Latest News
Fall Fossil Tours
Reserve your spot for a day of discovery! Explore the region’s ancient past on one of our world-famous fossil tours, led by Natural History Curator, Pat Trask, running now through October 2026. There's a tour for everyone: public tours for individuals and families, plus programs built for school classes and adult and youth groups.
In Memoriam: Judy Hagen
The Courtenay and District Museum Society lost a long-time leader and friend with the passing of Author, Researcher, Judy Hagen on July 24, 2026.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30 each year, Canada commemorates the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Lecture: Seagoing Women
Nearly three out of every four British Columbians live near the Strait of Georgia. Yet, because human beings are typically good at tuning out the familiar, we often neglect this rich body of water, allowing it to fade into the background. And that is doubly true for the world hidden under the waves—a world that teems with astonishing creatures beyond our notice, even our imaginations, as we jog along its edge or glide over it, dozing on a ferry commute.
From the Archives: Photo of the Month August 2026
Gordon McLean (left), two unidentified young men and Dusty d’Esterre (front right) enjoy a sunny day at Williams Beach. S.B.W. (Dusty) d’Esterre photograph. This photo and its caption appear on page 139 of Step Into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
August 2026 Gift Shop News
The Museum Gift Shop has a fabulous new selection of “sea glass” soap, lip balms, and soy/coconut candles from Sealuxe Organics, based out of Crescent Beach, BC.
Rental Discount for Non-Profits
Are you or someone you know part of a non-profit that’s looking for venue space? We’re happy to announce that the Courtenay Museum is now offering special discounted rates for non-profit groups renting out our Rotary Gallery or Dogwood Gallery spaces.
From the Archives: Photo of the Month July 2026
The Sutherland and Fairbairn girls ready for a swim in the Courtenay River. Left to right: Saxon and Agnes Sutherland, Gwen, Jean, Dorothy and Kay Fairbairn, with Lewis Park in the background, ca. 1920. This photo and its caption appear on pg. 118 and 119 of Step Into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
July 2026 Gift Shop News
Looking to buy Canadian? The Museum Gift Shop has you covered this July! Discover a fabulous collection of magnets, stickers, and greeting cards by Almeida Illustrations (Vancouver), patches, pouches, and enamel pins by Northern Icons (Vancouver), and tea towels by Maison Lorrain (Quebec, designed in Vancouver).
BC Day Closure
The museum will be closed on Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3. Wishing everyone a safe and happy BC Day holiday.
100 Years of Legions
The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League united numerous Veterans groups and societies together as one national entity. Over 160 Legion branches were founded that first year of 1926. This included Courtenay Branch #17 which was followed locally by Cumberland Branch #28 and later by Comox Branch #160 in 1939.
From the Archives: Photo of the Month June 2026
Long-time Courtenay meter reader Billy Hayman with a good catch, ca. 1920. This photograph appears on page 168 of Step into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
June 2026 Gift Shop News
The Museum Gift Shop has added some fabulous new Vancouver Island maps to the selection of charts for sale. These “placemat” maps are laminated, measure 17 x 11 inches, and serve as a more budget friendly option at $9.50 plus tax.