBakery and caféCumberland
Boulder Hill BakingLocal bakery storefront with homestyle bakingBakeryCumberland
Yiamas Greek TavernaGreek dinner in downtown CourtenayGreek diningCourtenay
Tidal CaféLocally owned breakfast and brunchBrunchComox
Gladstone Brewing Co.Craft beer, cocktails and foodBrewery diningCourtenay
Ace Brewing CompanyLocally brewed beer and pub foodBrewery diningCourtenay
Land & Sea Brewing Co.Craft beer and food in a relaxed tasting roomBrewery diningComox
Nikkei Ramen-yaHouse-made noodles and Japanese ramenRamenCourtenay
Bigfoot DonutsIndependent downtown doughnut shop and caféCoffee and doughnutsCourtenay
Javier’s Latin CuisineLatin American dishes in CourtenayLunch and dinnerCourtenay
Sid Williams TheatreLive theatre, music and filmSee a showCourtenay
Courtenay Little TheatreCommunity theatre productions; check performance venueSee a playComox Valley
The Waverley HotelCheck the calendar for live musicMusic and drinksCumberland
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate WinerySeated tastings; reserve aheadWine tastingComox Valley
Wayward DistilleryLocally made spirits; check tasting availabilityDistillery visitCourtenay
40 Knots WineryWine tastings and vineyard experiencesWine tastingComox
Coastal Black Estate WineryFruit wines and cider in Black Creek; check seasonal tasting availabilityWinery visitBlack Creek
Crypt-Tic Escape RoomSolve puzzles together; book aheadEscape roomCourtenay
Creative CovePaint your own potteryPottery paintingCourtenay
Crown Isle Resort & Golf CommunityPlay a round or visit the driving rangeGolfCourtenay
Swing City Indoor Golf LoungeTrackman simulator bays with a licensed loungeIndoor golf and diningCourtenay
Mashies Golf Inc.Indoor golf simulators for practice or a round togetherIndoor golfCourtenay
Birdie Box Indoor Golf SimulatorPrivate, self-serve simulator; book aheadPrivate indoor golfComox Valley

Find your kind of fun in Cumberland

Cumberland’s parks and trails are a big part of life in the village. From Village Park and the recreation centre to the Cumberland Community Forest trail network, there are places to get outside and stay active close to home. The Village of Cumberland

Cumberland Recreation Centre

Fitness · Gym sports · Squash · Climbing

Take a class, use the fitness studio, play in the gym or try the indoor climbing wall and squash courts.

Village Park sports courts and fields

Tennis · Pickleball · Basketball · Playing fields

Village Park brings together courts and playing fields for casual games and organized recreation.

Village Park skate and bike area

Skatepark · BMX · Dirt jumps

The south end of Village Park has a skatepark, BMX track and bike dirt jump park for riders of different interests.

Cumberland Community Forest Park

Mountain biking · Hiking · Trail running

Start close to the village and explore forest trails that connect to Cumberland’s wider trail network. Check current trail status before heading out.

Cumberland Trail Network

Mountain biking · Walking · Running

Choose a route through the extensive network surrounding the village, with trails suited to different activities and abilities. Check current maps and conditions.

Coal Creek Historic Park

Heritage walks · Forest trails · Historic sites

Walk through the former Chinatown and No. 1 Japanese Town sites and follow sections of the old railway route.

Cumberland Lake Park

Swimming · Paddling · Camping · Trails

Spend a day by Comox Lake on the sandy beach, take to the water or stay at the campground.

Village Park

Playground · Spray park · Dog park

A central family destination with a playground, seasonal spray park, off-leash dog area and room to play.

No. 6 Mine Heritage Park

Mining history · Climbing boulder

Explore a small heritage park honouring Cumberland’s mining history and try the outdoor climbing boulder.

Village Square

Community gatherings · Events · Green space

This green space in the village centre is a gathering place for local events and a pause while exploring Dunsmuir Avenue.

Derwent and Rotary Orchard Parks

Neighbourhood green space · Trail connection

These linked parks connect west Cumberland toward Coal Creek Historic Park and the nearby trails.

This is a selected guide to Cumberland parks and recreation. Trail access, facility schedules and seasonal amenities can change; check official information before visiting. External links open in a new tab.

Faith Communities & Places of Worship in the Cumberland

Feeling at home in a new place can include finding people who share your beliefs and traditions. If that matters to you, explore faith communities in Cumberland and throughout the Comox Valley while getting to know the area.

CommunityTraditionLocationExploreGoogle reviews
St. John the DivineChurchAnglicanCourtenayVisit website 4.4 (13)
St. Peter’s ComoxChurchAnglican218 Church Street, ComoxView location 4.8 (8)
Christ the KingParishRoman Catholic1599 Tunner Drive, CourtenayView location 4.4 (43)
St. Barnabas Orthodox ChurchChurchEastern OrthodoxCourtenay · check current meeting placeVisit website 5.0 (7)
St. George’s United ChurchChurchUnited ChurchCourtenayVisit website 4.7 (25)
Comox United ChurchChurchUnited Church250 Beach Drive, ComoxView location 4.3 (13)
Courtenay Fellowship Baptist ChurchChurchBaptist2963 Lake Trail Road, CourtenayView location 4.7 (23)
Comox Pentecostal ChurchChurchPentecostal1919 Guthrie Road, ComoxView location 4.9 (31)
Faith Lutheran ChurchChurchLutheran Church–Canada1688 McPhee Avenue, CourtenayView location 5.0 (2)
Northgate Foursquare ChurchChurchFoursquare1640 Burgess Road, CourtenayView location 4.8 (34)
Weird ChurchFaith communityUnited Church of Canada2688 Penrith Avenue, CumberlandView location 4.1 (13)
Black Creek Community ChurchChurchMennonite Brethren7898 Island Highway, Black CreekView location 5.0 (17)
United Mennonite ChurchChurchMennonite Church Canada2277 Enns Road, Black CreekView location 4.5 (10)
Comox Valley Islamic CentreMosque / Islamic centreIslam · affiliation not statedUnit 1, 2270 Cliffe Avenue, CourtenayView location 5.0 (12)
Sherab Chamma LingMeditation and teaching centreTibetan Bön Buddhist tradition120B Headquarters Road, Courtenay · meeting locationView locationFind reviews
Kadampa meditation classesClasses at Black Creek Community CentreKadampa Buddhist2001 Black Creek Road, Black Creek · class locationView location—
Comox Valley Jewish Community ConnectionCommunity network and eventsJewish · multiple traditionsComox Valley · contact for eventsVisit website—
Bahá’ís of CourtenayCommunity gatheringsBahá’í FaithCourtenay · contact for gatheringsVisit website—
Bahá’ís of ComoxCommunity gatheringsBahá’í FaithComox · contact for gatheringsVisit website—

