Latest News
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.
Hot Chocolates Turns 40 Years Old
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Hot Chocolates opening for business in downtown Courtenay. The newspaper ad seen here, celebrating one year in business, appeared in the June 12, 1987 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Note the original shop location on Duncan Avenue where the Backdoor Gallery & Studio is today.
Summer Fossil Tours
It’s now the perfect time to plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure! Be sure to reserve your spot on one of our world-famous fossil tours, led by Natural History Curator, Pat Trask. Running from now through the fall, these guided experiences offer a unique opportunity to explore and uncover the region’s ancient past.
National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026
June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Comox Valley will have no shortage of activities to celebrate this important day and month. Celebrations will be held at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds on Saturday, June 20 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
The Vaux’s Swifts Are Here!
Watch our 24-hour Vaux’s swifts livestream on YouTube to view the birds as they enter and exit the museum chimney. Tune in around sunrise and sunset for their departure and return, and scrub through the previous 12 hours for any sightings you might have missed.
May 2026 Gift Shop News
These new wind-up swimming bath toys from Rex London are making a big splash in the Museum Gift Shop this month! Continuing the beach theme, we also have decorative wood houses, and locally-made fabric door stoppers with various prints.
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 Wednesday, 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.
Driftwood Mall Turns 50 Years Old
For the community, this was front page news on May 5, 1976 in the Comox District Free Press newspaper: “The ribbon has been cut and the doors are officially open at the new shoppers’ mall in Courtenay.”
From the Archives: Photo of the Month April 2026
Here a four-horse team driven by Mr. Edwards and Tom Idiens works on ploughing the fairway of the recently formed Comox Golf Club, April 1924. This S.B.W. (Dusty) d’Esterre photograph appears on page 136 of Step into Wilderness: A Pictorial History of Outdoor Exploration in and around the Comox Valley.
Spring Fling Wrap-Up
Courtenay Museum staff would like to thank everyone for attending this year’s Spring Fling & Easter Magic event. A special thank you to the Barnyard Party Animals, Magician Donald Dunphy, and MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre for joining the celebration.
April 2026 Gift Shop News
Light up the room with these dinosaur nightlights, and add some prehistoric fun to your evening routine. These and other fabulous gifts from Rex London have arrived on the shelves, including temporary dino tattoos, prehistoric activity sets, and dinosaur-projector flashlights.