The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park

The Filberg Heritage Lodge and nine acres of beautifully landscaped grounds are situated between Comox Harbour and Comox Avenue at the east end of the Town of Comox, British Columbia. This Estate was the home of the late Robert J. (Bob) Filberg and his wife Florence (McCormack). Master builder William Hagarty supervised the building of the Lodge, which commenced with the clearing of the land in 1929. The Filberg family lived there for many years developing the grounds and several unique outbuildings. Mr. Filberg died in 1977 bequeathing this home, along with previous substantial gifts, to the Vancouver Foundation. The Vancouver Foundation approved a request from Comox Council that arrangements be made to allow his home and property to become a public facility.

The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association (a non-profit society) manages and develops the property on behalf of the municipality. The majority of the funds necessary to administer, repair, and operate the park and lodge come from the annual Filberg Festival. The society is also supported by the Town of Comox, the Vancouver Foundation, Federal work grants and private donations. Many hours of work, by dedicated volunteers, are the key to the great success of any of the special events hosted by the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association.

The Lodge & Gardens

The stone foundation of the Lodge rests on piles driven into an old salt marsh and Native shell midden. This beautiful, rustic building reflects the skills of local craftsmen in the use of stone and timber. The original stonework was done over a period of many years by stone mason and head gardener William Meier. The warm interior of the Lodge complements the outside appearance. Many of the beams and much of the millwork has been hand finished with an adze. A branching yew tree serves as a handrail on the staircase. Included in the fascinating stonewall of the fireplace is a local Native petroglyph.

The extensive gardens have many interesting features. Nine waterfront acres with a stream running through a natural ravine provide a perfect setting for a variety of plantings such as maples and magnolias. Rare and exotic trees from many parts of the world, including a selection of stately oaks, London planes, Atlas and Deodar cedars, pines of many species and a variety of other mature trees, can be found on the property. There are beds of various annual and perennials and hundreds of rhododendrons, many from the famous collection of the Greig family. Heathers, spring bulbs, flowering shrubs, and dwarf conifers are also found thriving in the fine micro-climate. A wonderful place for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon picnic.

Created and carved by Richard Krentz and donated by Gordon and Ivy Wagner, this pole captures the spirit of Comox ancestry and the cultural pride of it's native people. The four figures, Thunderbird, Sunman, White Whale (Queneesh) and Bear are the crests of the four main families of the Comox native people. Located on an ancient Indian midden it gazes out to sea, linking the Valley with its native heritage.

Located in the Upper Meadow of the Park, the Hands On Animal Farm is operated by the Comox Recreation Commission. The farm opens to the public in Mid June and remains open daily until Mid August. Farm animals are housed in the barn and graze in the corrals which are open to the public. Children of all ages enjoy contact with the livestock. A small admission is charged to help offset the cost of housing the animals.

Just above the Tea House on a sloping hill you will find a charming herb garden, inviting to both the eye and the nose. The garden was planted and is maintained by, the Comox Valley Horticultural Society. This aromatic treasure thrives because of their generous donation of time and plants.

Lodge and Park Tours

Tours are conducted between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. The cost for non-members is $4 and Children under 16 are free.

No pets on grounds please.