Seniors Living & Care Options in Cumberland, BC

Whether you’re considering a move for yourself or helping someone close to you, it helps to understand seniors living and care options near Cumberland. Explore services in the village and across the Comox Valley, then ask providers directly about availability, eligibility and the level of support they offer.

Explore seniors housing and care in Cumberland, including independent rental housing at Centennial Place and Union Square and publicly subsidized long-term care at Cumberland Lodge.

3 Cumberland locations

ResidenceCare offeredContactExplore
Centennial Place2594 Penrith Avenue, Cumberland Independent seniors rental housing · Non-profit 250-336-8288
Union SquareDunsmuir Avenue, Cumberland Independent seniors rental housing · Non-profit 250-336-8288
Cumberland Lodge2696 Windermere Avenue, Cumberland Publicly subsidized long-term care · Respite Island Health access: 250-331-8570

Finding the right level of support

Independent living

For older adults who can manage daily life. Centennial Place and Union Square are independent rental housing; ask the housing society about eligibility, rent, accessibility and availability. Do not assume meals or personal care are included.

Assisted living

For people who can live semi-independently but need help with some daily activities. Ask Island Health about assessed eligibility and assisted living options elsewhere in the Comox Valley.

Long-term care

For people whose care needs cannot be met safely at home or in assisted living. Island Health coordinates access to publicly subsidized long-term care; contact its Community Health Services team to discuss an assessment.

Where to start locally

Call Island Health’s North Island Community Access Line at 250-331-8570 or visit Comox Valley Community Health Services. For private-pay housing, contact the residence directly.

In Case of Emergency in Cumberland

Practical details matter when choosing a home in Cumberland. Learn about local emergency resources, including Cumberland Fire Rescue, and where to find health and emergency services that serve the village.

Need immediate help?

Call 911 for a police, fire or medical emergency. Tell the call-taker your location and follow their instructions. Do not travel to a station to report an emergency.

Emergency services in Cumberland

Fire and rescue

1 Cumberland fire hall

Cumberland Fire Rescue
4724 Cumberland Road, Cumberland

Cumberland’s volunteer fire department responds to fires and other incidents in the village. It also coordinates the Village’s emergency program. For non-emergency enquiries, call 250-336-2531.

Ambulance

1 listed Cumberland station

BC Emergency Health Services
Station 151 – Cumberland

Cumberland has its own listed ambulance station. BCEHS does not provide its street address in the public station directory. Call 911 when you need an ambulance.

Police

Regional RCMP service

Comox Valley RCMP
800 Ryan Road, Courtenay

The Comox Valley RCMP provides policing in Cumberland. Its public detachment is in Courtenay. For a non-emergency matter, call 250-338-1321.

Hospital emergency department

North Island Hospital Comox Valley has a 24/7 emergency department at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay. If you are unsure what medical care you need, call 811 for health advice.

About response times: No verified typical response times for Cumberland police, fire and ambulance calls are available here. Arrival times depend on the incident, available crews, road conditions and location. Station proximity does not predict when help will arrive. Information checked September 28, 2026; confirm details with the linked service.

Mount Washington Adventures Near Cumberland, BC

Cumberland is known for its trails, and Mount Washington adds another destination for outdoor days in the wider Comox Valley. From winter sports to summer activities, it’s one more way to spend your free time when you make Cumberland home.
Alpine

Skiing & Snowboarding

Spend a winter day on the slopes, whether you’re learning your first turns or heading out for another run.

Explore activity
Nordic

Cross-Country Skiing

Explore groomed Nordic trails from Raven Lodge, with routes for a range of experience levels.

Explore activity
Nordic

Snowshoeing

Take a quieter trip through the winter landscape on the mountain’s snowshoe trails.

Explore activity
Family fun

Tube Park

Enjoy a snow day without skis. Check the resort’s current operating status before making the trip.

Explore activity
Nordic

Fat Biking

Try riding on snow in the Nordic area when conditions and trails allow.

Explore activity

Activities, access and operating hours change with the season and weather. Confirm current details with Mount Washington Alpine Resort before visiting.

The activity links and seasonal offerings are based on the resort’s official listings; the resort also recommends checking its hours and conditions when planning a visit.
Information on this website is provided as a general guide and may change without notice. Please confirm details with the relevant organization, authority, or professional before making decisions or relying on them.

*Cumberland’s population and growth figures are BC Stats estimates for 2024. Population density is calculated using that estimate and the Village’s 2021 land area. Median age comes from the 2021 Census; median household income reflects 2020 income. Figures may be revised as new data becomes available.

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