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History
Courtenay was officially incorporated as a town on January 1, 1915. The city was named after the Courtenay River, which in turn was named after George William Courtenay, captain of the British ship HMS Constance, which was stationed in the area between 1846 and 1849. Courtenay became a city in 1953.
Location
Courtenay is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest (and only official) city in the area commonly known as the Comox Valley, and it is the seat of the Regional District of Comox-Strathcona. Courtenay is just 4 kilometres west of the town of Comox, 7 kilometres northeast of the Village of Cumberland, 5 kilometres northwest of the unincorporated settlement of Royston, and 108 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo.
Places to See
- Courtenay & District Museum and Paleontology Centre
Throughout the year the Courtenay & District Museum offers on-site and outdoor programming suitable for all age groups. Program subjects include fossils, geology, First Nations history, pioneer settlement history, social history of the Comox Valley, logging and lumber history, river way study, as well as, a series of changing exhibitions. The museum is a proud member of the The Great Canadian Fossil Trail, and was named the first, westernmost stop in 1998. The friendly and informative staff make learning fun - and the museum is world famous for the quality of its tours!
Fascinating artifacts have put Courtenay and the Comox Valley on the national and international map. Visitors come to explore the museum on a year-round basis, view the marine fossil exhibits, and visit fossil sites in the local area. The area has been featured in numerous television documentaries, including shows on the Discovery Channel and the Knowledge Network.
- Mount Washington Ski Resort
During the winter, come here for alpine and nordic skiing! During the summer, there's mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, mini-golf, and camping. There are also special events every month, including concerts, races, and the always-popular Beerfest.
- Comox Lake
Surrounded by mountains and fed by a glacier, glorious Comox Lake, has good freshwater fishing for trout and char year-round. Boaters must beware of the strong winds that rise in the afternoon on the large, dammed lake west of Cumberland on Comox Lake Road. You'll find a boat launch at the west end of Comox Lake Road.
- Downtown Courtenay
Downtown Courtenay, located in the heart of the Comox Valley on central Vancouver Island, is made up of an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, professional services, indoor and outdoor entertainment and cultural venues and much more.
Vibrant, fun and unique, Downtown Courtenay has a classic charm that is not often found, and one that is well worth the trip. From cozy bookshops to cutting edge fashion, fresh flowers to hand-made chocolates, antique treasures to fossil discovery tours. Downtown Courtenay has something for everyone, all in one convenient location.
- Puntledge Fish Hatchery
Visit the Puntledge Fish Hatchery, open year-round in Courtenay from 8am to 4pm daily. Highlights include an underwater viewing area to observe the fish in the pond. Several salmon species use the Puntledge River. Chinook Salmon are present from mid-September through November, Coho from mid-September to mid-December, Chum from mid-October through November, and Pink Salmon from mid-August through October. Young fish are present in tanks and troughs from March through June. The Puntledge River Hatchery also operates another site upstream of the hatchery.
- Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Come and explore the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens amid the tranquil beauty of 24 forested acres. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the extensive network of meandering cedar bark paths. Experience the splendour of over 3,500 rhodos, plants, and waterfeatures thriving in a beautiful, natural setting.
- Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park, designated in 1911, is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona park is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks - some perpetually mantled with snow - dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks and streams. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except for the higher levels, where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus. Snow remains all year on the mountain peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations. Summer evenings, as elsewhere in the coastal regions of BC, can be cool and rain can be expected at any time of the year.
Two areas - Buttle Lake and vicinity and Forbidden Plateau - offer a variety of visitor-oriented developments. The rest of the park is largely undeveloped and appeals primarily to people seeking wilderness surroundings. To see and enjoy much of the scenic splendor requires hiking or backpacking into the alpine regions.
Buttle Lake, named for Commander John Buttle who explored the area in the 1860s, is the major body of water in the park. It and many other lakes and waterways in the park can provide good fishing in season for Cutthroat, Rainbow and Dolly Varden trout. Della Falls, whose drop of 440 meters over three cascades makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, is located in the southern section of the park. And the highest point on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde (elevation 2,200 meters), stands almost in the centre of Strathcona to the west of Buttle Lake.
Three roadless tracts within Strathcona Provincial Park--Big Den, Central Strathcona and Comox Glacier--have been designated as nature conservancy areas. Each tract contains outstanding examples of scenery and natural history that remain uninfluenced by human activity. The three areas, totaling 122,500 hectares, are dedicated to the preservation of the undisturbed natural environment.
While the high mountain peaks and deep shaded valleys of Strathcona Park are dramatic, it is easy to forget that beneath your feet lays a history stretching back 380 million years. It is a history of violent volcanic eruptions on ancient seafloors and quiet interludes when gardens of sea lilies waved in gentle ocean currents. It is a history of rocks torn and folded by the extraordinary forces that can move continents, and of mountain ranges sculpted by the immensely thick ice sheets, which only vanished a few thousand years ago. No matter how long your visit, or whatever your interest, a knowledge of the geology of Strathcona Park will enhance your enjoyment of this spectacularly beautiful area.
Strathcona Park benefits from excellent adjoining commercial facilities such as the Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Centre, which offers outdoor education and wilderness skills training. The nearby communities of Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Gold River, Tofino and Port Alberni offer a full range of visitor services. Mount Washington Alpine Resort, located adjacent to the park, offers extensive alpine and nordic skiing opportunities, as well as a variety of winter and summer recreation facilities.
- Goose Spit Park
The park is a unique landform, which together with Gartley Point creates the Comox Harbour. It is a flexible sand spit fed by the Willemar Bluffs and is a Class I recreational beach. On the inside is a sheltered lagoon. There are unique and rare plants and excellent views to the south and east.
Things to Do
- Shopping
Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in Downtown Courtenay, which is home to a diverse assortment of locally-owned shops and services. You'll find everything from antique stores full of treasures to the most modern trends in clothing, footwear and home decor. Fresh flowers, hand-made chocolates, furniture, outdoor gear, electronics, artwork and so much more! Better still, you'll find it all in one convenient location. All you have to do is park and walk.
- Dining
For breakfast, lunch, or dinner and everything in between - satisfy your hunger in Downtown Courtenay! You won't find a better place for a bite than the downtown core, which is chock full of interesting restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses.
From international cuisine and fresh vegetarian fare to a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a pint at the neighbourhood pub, Courtenay's more than 20 eateries are bound to satisfy everyone's hunger. Whether your tastes lean toward an energy-rich glass of organic wheatgrass juice or a melt-in-your-mouth gourmet chocolate truffle, you'll find it all Downtown!
- Fishing
Some of the best saltwater fishing on the island, particularly for salmon, can be found in the waters of the Strait of Georgia north of the Puntledge River Estuary between Courtenay and Comox, and off of Cape Lazo, King Coho, and Bates Beach. Because of its sheltered location and an absence of dangerous currents, the shoreline around Comox is well suited for rod fishing in a small boat. If the weather does change, you can see it coming and quickly make for shore. Shore angling for salmon is popular in Comox Bay from August to November.
- Bird Watching
The Comox Valley and Baynes Sound are designated as "Globally Significant" Important Bird Areas by the BC Federation of Naturalists and Bird Studies Canada. The second highest concentration of over wintering waterfowl in British Columbia is found here. Why do birds congregate here? Two reasons are the availability of protected waters and nearby farmlands which provide habitat and an abundant food supply.
The Comox Valley is the winter home to approximately 2000 Trumpeter Swans, a magnificent bird that can be spotted in many fields during the day from October until March. As evening falls flocks of swans can frequently be seen in the Courtenay River estuary, easily viewed from the Courtenay Municipal Air Park Walkway located near the Visitor Info Centre.
Numerous bird species that can be spotted here include 10 species of gulls and terns, 16 types of diving ducks, nine dabbling ducks and 13 species of raptors. A comprehensive Bird Checklist for the area can be purchased from the Visitor Info Centre along with a book of Nature Viewing sites produced by the Comox Valley Naturalist Society.
- Diving
Jacques Cousteau rated the waters near the Comox Valley as the "second best cold water diving destination in the world", and it's easy to see why! The area is one of only a few locations where divers can view the elusive 12-foot long six-gill sharks. Add to this a high level of visibility, very slight fluctuations in seasonal water temperatures, massive boulders, steam ship wrecks (Capilano 1915, Gulfstream 1947) and a wealth of sea life including huge Steller and California Sealions, giant Pacific octopi, cloud sponges, wolf eels, ling cod, rockfish and colourful reefs and you are guaranteed a rewarding dive.
Visit one of the local dive shops to rent equipment, takes lessons or guided trips or to get tips on the best diving spots in the area. The Comox Valley offers everything you need to access an incredible diving experience!
- Hiking
The Comox Valley is surrounded by wilderness and there are unlimited opportunities for exploration. Great trails, awe-inspiring scenery and plenty of wildlife await whether you prefer to walk alongside the ocean, trek into the mountains, or anything in between.
