Courtenay is a single city in the Comox Valley on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Courtenay is the biggest community in the area and the seat of the Comox Valley Regional District, previously known as the Comox-Strathcona Regional District.
Courtenay is the residence of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's), an infantry regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces. Based on archaeological evidence, a Coast Salish fishing settlement has been living on the shores of the Courtenay River Estuary for at least 4,000 years. The Coast Salish residents called the area kw'umuxws (Li'kwala for plentiful) due to the gentle climate, fertile soil, and plentiful sea life. The word was anglicized to Komoux and later on to Comox. Courtenay's economy depended on natural resources like coal, logging, fishing, and agriculture. Now it is focused on providing services to the large retiree community and the military families at CFB Comox; of course, tourism is also a vital part of Courtenay's economy.
Courtenay has a Mediterranean climate with dry summer and cool and wet spring and fall. The average temperature is between 0°C (32°F) in February and 23° (73.4°F) in August.
The best time to visit Courtenay is from mid-July to mid-August when the warm-weather activities are available.
The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) has daily direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Harbour Air Seaplanes have flights from Vancouver Harbour to Comox Harbour terminal, which is only 5.8 km (3.6 miles) away, and you can take a taxi to Courtney.
Regular ferry service would take you to Comox Valley from Powell River and Washington State to Victoria. You can go by bus or rent a car at Comox Valley Airport.
Courtenay is a beautiful, vibrant city with scenic beaches, rivers, lakes, and tourist activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and world-class golfing. Comox Valley is famous for year-round recreation and sports. The Courtenay Riverway is one of the most popular and scenic attractions of the town. The waterfront walkway gives you great views of the Courtenay Estuary, and it's close to the downtown core; bird watching and photography are the most popular activities there. The city comes off real strong regarding the entertainments. They include Landmark Cinemas Courtenay, CHALK Spirits ~ Tapas ~ Billiards, Courtenay Little Theatre Society, Comox Valley Leisure Club, Chances Casino Courtenay, Crypt-Tic scape room, Sid Williams Theatre, and Stan Hagen Theatre.
Courtenay Public transportation includes bus, ferry, airplane, and taxi.
Courtenay offers a wide range of accommodations that vary in price and services. The best area to stay in Courtenay is downtown, where you can be close to transportation services and entertainment. However, you can find comfortable lodgings further away from downtown.
Hotels:
Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
Best Western The Westerly Hotel
Old House Hotel & Spa
Bay View Hotel
Self-Catered Accommodations:
Ginger Giraffe B&B
Serenity lodge bed and breakfast
Stafford House Bed & Breakfast
Arbour Cottage Bed & Breakfast
Royston House Bed & Breakfast on Royston
Salsbury House B&B
Little Bear Garden View B&B
Hostels:
Port Augusta Inn
River Heights Motel
Super 8 by Wyndham Courtenay
Comox Valley Inn & Suites
Travelodge by Wyndham Courtenay
The Riding Fool Hostel
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
Guesthouses:
Kye Bay Guest Lodge & Cottages
Lake Trail Guesthouse
Most of the shops are located downtown; however, there are great shops all over the city.
Crown Isle Plaza, Comox Centre Mall, Driftwood Mall, SmartCentres Courtenay, Everything Wet Store The, La Cache, Joe Fresh and Lake Trail Thrift Store are some of the best.
Most of Courtenay's restaurants are around 5th street and N Island Highway. Here are the names of the best of them:
Taco Bandido, Plates Eatery & Catering Co., George's Food Bar Ltd, Pizzeria Guerilla, Nikkei Ramen-ya, Black Market Food Truck, OFF MAIN, Union Street Grill and Grotto, The Yellaow Deli, Il Falcone Restaurant, Bisque Restaurant, Yiamas Greek Taverna, Seh-mi Japanese Restaurant Courtenay, Javier's Latin Cuisine Restaurant, Locals Restaurant, Mudsharks Coffee Bar, Atlas Café, Cappuccino Grande Café, Bigfoot Donuts, Rhodos Coffee and Bistro, The Hen and Hog Café, Park Café, Courtenay Grind Espresso & Smoothie Bar, The Bayside Café, Tin Town Cafe
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery, 40 Knots Winery, Wine Cottage The, Signature Wine Cellars, Corks and Caps by VanIsle Wine, Beer Makers, Ace Brewing Company Limited, Gladstone Brewing Co., New Tradition Brewing Company, Land & Sea Brewing Company Ltd.