Filberg Park

The magnificent Filberg Park is more than just a green space; it is a true historical gem nestled in the heart of Comox on picturesque Vancouver Island. Spanning 9 acres, this site harmoniously blends natural beauty with architectural elegance. Upon arriving here, travelers in Canada find themselves immersed in an atmosphere of tranquility and timeless charm.

The centerpiece of the complex is the magnificent Filberg Lodge, built in 1929. The building features a unique Arts and Crafts style with distinctive Scandinavian architectural elements. Its steep gables, leaded glass windows, and hand-cut cedar shakes make it one of the most recognizable structures in the region. The interior is equally impressive, showcasing master woodcarvings and stonework crafted by local artisans.

Since 1979, the park has been officially recognized as a municipal heritage site. Today, this public space is managed by a non-profit association and serves as a favorite venue for festivals, weddings, and cultural events. Filberg Park remains a living testament to history and a wonderful example of preserving a cultural landscape for future generations.

To plan your visit to this historic estate, it is helpful to know its exact coordinates. The site is managed by the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association (FHLPA), which oversees the preservation of the property and organizes cultural events.

A visit to Filberg Park offers guests many leisure options, from leisurely strolls along shaded paths to immersion in the region's history. You can wander the scenic trails among rare exotic trees and vibrant flower beds, or enjoy a cozy picnic on one of the open lawns overlooking Comox Harbour. The park is also a certified arboretum, making it a paradise for botany and nature enthusiasts.

Be sure to step inside the lodge itself for fascinating tours. The building houses an eclectic gift shop offering antiques and unique collectibles donated by local residents. During the summer months (from late June through August), visitors can enjoy the Liz Stubbs Cutting Garden, where volunteers sell unique bouquets to raise funds for the park's support.

If your trip coincides with the holidays, you can experience the large-scale Filberg Festival — one of Western Canada's premier arts and crafts events. The grounds also host open-air concerts and the BC Seafood Festival, turning the estate into a hub of the island's cultural and social life.

Reaching Filberg Park is quite simple, as it is located just a few minutes' drive from downtown Comox. The main entrance is at 61 Filberg Road, near the end of Comox Avenue. The property is well-integrated into the town, so a trip by car or taxi from anywhere in the area will take very little time.

For travelers who prefer public transport, the town offers regular bus routes that pass within walking distance of the park. If you are arriving on Vancouver Island from further away, the nearest transport hub is the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). From the airport, you can quickly reach the estate by rental car or by using local taxi and ride-sharing services.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to Robert (Bob) Filberg, whose path to success reads like a classic legend. The son of a Swedish tailor, he began his career in the Comox Valley as a humble timber cruiser. Through hard work and strategic thinking, he eventually rose to lead the Comox Logging and Railway Company, significantly expanding its influence and turning it into a thriving enterprise.

In 1929, despite the onset of the Great Depression, Filberg hired master builder William Hagarty to construct a Scandinavian-style summer residence. The house was poetically named "Grankuana", which means "Great Cradle" in Spanish. The Filberg family was so charmed by the result that in 1935, they turned the summer cottage into their permanent home, where their children grew up.

After Bob Filberg's death in 1977, the nine-acre estate, along with a substantial endowment, was bequeathed to the Vancouver Foundation. Two years later, the Town of Comox purchased the property, transforming the private residence into a public park and protected historic site. Today, this legacy of the past is carefully preserved for future generations as a symbol of the region's prosperity in the early 20th century.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of this location, visitors are recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time for a leisurely stroll through the grounds, a tour of the lodge's interior, and a browse through the gift shop's unique offerings.

If you only plan a quick look at the landscaped gardens and park areas without entering the buildings, 1 to 1.5 hours might be sufficient. However, many guests prefer to stay longer to soak in the harbor views or enjoy a small picnic in the shade of the arboretum's rare trees.

The park grounds are open to the public year-round. Typically, the gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, allowing you to enjoy the morning freshness or the soft light of sunset over the harbor. This makes the park an excellent spot for a walk at any time of day.

However, please note that the operating hours for the Filberg Lodge itself (for tours and the gift shop) may differ from the park's general schedule and are seasonal. Visitors are advised to check the current schedule on the official website or contact the administration by phone to ensure they can access the interior of the historic building.

Exploring the area around Filberg Park can significantly enrich your trip. Comox is a town with a cozy atmosphere where historic landmarks sit alongside modern dining establishments and scenic coastal views.

In the immediate vicinity of the park, you will find many places to relax and experience the local culture — from atmospheric pubs to natural sites like the famous Royston Shipwrecks.