Courtenay

The heart of the Comox Valley — a vibrant city surrounded by mountains, ocean, and some of Vancouver Island's best outdoor recreation.

Courtenay is the largest city in the Comox Valley and the commercial and cultural hub of central Vancouver Island. It sits on the Courtenay River estuary where the river meets the sea, with the Beaufort Mountains rising dramatically to the west and the Strait of Georgia stretching east. The city has a lively downtown core with excellent restaurants, independent shops, and a strong arts community, and it serves as the gateway to some of the finest outdoor recreation on Vancouver Island. Mount Washington Alpine Resort, just 35 kilometres west of Courtenay, is the dominant outdoor attraction — a major ski area in winter and a hiking and mountain biking destination in summer. The resort's exceptional snowfall and varied terrain make it one of the top ski destinations in BC, and the summer gondola provides easy access to the alpine meadows and ridge trails above. The Courtenay River estuary is a significant wildlife habitat and a popular destination for birdwatching, kayaking, and nature walks. The Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre is one of the most interesting museums on Vancouver Island, with an outstanding collection of marine reptile fossils — including a nearly complete elasmosaurus — discovered in the local shale formations. The Comox Valley Farmers' Market is one of the best in BC, reflecting the valley's strong agricultural tradition and local food culture. The surrounding farmland produces exceptional vegetables, fruit, and dairy, and the local restaurant scene makes excellent use of these ingredients. Cumberland, a former coal mining village just south of Courtenay, has reinvented itself as one of the top mountain biking destinations in BC, with an extensive trail network that draws riders from across the province.