Courtenay Rural Charm, Urban Allure

An Eagle Soaring Over Coutenay1

Comfortably ensconced in the lush Comox Valley, on the eastern side of British Columbia's Vancouver Island, Courtenay is known as the valley's urban and cultural hub. With an area of only 17.02 sq km (6.57 sq m), Courtenay is not a big city, yet features all the major amenities of a large Canadian centre. Encompassing everything from professional services to entertainment and cultural attractions, Courtenay is also home to a variety of restaurants and shopping. In fact the downtown core is famed for having some of the Island's best shops. There is never a dull moment in this oceanfront city, and countless activities are enjoyed throughout the year. Pick from skiing, hiking, golfing, fishing, sailing and scuba diving or for those who prefer to stay indoors, some of Vancouver Island's best art galleries are found in Courtenay and are guaranteed to satisfy art aficionados. The remarkable setting keeps visitors coming back for more, while locals often cite the city's cool urban vibe along with the area's natural beauty as the main reason to settle in Courtenay.

HISTORY

Courtenay and the surrounding area has been strongly influenced by a gentle climate, ample seafood resources and the ease of navigation through important waterway trade routes. Local First Nations groups utilized these waterways to exchange materials and food stuffs, such as fish, eulachon oils, cedar products and shells, with other coastal groups.

Until recently it was believed that the first encounter between European and First Nations peoples in the Comox Valley occurred in 1792 when Captain george Vancouver sailed into Comox Harbour. However, recent research by Samuel Bawlf, indicates that the first meeting may have been with Sir Francis Drake as early as 1579. Drake, a member of the Court of Queen Elizabeth I, was sent on a secret expedition to explore British Columbia's coasts and Vancouver Island was chosen as the site of England's first overseas colony. By order of Queen Elizabeth I, the details of Sir Drake's journey were never revealed and remained forgotten for more than 400 years.

In 1860, the river that runs through the city was named after George William Courtenay, Captain of the British ship HMS Constance, which docked on the Pacific Station between 1846 to 1849. The city was later named after the river.

CLIMATE

Courtenay and the Comox Valley region experience one of Canada's longest frost-free periods with wintertime lows rarely dipping below 0ºC (32ºF). The summer months are warm with temperatures averaging about 23ºC (73ºF) and low precipitation. This temperate climate explains the areas vastly diverse plant life. This ideal climate is great for enjoying various outdoor activities all year long, from skiing to hiking to biking to kayaking. Visitors in the winter months will find that they can ski in the morning and then play golf in the afternoon. Few other cities offer such variety.

	A Small Waterfall in Stathcona Park2

TRANSPORTATION

Getting There
Courtenay is conveniently accessible by air, land and sea. Victoria, located in the southern portion of Vancouver Island, is a 220 km (137 mi) drive to Courtenay. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours and travellers can zip along Highway 19, a four-lane expressway, or indulge in the more scenic Oceanside Route on the old Highway 19A. Those departing from the Departure Bay and Duke Point ferry terminals can access the same roads, and the trip to Courtenay is 107 km (66 mi), or about a 75 minute drive.

Sailing into town by ferry is like taking a holiday cruise. Visitors can relax, get a bite to eat, gaze as other boats pass by, and view local wildlife such as seals. BC Ferries offer connections from mainland British Columbia to the Comox Valley region. Several direct flights into Comox, which is just 4 km (2 mi) east of Courtenay, are offered by major airlines such as WestJet. The Comox Airport serves the Comox Valley region. Flights depart daily from Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport.

All aboard! Ride a train into town! Via Rail offers service between Victoria and Courtenay. Travellers sit back and take in the scenic beauty of the land on this train ride.

Getting Around Town
Driving around Courtenay is fairly easy and visitors will find the local Rent-A-Wreck offers a variety of cars, passenger vans and trucks. Daily, weekly and monthly rental options are available here, and budget-conscious travellers will be happy to know there is ample free parking located throughout the city. For those wanting to experience a slower-paced approach to viewing all that Courtenay has to offer, walking is a good choice. There are plenty of green spaces to explore and drivers are usually courteous towards pedestrians. Courtenay also features the Comox Valley Transit System, offering efficient city and area public transportation.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Strathcona Provincial Park
There is plenty to see and do in Courtenay, that will satisfy both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. The rugged mountain wilderness of Strathcona Provincial Park is a huge draw. Located just outside of Courtenay, this is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and the largest on Vancouver Island. Spanning over 250,000 ha (617763 acres), there are ample recreational opportunities to be enjoyed at the park.

