Overview
About Courtenay
Courtenay unfurls along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, a vibrant hub where the Comox Valley’s fertile farmland kisses the Salish Sea. The city’s heart beats with a blend of creative energy and outdoor grit — historic storefronts house artisan cafés and galleries, while the Puntledge and Tsolum rivers thread through parks alive with salmon runs. It’s a place where you can savour a morning oyster on the dock, spend the afternoon hiking alpine trails in Strathcona Provincial Park, and end the day under a canopy of stars unspoiled by city glow. Courtenay doesn’t just offer a gateway to adventure; it lives it.
What to see & do
Top attractions
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Strathcona Provincial ParkFreeKid-friendlyNatureActiveScenicUnique
British Columbia’s oldest provincial park unfurls across the spine of Vancouver Island, a cathedral of glacier‑carved peaks, alpine meadows, and lakes so clear they mirror the sky. Strathcona’s 2,450 square kilometres shelter the island’s highest summit, Golden Hinde (2,195 m), and the thunderous Della Falls — Canada’s highest waterfall at 440 metres. Ancient Douglas‑fir and western red‑cedar cloaks the lower valleys, while higher slopes burst with wildflowers in July. The park’s network of trails ranges from gentle lakeside strolls at Buttle Lake to multi‑day traverses of the Elk River Valley, each step accompanied by the whistle of marmots and the distant rumble of calving glaciers. This is wilderness on a grand scale, yet accessible enough for a family picnic beside the turquoise waters of Crest Creek or a sunrise paddle beneath the sheer face of Mount Albert Edward.
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
The city is compact and walkable, with a reliable BC Transit bus network connecting neighbourhoods, the ferry terminal at Buckley Bay, and nearby Comox. Cycling is popular along the dedicated Rotary Trail and quiet rural roads. A car remains the most flexible way to explore the valley’s scattered farms, trailheads, and hidden beaches, though ride-hailing and taxis are available.
Food & drink
Courtenay’s culinary scene champions the valley’s bounty — think spot prawns, Dungeness crab, and Pacific oysters straight from Baynes Sound, paired with crisp wines from the Comox Valley’s cool-climate vineyards. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase heritage vegetables and grass-fed meats, while a thriving craft brewery and distillery scene adds local hops and botanicals to the mix. Don’t miss the Saturday farmers’ market for the freshest pick of the season.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Courtenay is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong community feel. Standard urban precautions apply after dark. In natural areas, be bear-aware: store food securely, make noise on trails, and carry bear spray when venturing into the backcountry. Coastal waters can be cold year-round; wear a wetsuit or drysuit for paddling and always check tide tables and marine forecasts.