Latest News
Last Chance – BC’s Marvellous Mushrooms Exhibit
The Royal BC Museum’s wildly popular travelling exhibit, BC’s Marvellous Mushrooms, will be moving on to its next location in December. Its last day here will be Saturday, December 9th, so be sure to come by to learn about our fascinating fungi before it’s gone.
Remembrance Day Exhibit
In commemoration of the family, friends, and loved ones lost in the line of duty, the museum will have a temporary Remembrance Day exhibit in the second floor gallery until November 10th. The museum will be closed on Saturday, November 11th.
Elasmosaur Named B.C.’s Official Fossil
Eighty million thanks from the Courtenay and District Museum to the Heritage Branch and the British Columbia Palaeontological Alliance for this public voting process and to all those who voted for the Puntledge River elasmosaur discovered by Mike Trask in 1988 to become a provincial symbol.
Keeping Up the Facade
You may have noticed that the museum’s front entrance is getting a facelift! Ravenstone Masonry & Conservation Inc.’s Shawn Thibault has been working on the much-needed restoration of the sandstone features from the original historic post office building.
Remembrance Day Exhibit
In commemoration of the family, friends, and loved ones lost in the line of duty, the museum will have a temporary Remembrance Day exhibit in the second floor gallery from October 21st until November 10th. The museum will be closed on Saturday, November 11th.
Halloween Candy Jar Contest
Get a head start on your candy haul on Tuesday, October 31st with the museum’s candy jar guessing game. If your estimate is the closest to the actual number, you’ll win the entire jar of candy!
Women’s History Month 2023
In recognition of Women’s History Month this October, we thank and celebrate women and girls, past and present, who continue to shape the Comox Valley, the coast and beyond. For this year’s national theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, here are three examples of community effort and long-lasting leadership.
Lecture: Fascinating Fungi
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with biologist Rick Ross. Rick will be your guide to explore the intriguing world of BC mushrooms. He has years of experience to provide valuable insight for mushroom hunting season, and attendees are welcome to bring mushrooms for help with identification.
Fall 2023 Fossil Tours
Make the most of the fall season and book your spot on a world famous fossil tour guided by our Natural History Curator, Pat Trask. Our tours will continue throughout the fall, with school programming available for classes and youth groups. These tour options are the perfect outing for all ages of newcomers and returning enthusiasts. Click here for details.
Cumberland Fungus Fest
It’s almost mushroom season, so it’s time to get your baskets ready! From Thursday, September 28th to Friday, September 30th, the Cumberland Community Forest Society will be hosting their 4th annual Fungus Festival.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year on September 30th, Canadians commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools throughout our country. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
World Rivers Day
Taking place on the fourth Sunday of September, World Rivers Day is the global extension of BC Rivers Day, which was founded in the early eighties by BC resident Marc Angelo. What originally began as a way to highlight the importance of the rivers of Western Canada has since expanded into a large event spanning continents.
Back to School
Back to school, indeed! This photo shows a casual study session in 1943 outside of Courtenay High School on Harmston Avenue. Looks like skirts were the height of academic fashion 80 years ago. Photographer: Rod McIntyre.