Stroll in the shadows of an ancient, old growth rainforest, with a few lonely rays of sunlight filtering through the leafy monoliths overhead. Hike through a pristine sub-alpine meadow amidst an explosion of wildflowers and a cacophony of birdsong. Or take the chairlift to the top of Mount Washington for a magnificent view of the entire Comox Valley framed by the deep blue of the Georgia Strait and the mainland's Coast Mountain Range.
With more than 40 local parks, and countless kilometres of hiking trails through some of the most spectacular island and alpine wilderness anywhere on the planet, the Comox Valley beckons to be explored on foot!
- Skiing
Mount Washington, a 25 kilometre (16-mile) drive west of the Comox Valley, is Vancouver Island's year-round alpine destination. Winter activities include downhill and cross country skiing as well as snowboarding and snow tubing. The resort is famous for its 55 kilometers of cross country trails, and downhill skiers and snowboarders have their choice of numerous chairlifts, which include the Hawk high speed six pack lift, the backcountry-accessing Boomerang and the Eagle Express high speed quad, which whisks skiers and snowboarders to the mile-high summit in less than six minutes.
Other winter recreation activities include a snowboarding camp and special snowboarding events at Forbidden Plateau Recreation Area, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and guided back-country skiing. Adventure operators offer heli-skiing trips into more remote areas.
- Swimming
Nothing beats a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. Soak in a deep pool carved by river currents that run from the glaciers or build sand castles and swim in salt waters warmed by the day's sun.
Popular swimming spot in the Comox Valley include Stotan Falls on the Puntledge River, Comox Lake, Sratoga Beach, Goose Spit, Miracle Beach, Nymph Falls, Trent River and Tribune Bay on beautiful Hornby Island.
Comox Valley Recreation Maps, available at the Comox Valley Visitor Info Centre, give detailed directiopns to the sweetest swimming spots.
- Paddling and Rafting
Ocean and river kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes in the Comox Valley. You can bring your own gear or rent it from one of our local outfitters. Most kayak and canoe rental outlets also offer lessons and eco-paddling tours which explore the Comox Valley's natural and cultural history. Paddlers can view seals and sea lions, ocean birds, lush forests, log booms and tugs and the majestic coast mountain range.
The calm waters of Baynes Sound are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed paddle, while faster moving rivers offer a more challenging excursion for experienced paddlers.
The waters surrounding Denman and Hornby Island are wonderful paddling destinations and pristine fresh water lakes throughout the region welcome the gentle glide of engine-free explorers.
Guided rafting trips are available within a short drive of the Comox Valley. Operators offer professionally guided river rafting tours ranging from the thrills of whitewater rafting to serene scenic river floats and snorkelling with thousands of returning salmon. These trips are suitable for adventurers of all ages.
Events
- Courtenay Museum Christmas Celebration
The museum will host a number of special events throughout the day, including: craft activities for the children, holiday displays, and sweet treats available free of charge. People are invited to bring in a new or gently used toy or gift (unwrapped) for Santa's Workshop or a festive offering for a local food bank.
- Filberg Festival
The Filberg Festival takes place every August at the Filberg Park, a beautiful nine-acre heritage waterfront property in Comox. This festival highlights up to 140 of Canada's best artisans, and includes an impressive array of food booths and entertainment for all ages, as well as several stages and roving musicians.
- Nautical Days
Nautical Days is held each year on the BC Day long weekend. The festival of family fun is a celebration of the long time affiliation Comox has had with the sea.
Weekend highlights include a Build, Bail & Sail, a Bullhead Derby, a Ceremony of the Flags, live music, food, crafts, and more!
- Vancouver Island Musicfest
Vancouver Island MusicFest has been bringing great roots and world music to the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island since 1995. Produced by the Comox Valley Folk Society, MusicFest is a not-for-profit, cost recovery, volunteer driven event with over 600 volunteers and 300 community sponsors who combine forces to bring this first rate music festival to life.
Over the years Vancouver Island MusicFest has grown in attendance but has remained true to its original vision; a rural, family friendly, sustainable and successful music event that puts the Comox Valley on the cultural map and involves thousands in a rich celebration of music and community!
Contact Information
Downtown Courtenay
PO Box 3371
Courtenay, BC, Canada
V9N 5N5
Website: www.downtowncourtenay.com
City of Courtenay
830 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2J7
Canada
Telephone: (250) 334-4441
Fax: (250) 334-4241
E-mail: info@courtenay.ca
Website: www.city.courtenay.bc.ca
Comox Valley Tourism
Comox Valley Visitor Information Centre
2040 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, British Columbia
Canada V9N 2L3
Phone: 250-334-3234
Toll-free: 1-888-357-4471
Fax: 250-334-4908
E-mail: visitorinfo@comoxvalleychamber.com
Website: www.comox-valley-tourism.ca
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