Courtenay, BC

Know the town

About Courtenay

Courtenay is the largest community in the Comox Valley, set where the Courtenay River meets the estuary below the Beaufort Range and the Comox Glacier. It is the valley’s main hub for shopping, health care and services, and its downtown has a lively, independent spirit with plenty of cafés, galleries and local shops.

Downtown and the river

Courtenay’s compact downtown, around Fifth Street, is full of locally owned businesses and restaurants, and it hosts seasonal markets and events. The Courtenay Riverway walk follows the river and estuary through parks and wetlands, a favourite for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. The Puntledge River, which joins the Courtenay River in town, is known for its salmon runs and summer swimming spots.

Fossils and farms

The Courtenay and District Museum is home to a cast of an elasmosaur, a marine reptile whose fossil was found on the banks of the Puntledge River, and runs guided fossil tours in season. The valley’s farms supply the busy Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, which runs year-round, and roadside stands dot the country roads around town.

Mountains close by

Mount Washington Alpine Resort, about forty minutes away, offers skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer, and Strathcona Provincial Park’s backcountry lies beyond. That combination of mountains, river and ocean is a big reason so many people choose to live here.

Getting here

Courtenay is about an hour north of Nanaimo on Highway 19. The Comox Valley Airport and the ferry to Powell River are in neighbouring Comox, and Cumberland is ten minutes south.

Courtenay’s verified local businesses follow, along with events in the Comox Valley.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit City of Courtenay.