 Downtown Courtenay Driving, Boomer Jerritt photo
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. 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.
Rail Travel "The Malahat" operated by Via Rail is a 4.5 hour rail route between Victoria and Courtenay along the Strait of Georgia via Chemainus, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. A relaxed and scenic journey cherished by train buffs, the passenger train makes the round trip daily, with additional stops on request.
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.
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. Island Link 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 at 2040 Cliffe Avenue 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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