Courtenay British Columbia Canada
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada is centrally located in the Comox Valley and is a popular recreation destination on Vancouver Island plus the main commercial centre in the entire valley.

The community of Courtenay is a seaside destination nestled on the northern banks of Comox Harbour where the Courtenay River meets the ocean. The river continues further inland and soon joins up with the Puntledge and Tsolum Rivers near Lewis Park in the centre of Courtenay, BC.

The horizon views do not disappoint in this valley either ...because from most vantage points in the valley the sparkling Comox Glacier and the peaks of Mount Washington are always in view, captivating the skylines. This region is a popular recreation destination year round because of the landscape of the region and the close proximity to the parks, trails, oceans, rivers, lakes and many eco activities.

The downtown core of Courtenay has an abundant selection of shops, retail stores, varied restaurants, artist galleries, activity adventure companies, big box stores, coffee shops, museums and a theatre. The community centre is best viewed on foot wandering any of the trails lining the river or by exploring any of the parks downtown. Courtenay, BC is centrally located in the Comox Valley therefore the community is a main launching point when accessing any of the year-round outdoor activities of the region. The fact that there are over 40 parks in the Comox Valley helps.

In Courtenay, there is a popular walkway that is used daily by walkers, joggers, readers, bird watchers and roller-bladers. The walkway is a paved loop pathway called Airport Park located just south of downtown Courtenay with views of birds and Comox Harbour. There are many opportunities for viewing wildlife from some of the covered viewpoints located along the trail or from any of the sitting benches. A grand day enjoying the views and activities of the Comox Village, Comox Harbour and a Bird Sanctuary marsh.

Mount Washington, in nearby Strathcona Park, is a popular destination in the winter for snow skiing and snow boarding and in the summer for mountain biking, fishing, backpacking, rock climbing and hiking. It is Vancouver Island's largest ski hill.

Courtenay, BC has many varied types of accommodations available for all types of travelers including Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Hostels, Campgrounds and RV Parks. Some of the major activities while enjoying the outdoors include golfing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, sight seeing, beach combing, fishing, scuba diving and so much more.

How to get to Courtenay: From south Vancouver Island travel Highway 19 north to Parksville, BC then turn onto the "Oceanside Route" (Hwy 19A) to Courtenay, BC. Arriving from the north, Port Hardy Vancouver Island, travel Highway 19 south to Campbell River. From here enjoy the "Oceanside Route"(19A) to Saratoga Beach and Merville eventually arriving in Courtenay, BC in the Comox Valley. From Courtenay it is a very short drive to the communities of Cumberland, Merville, Black Creek, and Saratoga Beach. For the more adventurous, there is the full day trips to the west coast rural island’s of Hornby and Cortes Island via a BC Ferry ride just south of the Comox Valley.