Courtenay is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Although less populated than the major city of Vancouver, it is packed with some amazing things to do. The area was home to native people before the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, and even before them, there have been several archaeological digs in the area for dinosaur bones. A Royal Naval Captain named Captain Courtenay was a frequent visitor to the area, when it was being settled and so the city was named after him. By the early 20th century, Courtenay was a thriving city and today, it stands as a place where music, art, and the outdoors remains the biggest attractions of the city. If you’re in the city, check out the best things to do in Courtenay, Canada.
1. Do some birdwatching at Seal Bay Nature Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Deemed by the local indigenous K'omoks tribe as “Xwee Xwhya Luq” meaning “a place that has beauty, beauty that is not only seen but also felt", Seal Bay Nature Park is divided into two sections. The waterfront on the east side, and the road and pathway on the west side. The park is still considered unceded indigenous land, so acknowledgment of it is important. Visitors to the park can take in the natural beauty that is found in British Columbia and the park is a great place for birdwatchers.
Seal Bay Nature Park
Address: Bates Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1X4
Website: Seal Bay Nature Park
2. Learn about the natural and cultural heritage of Comox Valley at Courtenay & District Museum
The Courtenay & District Museum has been open for over 50 years and continues to provide the people of Courtenay with a learning experience like no other. The museum is home to several exhibitions, some of which are on a rotating basis and some that are permanent. The museum has a lot of displays, featuring the local history of the city as well as paleontology sections showcasing dinosaur fossils found in the area. Learn about everything, from geology to first nations’ history, at the Courtenay & District Museum.
Courtenay & District Museum
Address: 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G7
Website: Courtenay & District Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Try some craft spirits made from local honey at the Wayward Distillery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Every drop of our spirits are crafted from 100% BC honey!
Posted by Wayward Distillery on Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Made from locally sourced and sustainable honey, the spirits at the Wayward Distillery are all centered around the flavor of honey. Also, all the spirits offered by the distillery are made on site. The products found here range from just about every type of spirit you can think of, from vodka and gin to rum and whisky. Wayward Distillery has even won a few awards for their honey-brewed alcohol.
Wayward Distillery
Address: 2931 Moray Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 7S7
Website: Wayward Distillery
Opening hours: 11:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
4. Immerse yourself in nature at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens on Monday, July 25, 2016
Started by one man, Bryan Zimmerman, the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is a place where people can immerse themselves in nature. Using nothing but his wheelbarrow and some elbow grease, Mr. Zimmerman cleared his forested land and planted more than 3,000 rhododendrons of different varieties and even cultivated trees. Besides plants and wildflowers, the garden is also home to several birds; keep an eye out for the great blue heron.
Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Address: 6183 Whitaker Rd, Courtenay, BC V9J 1V7
Website: Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD (Adults); 3 USD (Children ages 5-12)
5. Learn about Canada's military history at the Alberni Project - HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial
The Alberni Project aims to tell visitors about Canada’s military history, from the First World War to the present day. The HMCS Alberni is docked nearby and serves as a sort of living museum. It was one of the first Corvette-class ships of the Canadian navy in WWII and saw action in North Africa and the Normandy landings. The museum houses documents and artifacts that are mostly donated by Canadian families and showcases personal war experiences.
The Alberni Project - HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial
Address: 625 Cliffe Ave #5, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J6
Website: The Alberni Project - HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. View First Nations artwork at the I-Hos Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The I-Hos Gallery presents visitors with a look at both modern and traditional works of art from various first nations groups found around the Comox Valley and Courtenay area. The gallery showcases plenty of different things from masks to jewelry and wood carvings. I-Hos Gallery deals directly with First Nations artists and all works are shown alongside legends and artist biographies.
I-Hos Gallery
Address: 3310 Comox Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 3P8
Website: I-Hos Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Take a stroll around the Courtenay Marina Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located right next to the marina, this park is a nice little green space located in the heart of the city. The Courtenay Marina Park is where you can take a little stroll along the waterfront, check out the boats docked nearby, and simply just hang out by the water. There are walking paths and some food vendors as well as a play area for kids.
Courtenay Marina Park
Address: 510 Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk, Courtenay, BC V9N 3S3
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy people watching at Lewis Park
Lewis Park is a local hangout spot that’s popular with sports enthusiasts as well as people looking to bring the kids somewhere on a sunny day. It’s a riverfront park with several walking trails, so if you’re looking for a good run or a breeze jog by the water, this is the place. Also, there are several sports facilities on-site as well as a skate park. The park is also dog-friendly so bring along the whole family, including your furry friend.
Lewis Park
Address: Courtenay, BC V9N 3P5
Website: Lewis Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
9. Take a short hike through the Ruth Masters Greenway
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Offering everything from scenic views of the waterfront to some exotic and rare plants and animals, the Ruth Masters Greenway is a great option for someone looking to spend some time in nature. Catch a glimpse of some rare birds and plants or simply admire the natural world as you meander through this lush green space.
Ruth Masters Greenway
Address: 68 Powerhouse Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 8Y1
Website: Ruth Masters Greenway
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
10. Spend a sunny day at Puntledge Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hey parents, just a reminder only 3 more days of school to pick up your school calendar! The calendar features images...
Posted by Parents of Puntledge Park Elementary on Thursday, December 15, 2016
Puntledge Park is a beautiful spot to bring the whole family on a nice hot summer day. Enjoy some time on the river’s edge or do a little hiking through the nature trails located throughout the park. Trails are kid-friendly and not too difficult, and there are a few playgrounds around the area as well. The park is also dog-friendly, but they are supposed to be leashed if you bring your dog.
Puntledge Park
Address: 401 Willemar Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 3L3
Website: Puntledge Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Bask in the lap of nature
Courtenay has a ton of great things to do and see. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a short time, be sure to check out all these great things that Courtenay has to offer. Explore the nature and beauty that makes this part of Canada unique.
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