An upscale community in the Comox Valley of Vancouver Island, Courtenay enjoys a laid-back lifestyle with wine touring, golfing, beaches and winter skiing. From boutique shopping to nature parks, hiking and kayaking, there’s plenty to keep visitors engaged in Courtenay.

Things to do

Start your visit to Courtenay with artful espresso drinks at Mudsharks Coffee on Fifth Street downtown, which is full of trendy boutiques, coffee shops, bookstores, cafes and wilderness outfitters. If you’re travelling with kids, check out the stuffed animals at Whale’s Tales Toys or indulge in artisan truffles at Hot Chocolates.

Hike or cycle at Goose Spit Regional Park, then stay for a beach fire and driftwood fort building. You can also rent a kayak and paddle to Tree Island, known for birdwatching and easy interior walking tracks.

Back in town, relax with artisan distillery tastings at Wayward Distillation House, known for its honey-based local spirits. Drive along Pickering Road to find wine tasting at Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery or go sipping and sampling at Blue Moon Farm, Winery and Ciderworx.

A 35-minute drive from Courtenay brings you to Mount Washington for almost 700 hectares of snowy terrain in winter. Washington Alpine Resort features multiple lifts and Magic Carpets for skiers and snowboarders as well as groomed cross-country trails. In summer, you can hike the trails of Paradise Meadows or take the ski lifts for downhill mountain biking.

Getting around

Most visitors arrive on Vancouver Island by ferry or by air into Comox Valley Airport, where you pick up a rental car for the 10-kilometre drive to Courtenay. You can take a taxi or shuttles to the ski areas, while Comox Valley Transit operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas.