Courtenay

Courtenay forms part of the area known as the Comox Valley, along with the communities of Comox and Cumberland. Vibrant, fun and unique, the downtown area 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, hand-made chocolates and antique treasures, as well as fossil discovery tours at the Courtenay Museum & Paleontology Centre. A member of The Great Canadian Fossil Trail, fascinating artifacts have put this community and the Comox Valley on the national and international map. For a pause from a busy life visit the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens set amid the tranquil beauty of 24 forested acres. Experience the splendour of over 3,500 rhododendrons, plants, and water features thriving in a beautiful, natural setting. See fish hatching at the Puntledge Fish Hatchery which has an underwater viewing area to observe the salmon in the pond. Fishing, paddling, bird watching, scuba diving, hiking are all here amid this stunning setting.

Location

Courtenay is located on the east coast of North Central Vancouver Island, 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Comox and 108 km (67 mi) north of Nanaimo on Highway 19. It is the largest city in the Comox Valley.

A Step Back in Time

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.

Today, the region is home to more than 40 parks making it a great base for a vacation. A series of walkways link the forest, rivers and the ocean.