A Cumberland hotel born from grit and glamour

A historic Comox Valley hotel and pub which melds Cumberland’s rich heritage with contemporary style.

(Public House coming soon!)

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Our story starts and continues in the same spot on Dunsmuir Avenue.

When the King George Hotel opened in 1909, the village called Cumberland had only had that name for less than a decade. Originally named “Union” after the company that built it, the village was expanding with the ferocity of a coal fire, and the King George housed those who came to Cumberland to find their fortunes.

In 1918, the hotel housed and cared for citizens suffering from the Spanish Influenza pandemic. When the original owner passed in 1932, local legend says his widow accidentally started the Cumberland fire of July 1933, which razed half of the village’s commercial district.

With true Cumberland resilience, the King George was rebuilt in a minimalist style, designed by Victoria, B.C. architect John Graham Johnson.

The King George Hotel’s “beer parlours” quickly became a favourite in “Dodge City,” with separate parlours for men and women. Regulars claimed spots at the bar. Weddings and funerals happened within our walls. In the rough-and-tumble lives of miners and those who followed them here, there were always a few fights and a lot of love.

From 1971 to 2014, the hotel was owned and operated by the Brown family, led by Percy Brown. “Brownee”, brought a distinctive community spirit to the KGH for 40+ years. Under his leadership, the KGH solidified itself as a social institution; it was the go-to space for weddings, union meetings, political gatherings, and more. Thanks to him, its rooms and public spaces are brimming with fond memories.

After 10 years of sitting empty, a passionate group stepped forward to preserve the KGH’s legacy and charm, aiming to reinstate it as a Cumberland institution.

A Slightly Dodgy History of Dodge City

1888

The village begins as "Union," a bustling coal-mining community founded by Robert Dunsmuir.
It soon came to be known as “Dodge City,” given its shared reputation with Dodge City, Kansas—a boom town marked by saloons, strikes, gambling, and frequent run-ins with the law.
1898

Union officially becomes "Cumberland," named after a coal-rich region in England.
1912

Cumberland thrives, growing into a vibrant town rich with cultural diversity and community spirit.
1918

Outspoken union leader Ginger Goodwin, who worked in no.5 mine and lived in Cumberland, is killed while evading WWI conscription—his death sparks Canada’s first general strike.
1918

A major fire sweeps through downtown, shaping the look and feel of today's historic core.
1924

The Vancouver Island miners’ strike dramatically reshaped life and community solidarity.
1941

The King George Hotel property was sold at auction for $14,000 to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel James McCreery from Victoria.
1966

The last coal mine closed, marking the end of Cumberland's coal mining era, leading to a period of economic stagnation for our town. Then began a transition from its industrial roots to a community-driven resurgence, focusing on preserving its heritage and cultural identity.
2000

Cumberland blossoms again, becoming a beloved destination for artists, mountain bikers, and outdoor adventurers.
TODAY

Cumberland is a lively, welcoming community that embraces its rich heritage, creative soul, and outdoor lifestyle.