Latest News
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.
June 2025 Heritage Sights
The unique brick and sandstone Courtenay Post Office was built during 1925. Forty thousand faced bricks from Redcliffe, Alberta were used, as well as 100,000 common bricks from Victoria. These bricks certainly became a talking point in June 1946 when the building was damaged by a 7.3 earthquake!
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.
Sold Out Lecture: The Coast Salish Woolly Dog
Doggone it, we're sold out! 🐾 Thanks to overwhelming interest, all tickets for the May 27th lecture “The Coast Salish Woolly Dog” at the Courtenay Museum are gone! Please note: no tickets will be available at the door, so if you didn’t snag one in time, we hope to see you at a future event. Stay tuned because there are more exciting programs on the way!
May 2025 Heritage Sights
One hundred years ago the corner of 4th Street and Cliffe Avenue would have looked much different from today. The Courtenay Post Office building, a mix of brick and concrete masonry, was under construction. Work began in late 1924, and the Post Office opened for business in January 1926.
Fossil Tours Are Back!
As the warmer weather approaches, don’t forget to book your spot on a world famous fossil tour guided by our Natural History Curator, Pat Trask.
Coming Soon: Watch the Vaux’s Swifts LIVE
We’re excited to broadcast the Vaux’s swifts return to the Courtenay Museum’s brick chimney this year. With help from Mayor Bob Wells, ACS Computer Solutions, and City of Courtenay staff, the museum will have a 24-hour livestream on YouTube to view the swift traffic inside and outside the museum chimney.
Good Friday Closure
The museum will be closed on Friday, April 18th. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter weekend!
It’s All There in Black and White: Comox Valley Sports Centre
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we’re taking a look back at an article about Comox Valley resident, Ede Anfield, in the January 6th, 1971 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Ede passed away in 1993 at the age of 86.
March 2025 Gift Shop News
A fabulous lineup of new dinosaur books have arrived in the Museum Gift Shop this month! Learn how to Draw Ferocious Dinosaurs, and test your knowledge with Dinopedia and The Dictionary of Dinosaurs. On the silly side, pick up If Dinosaurs Had Hair for a good chuckle
International Women’s Day 2025
The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in every story. This year’s theme highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation, supports Canada’s economy, and helps ensure a sustainable future for all.
It’s All There in Black and White: Celebrating Ede Anfield
To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we’re taking a look back at an article about Comox Valley resident, Ede Anfield, in the January 6th, 1971 edition of the Comox District Free Press. Ede passed away in 1993 at the age of 86.
Heritage – It’s Natural! Zoophycos in the Comox Valley
Zoophycos is a trace fossil. Trace fossils are the tracks, trails, burrows or other markings left behind by organisms in the sediment. Zoophycos feeding traces consist of radiating arc-like grooves and ridges which are termed spreite. The spreite are arranged in broad overlapping tongues and fans around a central vertical shaft or burrow.