Every summer, over the BC Day long weekend, Comox’s Marina Park fills with people. Lawn chairs are set on the grass, kids drift between games and the splash park, and the smell of festival food carries across the waterfront.
By nightfall, the harbour becomes a gathering place. When the fireworks finally crack across the sky, their echo rolls back over the water and settles into the crowd.
For 68 years, Comox Nautical Days has been where the community shows up.
“What I love about Nautical Days,” says local resident Koreen Gurak, “is that you can walk out of your front door and head down to the park and instantly feel like something big is happening. No planning, no big cost. Just people coming together. Everything is close, everything feels simple, and the whole town shows up.”
A festival born from BC’s centennial
The event began in 1958 as part of province-wide celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of British Columbia’s establishment as a Crown colony. At the time, there was no Marina Park as we know it today—that wasn’t built until 1973—but many of the events were held by the water.
After a morning parade, there was a full day of activities: “boat racing with the Navy and civilians, the Royston to Comox swim, the crowning of the Comox Day Queen, children’s races, and sporting events,” says Matthew Vandervoort of the Comox Archives and Museum. There were no fireworks, but there was a Sunset Ceremony performed by the Navy cadets.
From that successful beginning, Nautical Days has grown into one of the Comox Valley’s most anticipated summer events, and it now draws thousands of residents and visitors every year. Over three days, Marina Park transforms into a place to experience live music, festival food, and a wide range of artisan crafts that reflect the creativity of the region.
A weekend of longstanding traditions
The weekend is anchored by longstanding traditions. Saturday begins with opening ceremonies and the annual Bullhead Derby, while sailboat races bring the harbour into the celebration on both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday features the not-to-be-missed fish toss, one of the festival’s most playful crowd favourites. Monday is packed with signature events, including the four-kilometre run, the festival parade, the vintage car display, and the always-entertaining Build, Bail and Sail.
As the weekend winds down, people begin to find their spots along the waterfront, waiting for the Quality Foods Festival of Lights to close things out.
“That sense of participation is what defines Nautical Days. It’s not something you just watch”
Some moments are smaller and more unexpected. For example, in my first year as a producer, I was emceeing the fish toss competition. In this event, participants wearing gloves and aprons throw a four-pound salmon back and forth, stepping farther apart with each successful catch. It’s simple, a little ridiculous, and completely engaging to watch. I was struck by how quickly people can come together when sharing a playful moment.
That sense of participation is what defines Nautical Days. It’s not something you just watch.
Powered by volunteers
Behind the scenes, the entire event is powered by volunteers. From early setup to late-night teardown, from supporting vendors to helping visitors find their way, it takes a large and dedicated group to bring the weekend to life. It’s a scale that most people don’t see, but it’s felt everywhere.
“Nautical Days is evolving, not just in size, but in how it reflects the values of the community”
A more sustainable Nautical Days
This summer’s Nautical Days will see the introduction of a dedicated Eco Team. Across the grounds, clearly marked sorting stations will be in place; volunteers on hand will help people sort waste properly. The goal is ambitious: to ensure that as much material as possible is kept out of the landfill.
Becoming a more accessible, environmentally responsible event is a practical shift, but also a meaningful one. Nautical Days is evolving, not just in size, but in how it reflects the values of the community.
As the fireworks light up the harbour once again, it’s easy to focus on the spectacle. But what makes Nautical Days last, year after year, isn’t just what happens on stage or in the sky.
It’s the people who show up to experience the event. And the ones who step in to help make it happen.