Visitors will find that many mountain peaks are blanketed with snow all year long. The area is home to many lakes, rivers, creeks, streams and an abundance of alpine trees. The park can be divided into two main areas, Butte Lake and vicinity and Forbidden Plateau. These are developed areas that are enjoyed by visitors looking for a less intense wilderness experience. The rest of Strathcona is undeveloped and is great for visitors hoping to take in all that the rugged and wild outdoors has to offer.

Chairlift on Mount Washington3

Many enjoy the warm summer months in Strathcona as well as the mild winter months, however, the higher elevations of the park can be cold in the winter and visitors should expect heavy snowfalls in the area. Common summer activities in the park include windsurfing, waterskiing, hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, picnicking, canoeing and fishing. Winter pursuits include skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Don't forget the year round sightings of various wildlife such as deer, elk and the occasional wolf or cougar. Strathcona Park is also home to a diverse variety of birds such as the chestnut-backed chickadee, the red-breasted nuthatch and the gray jay, to name a few.

Mount Washington
Courtenay is a convenient home base for making a journey to Mount Washington . Located just 25 km (16 mi) from the city, this gem is awesome for skiing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Mount Washington's ideal location allows for spectacular panoramic views across the Strait of Georgia to the Sunshine Coast, from Powell River to Sechelt, and beyond to the peaks of the Coast Mountains. The neighbouring Strathcona Provincial Park's Forbidden Plateau can also be seen from here. Experience the area's beauty and check out breathtaking ocean and alpine views from the scenic chairlift ride, which operates throughout the year.

Courtenay Air Park
Located within the city, the Courtenay Air Park is a favourite among locals, offering easy access for biking and walking with the family or a beloved four-legged friend down the paved pathway. The area has been designated as parkland and features a paved runway as well as an adjacent float ramp. Visitors have the chance to view small planes arrive and take off here. Visitors out for a leisurely walk may see eagles soar overhead, gaze at flocks of ducks and geese floating on the water or watch for a seal to swim by.

Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre
The downtown area is home to the Courtenay Museum and Paleontology Centre. This popular museum has been preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Comox Valley for more than 45 years. Visitors here will view various exhibits on First Nations Peoples, pioneers and, of course, paleontology. During the summer months, a kids camp is offered as well as a fossil tour.

A Relaxing Massage at the Spa4

Kingfisher Spa
Those looking for ultimate relaxation should go for a treatment or two at the Kingfisher Spa. Located in the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort, guests will be pampered at the spa and depending on the selected treatment, will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular ocean views while they relax.

A truly unique feature at the spa is the Pacific Mist Hydropath. Walk down the path as it winds through a man-made West Coast shoreline, complete with sculpted caves and pools. While enjoying the Hydropath, guests can experience a soothing massage rinse or relax tense muscles in the mineral massage pool. Another pleasant option is to sit among some waterfalls and indulge in a massage from water streaming from above.

The Hydropath also features a steam cave where guests can inhale aromatic steam, the Galacial Waterfall, which invigorates the body and senses and the River Walk with both warm and cool water. Guests can also listen to the gentle sound of waves in the Hydropath's Sea Mineral Soak, which contains 104 trace elements, while those looking to tone and heal their skin may try the Tidal Baths. Guests can soak in single person tidal baths carved out of wood and featuring wild harvested West Coast seaweed and mud.

Other spa services offered at Kingfisher include facials, manicures, pedicures and Thalassotherapy. This technique dates back centuries and uses of healing elements, such as natural iodine and sea mineral salts for a totally relaxing experience.

1. Eagle Soaring Over Courtenay; Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
2. Waterfall Strathcona Park; Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
3. Mount Washington Chairlift; Mount Washington, British Columbia, Canada
4. Massage at the Spa; Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada