Aerial view of Marine Park and Estruary in Courtenay BC

Courtenay, BC


OVERVIEW

Drive 90 minutes from Nanaimo to the heart of beautiful farming landscapes on Vancouver Island to visit Courtenay—the urban centre of the Comox Valley. Downtown Courtenay boasts charming streets filled with art galleries, theatres, shops, artists’ studios, boutiques and gardens, and out of town there are sandy beaches, forests, mountains, parks and lakes. Plus, drive just 15 minutes to the local ski hill.

Courtenay map with BC Ferries routes and nearby cities on Vancouver Island

Top things to do

Nearby cities

Mountain biker on the Wizard Bike Trail at Mount Washington British Columbia

Comox

Located on the East Coast, Comox is rich in agricultural land, forests and mountains. Relax on a beach in summer, or go skiing in winter at Mount Washington, but whenever you visit, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to buy fresh fish right off the boat.

Group of people snowshoeing through the trees on Mount Washington near Courtenay BC

Mount Washington

Mount Washington Alpine Resort boasts one of the most spectacular coastal mountain settings in North America. Bordering Strathcona Provincial Park and the Beaufort Mountains to the west and the Georgia Strait to the east, it's a great spot to enjoy summer and winter outdoor activities.

Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island British Columbia

Campbell River

Located on the east coast, Campbell River has been known for the past century as the Salmon Capital of the World. But there’s more to Campbell River than fishing—with lots of provincial parks, beaches, restaurants and wildlife, there’s something for everyone. 

Person walking on wooden boardwalk alongside beach in Parksville on Vancouver Island

Parksville

Drive 30 minutes north from Nanaimo to visit Parksville, offering long sandy beaches, lots of water sports, and plenty of arts and crafts to suit all tastes. Known as Canada's Riviera, Parksville is the perfect destination for romantic getaways and family fun. 


 
 
 

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