Latest News
Courtenay Streets: McPhee Avenue
This month’s article is a tribute to the man known as the father of Courtenay, Joseph McPhee, the namesake of McPhee Avenue. Local historian Dorothy Isabelle Stubbs (1905-2003) wrote columns for different newspapers over the years including this one from the May 6th, 1970 edition of the Comox District Free Press.
Dinosaurs of BC
Dinosaurs of BC, an exciting exhibit revealing some of the ancient animals of British Columbia was produced by the Royal BC Museum (RBCM), and is now on display at the Courtenay and District Museum on the second level gallery until February 1st, 2025.
Gift Shop News for October 2024
The museum gift shop’s popular sticker books are back, with some new additions! The 8 different variations are all $19.50 plus tax, each filled with between 500 and 900 stickers depending on individual sticker sizes. Exit through the gift shop and find out for yourself why they’re selling so fast.
Celebrating Diversity – Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a holiday that is primarily celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. It's a tradition that combines Indigenous and Spanish Catholic customs and is typically observed on November 1st and 2nd. The holiday is all about honoring deceased loved ones and is often marked by elaborate altars, colorful decorations, and festive gatherings.
Candy Jar Contest
Visit the museum and get a head start on your October candy haul 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 and a 1-year museum membership.
Women’s History Month
In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.
Courtenay Streets: Bonus Photo 10
Leighton’s shop, c. 1912. Located in Courtenay’s first city centre near the intersection of the current Old Island Highway and Comox Road. George Brunskill Leighton (1865-1935) is 4th from left.
Courtenay Streets: Leighton Avenue
This month’s newsletter highlights Leighton Avenue with an article written by local historian Dorothy Isabelle Stubbs (1905-2003), author of several different columns for newspapers over the years including "Spotlight on Courtenay Streets" for Comox District Free Press in 1970. This article appeared in the April 22nd edition.
New Non-Profit Discount
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.
Elasmosaur’s Birthday
Courtenay’s very own Puntledge River elasmosaur is turning 80,000,036 this November! Join us at the museum on Saturday, November 16th from 11:00am – 2:00pm for a special birthday party for the elasmosaur and celebrate its official designation as the provincial fossil of BC.
Fall 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.
Reminder – Models & Miniatures
Time flies! The museum’s in-house summer exhibit Models & Miniatures will be taken off display at the end of September. The last day to see it for yourself will be Saturday, September 28th, so be sure to come by and see the museum’s collection of things both big and small.
Gift Shop News for September 2024
The museum is proud to announce brand new water bottles hitting the gift shop shelves to commemorate the elasmosaur’s official designation as the provincial fossil of BC. And due to the popularity of the elasmosaur t-shirts, the gift shop has expanded the elasmosaur shirts to be available in plum and sage for visitors to show pride for this famous fossil.