Crafty Summer Fun!
The Courtenay Museum has two amazing programs that will keep your kids engaged, learning, and creating all week long. From prehistoric adventures to clay masterpieces, these are the perfect blend of education and fun.
BC Day Closure
The museum will be closed on Sunday, August 3 and Monday, August 4. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday.
July 2025 Gift Shop News
The Museum Gift Shop is happy to announce brand new colours of our popular elasmosaur t-shirts. We teamed up with our long-time collaborators at Hitec Screen Printing to locally print these fabulous shirts, available in heather green or heather navy in adult sizes ($35.99), and turquoise or olive green in youth sizes ($25.99).
Gearing Up for Fossil Tours
Summer’s here! Don’t miss your chance to book your spot on a world famous fossil tour guided by our Natural History Curator, Pat Trask. Tours will run from now until the fall, with public tours for families and school programming available for classes and youth groups. These tour options are the perfect outing for all ages, newcomers and returning enthusiasts.
Vaux’s Swifts 2025 Highlights
Tune in to watch the highlight reel from the Vaux’s swifts return to the Courtenay Museum’s brick chimney. After this stop, they continued their migration from Central America to Northern BC and Alaska.
June 2025 Gift Shop News
We're excited to announce new wet and needle felting artwork by Local Artist, Cheryl Webster, now available in the Museum Gift Shop. Cheryl started Hummingbird Felting Studio in Royston earlier this year to explore her newfound passion for felting, and she continues to wow us with her beautiful work.
Canada Day Open House
The Courtenay and District Museum will celebrate Canada Day with an open house from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 1. Guests are welcome to enjoy live music by Alan Jossul, enter to win a door prize, and try their hand at kids’ crafts.
A Facelift for the Rotary Gallery
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Courtenay, the Courtenay Museum’s Rotary Gallery has received some fabulous new upgrades and features, such as a full set of new ceiling light fixtures, a brand new sink and cabinets in the adjacent kitchen, and a fresh coat of wall paint.
Traskasaura: a Brand New Genus and Species
It’s official! At long last, what was known as the Puntledge River elasmosaur now has its own scientific name: Traskasaura sandrae, named in its scientific paper published on May 23, 2025 in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, by Dr. F. Robin O’Keefe.
May 2025 Gift Shop News
Some fabulous brand-new items from Rex London have arrived in the Gift Shop! These new additions include incredibly cute “Mini Bunny in a Box” and “Mouse in a House” plush dolls with their little beds, as well as a playful “Knitting Mushroom” kit with yarn included.