advertise
Vanislander / Landmarks / Art Galleries Museums / The Courtenay and District Museum

The Courtenay and District Museum

Nestled in the historic heart of downtown Courtenay, the Courtenay & District Museum and Palaeontology Centre invites visitors to explore the Comox Valley’s rich natural and cultural heritage through thoughtfully curated galleries and immersive fossil exhibits.
Since its establishment in 1961, this non‑profit institution has collected, preserved, and interpreted the stories of local geology, First Nations, pioneer settlement, logging, and social history. Offering year‑round on‑site displays, outdoor fossil field trips, guided tours, and rotating exhibitions, the museum delivers engaging experiences for all ages.

more

less

About The Courtenay & District Museum

History & Mission

Established in 1961 as a non‑profit by the Courtenay & District Historical Society, the museum’s mandate is to collect, preserve, and interpret the Comox Valley’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

more

less

Location & Contact

Address: 207 Fourth Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G7
Official Website: www.courtenaymuseum.ca
Phone: (250) 334‑0686
Email: info@courtenaymuseum.ca

more

less

Exhibitions & Collections

• Palaeontology Centre: From local elasmosaur and mosasaur finds to the mysteries of ammonites and ratfish, dive into 80 million‑year‑old marine history.
• Social & Cultural History: Explore First Nations heritage, pioneer settlement, logging and lumber industries, and the evolution of Comox Valley communities.
Interactive online experiences such as Sid Williams: Out of the Ordinary and History of the Comox Valley let you explore from anywhere.

Visitor Information

Hours & Admission

• Open: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
• Admission: Entry by donation; tax receipts available on request.

more

less

Accessibility

While specific accessibility details are not listed online, the museum strongly encourages visitors with mobility or sensory needs to contact ahead for tailored assistance.

more

less

Membership & Gift Shop

• Benefits: Members receive discounts on gift‑shop purchases and special events, plus monthly newsletters and voting rights at the AGM.
• Members‑Only Sales: Seasonal promotions (e.g., 25 % off in December) reward active supporters.

more

less

Amenities & Event Rentals

• Free Parking: A lot behind the museum ensures easy access for self‑drive visitors.
• Facilities: Two rental galleries (Rotary and Dogwood) equipped with AV gear, seating, and kitchenette, ideal for lectures, small events, and community gatherings.

more

less

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Special Programmes & Tours

Fossil Tours

• Overview: Guided field trips to local river sites, including lecture, hands‑on fossil hunting, and the chance to keep discoveries (subject to scientific review).
• Fees: Adults $47.25; Children (4–16) $36.75; Family and group rates available
• Booking: Pre‑registration required; weather‑dependent in spring/fall.

more

less

Education & Group Programmes

• Fossil A+ Tour: A 90‑minute in‑museum session, including PowerPoint by the Natural History Curator, for up to 30 students ($126).
• Custom Workshops: On‑site and off‑site options covering social history, geology, and First Nations culture.

more

less

Getting Here by Car

What you Can Expect to See Near The Courtenay and District Museum

Comox

Comox

Comox is a town with fishing opportunities, local wildlife, year-round golf and proximity to the Mount Washington ski area, the Forbidden Plateau, and Strathcona Provincial Park. Based on archaeological evidence, there was a Coast Salish fishing settlement at Comox for at least 4,000 years. The area's signature landmark is the Comox Glacier.

Courtenay

Courtenay

Courtenay is the biggest community in the area with daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. It has scenic beaches, rivers, lakes, and popular activities such as Mt. Washington Ski, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and world-class golfing. Comox Valley is famous for year-round sports and recreational activities among them are bird watching and photography.

Mount McBride

Mount McBride

Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.

Goose Spit Park

Goose Spit Park

Goose Spit Park is a long narrow coastal park with a view of the Pacific Ocean and majestic mountains. Lots of driftwoods exist all over the beach. Have a nice walk on the long walkway to see lots of crab and starfish or find some sand dollars. Goose Spit Park offers excellent opportunities for water sports like swimming, kayaking, and surfing.

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens is a fantastic natural garden with delightful paths, a creek, and great open spaces. It is home to plenty of native plants, wildflowers, and birds. The garden features one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in Western Canada, with over 3000 plantings. The best time to visit is from March to the end of June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Tribune Bay Provincial Park, or Little Hawaii, has an expansive sweep of white sand surrounded by woods. The park is famous for its unusual rocky shoreline formations, tidal pools, and beautiful white sandy beaches. Its warm and shallow water is ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Being there watching sunsets and a beautiful full moon without any street lights to distract the view would impress you.

Rosewall Creek Falls

Rosewall Creek Falls

The flow of Rosewall Creek forms a waterfall in the middle of a rain forest surrounded by moss-covered rocks. Rosewall Creek Falls is one of the masterpieces done by nature that deserves multiple visits. The water is white and pure, and it seems like it's coming out of a wall made of trees. Visiting the waterfall in summer and spring would be perfect as the creek has a higher water level.

Brown's River Falls

Brown's River Falls

Along the Brown River, there is a river fall that completes its attractiveness. The river's stream cascades from rock cliffs and makes Brown's River Falls. It is also known as Medicine Bowl, a series of falls in a lush green forest. The landscape is worthy enough to sit on a rock and watch it for hours, and the sound of the waterfall is like a piece of music on repeat, which you would not become bored with it.

Beaufort Range

Beaufort Range

Develop your life skills and overcome daily life obstacles in touch with nature. The Beaufort Range has incredible mountains stretching from Horne Lake to Comox Lake with Mount Joan as the highest summit. It offers excellent hiking with outstanding views overlooking the Strait of Georgia and Port Alberni, passing through a bit bushy cols.

Myra Falls (Lower Myra Falls)

Myra Falls (Lower Myra Falls)

In the south end of Buttle Lake at Strathcona Provincial Park, you can find Myra Falls (or Lower Myra Falls), a Jewel of natural wonders. This seven-drop waterfall is beautiful all year round, and it feels like you're in a land of fantasy. The tremendous view of the place and shades of green and blue of the pool under the falls make a great scene perfect for photography.

Elk Falls

Elk Falls

With 27 m (89 ft) height, Elk Falls is as beautiful as a postcard picture placed on the west side of Campbell River among the old-growth Douglas firs and cedar trees. The moss-covered rocks, the deep clear water underneath, and Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon are deep reflections of a fairyland. Step into the hiking trails and enjoy all other beauties like birds.

Trent River

Trent River

The Trent River runs through nature and brings more life to it. The river has a waterfall on its way and merges into the Strait of Georgia. It is fantastic to see the water flowing over the stones and hear the dipper's clear wandering song working along the edge. The Trent River is a beautiful attraction perfect for swimming in summer. There are many fishes in the river, including pink salmon.

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls Provincial Park is a National Park, a friendly site for hiking in nature trails or enjoying lying in the sun listening to the waterfall's soothing sound. The Suspension Bridge stretching across the canyon below the falls is the highest pedestrian bridge on Vancouver Island. Old-growth Douglas firs and cedars are a prominent visit. This nature park is a year-round salmon fishing destination in Canada.

Trent River Falls

Trent River Falls

Listen to the music of water, let your troubles go with the flow, and immerse yourself in nature. Get yourself in touch with the perfect view of Trent River Falls, its ecosystem, and beautiful trees. Enjoy the wildlife and a wide range of bird species in the area. Make your outdoor excursion around the waterfall and the Trent River full of peace.

Profile Picture

Author: Nila Abasian

2025 April 21
Let Us Know Your Ideas