Courtenay

Courtenay is the urban centre of the Comox Valley with stunning views of snowcapped mountains and an abundance of art galleries, theatres, shops, parks, and festivals throughout the year.

Courtenay's downtown, just west of the Courtenay River, is a pleasant place for a stroll with many shops to browse and artisan studios such as The Artisans Courtyard, a co-op with more than 60 members and the Potter's Place, which offers the works of 29 potters, ranging from porcelain to raku.

Courtenay is home to the Courtenay Youth Music Centre with gifted students and world-class instructors giving public performances throughout the summer. The summer months also feature the popular Farmers' Market with local organic produce, fresh-baked goods and treats for the kids in a rural atmosphere. The market is held every Saturday morning at the Courtenay Exhibition Grounds.

Recent discoveries of fossil beds in the Trent and Puntledge Rivers, and a life-size recreation of an 80 million-year-old Elasmosaur, make the Courtenay Museum very popular for visitors and locals. Fossil tours of the exhibits and paleontology lab, culminating in a trip to a local dig, are offered daily in July and August and on a more limited basis April through June. The museum is located in the Native Sons Hall and is the largest free-span log structure in Canada and holds a wealth of geological, natural, and human history from native settlements to European pioneers. A moderate climate and waters teeming with fish have ensured a rich history going back 5000 years. Native displays include a scale model of a Big House, with traditional artifacts such as carved cedar masks, baskets, and totem poles. Europeans first arrived in 1862. The pioneer display includes tools and amenities used by these hardy settlers, as well as a re-created country kitchen and blacksmith's shop.

The North Island Hot Jazz Society has its Jazz Festival in June with bands in several locations in downtown Courtenay. The Comox Valley MusicFest is held in July at the exhibition grounds on Headquarters Rd in Courtenay. MusicFest incorporates three days of world class music and entertainment on three stages. Workshops, food, arts booths, an exceptional kids area and onsite camping.

Kayak, canoe in the calm, sheltered waters of the Courtenay Estuary or try your hand at either salt or fresh water fishing. Boat and kayak rentals, guided charters, eco-tours and outfitters are available in Courtenay.

Accommodations in Courtenay include full-service hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts with some offering ski/golf packages in the winter and salmon fishing packages in the summer.