OVERVIEW
The vibrant community of Courtenay is just a 90-minute drive from Nanaimo. Its downtown core offers a variety of galleries, shops, boutiques and more for arts and culture enthusiasts, while its proximity to mountains, parks and lakes make it a great launching point for outdoor thrills – including the slopes of Mount Washington.
Top things to do
Credit: Jon Lovette / Alamy Stock Photo
Explore Strathcona Provincial Park
Visit Strathcona Provincial Park—the oldest and largest provincial park on Vancouver Island to relax, picnic, mountain bike, hike or stroll to see spectacular Della Falls, the highest falls in Canada, or Comox Glacier, the largest glacier on Vancouver Island.
Credit: BC Ale Trail
Enjoy local wines and food
Tantalize your taste buds at several local wineries and enjoy farm-to-table deliciously fresh food in the area's restaurants and cafes.
Credit: Mount Washington Resort
Visit Mount Washington
Ski, cross-country ski, snowboard, snowshoe and snowtube in the winter and mountain bike, mini-golf, and try bungee trampolining in the summer at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Relax at a spa
Treat yourself to a spa day at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa to enjoy a relaxing Pacific Mist Hydrotherapy treatment.
Credit: Courtenay Museum
Hunt for fossils
Hunt for fossils with an organized group or go on a self-guided discovery at the start of the Great Canadian Fossil Trail. Or visit the Courtenay and District Museum & Palaeontology Centre.
Places to stay
COURTENAY
Bayview Hotel
The Bayview Hotel is a contemporary hotel situated just steps from downtown Courtenay.
Visit hotel website ❯
COURTENAY
Old House Hotel
The Old House Hotel is a West Coast inspired hotel situated in the heart of Courtenay.
Visit hotel website ❯
COURTENAY
Best Western The Westerly Hotel
The Best Western The Westerly Hotel is a family-friendly hotel located in downtown Courtenay.
Save 15% off the best rate when booking through the BC Ferries link.
Visit hotel website ❯Nearby cities
Mount Washington
On the lookout for fresh powder, coastal views and a variety of summer and winter outdoor activities? Mount Washington Alpine Resort has something for you. Hike or bike its trails in summer, ski or snowboard its slopes in winter. Don’t miss out on all that Mount Washington has to offer!
Campbell River
Known for the past half century as one of the “Salmon Capitals of the World,” Campbell River has lots to offer beyond its flourishing fishing industry. Visitors are greeted with a variety of nearby provincial parks, local restaurants and various outdoor activities to choose from.
Parksville
Explore the quaint, waterfront town of Parksville, BC. With beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see and postcard-worthy views, this is the perfect spot for a getaway.
There are plenty of local eateries to try, along with hiking trails and a lively shopping centre. Whether you visit Parksville in the summer or winter, there will be no shortage of new activities to try.
Comox
Comox and its surrounding Valley offer premier experiences for adventure and culinary enthusiasts on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The Comox Valley’s rich combination of land, forest and mountains allow you to hit the slopes and bike at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, or enjoy the beaches, harbour, local wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.
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