Downtown Courtenay
When you walk down the street in the heart of downtown, life feels unhurried. The city is filled with trees and greenery, and there are plenty of locally owned cafes and restaurants to have a cup of coffee or meal where you can sit and watch the world go by. People smile at each other and say hello in our small city.
The heart of the boutique shopping district, Downtown Courtenay plays home to over 240 businesses. If you’re looking for the best of home décor, fashion, grocery stores, toys and games, sporting gear, artisan bakeries or any type of professional service, downtown is your first stop. Private galleries provide one-of-a-kind works that will intrigue the adventurous.
Entertainment and the arts flourish at the Sid Williams Theatre and the Comox Valley Art Gallery, and education is visual and fun at the Vancouver Island Regional Library and the Courtenay & District Museum and Palaeontology Centre – all found in the heart of the city.
It’s easy to get around downtown. If you are driving, the parking is free on the street and in the parking lots. Bike racks are located conveniently, and walking in the heart of the city is very pleasant. Local residential neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown are a short walk away, as are Simms Millennium Park, Lewis Park, and the Riverway walkway. Downtown Courtenay is 1.5 hour drive from Nanaimo, 3 hours north of Victoria, and about a 1/2 hour drive from Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Throughout the year, there are a number of free public events held in the core, suitable for families and people of all ages:
- Lunar New Year – February
- Earth Day – April
- Elevate the Arts – June
- Canada Day Parade – July 1st.
- Market Day and Local Colours Festival – July
- Classic Cruisers Show ‘n Shine - July
- Children’s Hallowe’en Parade – October
- Comox Valley Christmas Parade - November
- WinterFest – November-December
Check the Downtown Courtenay website www.downtowncourtenay.com/events/ for details and dates on these and many other events held downtown.
To learn more about Downtown Courtenay and the merchants that call it home got to www.downtowncourtenay.com.
