While most visitors arrive in Courtenay in their own car, recreational vehicle or motorcycle, there are other options for transportation and getting around town.
Car Travel
Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Courtenay boasts a network of well-maintained multi-lane highways. The city is 108km/67mi northwest of Nanaimo and 219km/136mi northwest of Victoria. Courtenay town centre is approximately 7km/4.4mi off the Inland Island Highway 19, exit 117.
Highway 19A or the Oceanside Route is the slower but more scenic approach recommended for leisurely motorists. The southernmost access is at Highway 19, exit 46 southeast of Parksville. Frequent accesses to the Oceanside Route between Parksville and Campbell River are marked by distinctive blue starfish signs. Travelling south, Courtenay is 50km/31mi southeast of Campbell River.
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Ferry Travel
BC Ferries operates one of the most sophisticated ferryboat systems in the world, serving almost 50 ports along the rugged BC coastline. Ferries run several times daily between Courtenay's sister community Comox and Powell River on the mainland.
Air Travel
The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is an efficient airport operating year round and served by three major airlines. Flights between Vancouver and the Comox Valley Airport and direct flights from Calgary run daily. Other air transport services in the area are provided by the Courtenay Airpark, which has a 548.6m/1800ft runway designed for light aircraft and facilities for floatplanes. Budget and National rental cars operate kiosks out of Comox Valley Airport. Local bus and private shuttles also service the airport. Harbour to harbour floatplane flights are available between nearby Comox and Vancouver.
Bus Travel & Public Transportation
Daily coach lines connect all points of Vancouver Island with the Mainland. Greyhound Coach Lines make several runs daily between Nanaimo/Victoria and Courtenay. The local Comox Valley Transit System provides bus service for Courtenay and the Comox Valley. IslandLink Bus Service offers express bus passenger service between Courtenay and BC Ferries at Nanaimo-Departure Bay as well as linking to other communities on the island.
Maps
The Comox Valley Visitor Centre in Courtenay offers trail maps, recreation maps, a Comox Valley street map as well as maps of Vancouver Island and the province. Of special interest are the Downtown Courtenay Heritage Walk and Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk brochures, offered free of charge. Also available is the Comox Valley Heritage Experience Driving Tour with GPS markings to ensure seamless travel.
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Transportation Service Providers
Transportation & Maps
Courtenay