The simplest way to get from Courtenay to Comox Lake is to drive, since the lake lies roughly 8 kilometres southwest of Courtenay. Public transit does not clearly reach the shore, so a car, a bike or a cab is the practical choice. Before you go, look at the Comox Valley Regional District website for current access, parking and any seasonal closures.
Driving out to the lake
Comox Lake is a glacier-fed lake at the western edge of the Comox Valley, near Cumberland. It is also a reservoir for drinking water and hydroelectric power, which is why access and activities are managed. The Puntledge River flows in and out of it. Take a map app set to the exact spot you want, whether that is a trailhead, a campground or a boat launch, because the lake is large and the access points are far apart.
Some of the roads near the lake are narrow, and logging or industrial traffic may share them. Drive slowly, check for gates and posted closures, and do not leave valuables visible in the car.
Parking
Parking depends on which access point you pick. Busy summer weekends fill small lots, so arriving early helps. Obey signs about time limits and no parking zones, and do not block gates or forestry roads, since emergency and work vehicles need to pass.
Transit in the Comox Valley
BC Transit runs a Comox Valley system with local routes through Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, plus longer routes up and down the coast. Its published route list does not name Comox Lake as a destination, so assume a bus will leave you some distance short. Use the trip planner on the BC Transit site to check the nearest stop to your starting point and the walk from there.
Bike, rides and group trips
The lake and its surroundings are known for hiking and mountain biking, so many visitors arrive by bike. Check the trail map and your own fitness before you commit to a long ride on road shoulders.
A cab suits groups with kayaks, coolers or hiking gear, and anyone who would rather not leave a car at a remote lot. Call ahead for a pickup time on the return, since coverage and signal can be limited near the water. The Comox taxi page has local contact details, and the fare estimator gives a rough idea of cost.