Summer Programmes for Everyone

The museum is offering a variety of programmes for kids and adults this season. Read on to find out how you can be involved in the fun!

Dinosaur Story Time at the Museum - begins July 7th
Starting July 7 and re-occurring every Monday throughout the summer at 1pm, children of any age are invited to come and listen to a dinosaur story at the museum. Story Time is a free drop-in activity. (Note: the museum will be closed on Monday, August 4th).

Learn to Dye Wool - begins June 20th
Children will learn to dye wool using everyday kitchen supplies and the heat of the sun! Spices, flowers, fruits and vegetables make wonderful natural dyes.
Click here for more information

Learn to Knit - begins June 27th
A knitted square has the potential to become so many things: a hat, a bag, a pair of fingerless mitts ... it's up to your child's imagination.
Click here for more information

Learn to Finger Knit - begins July 11th
Finger knitting is a great way to introduce children to the fibre arts and a wonderful way to learn the basics of knitting. Your child will start and finish a finger knit project in class.
Click here for more information

"Mystery in the Rocks" - begins July 8th
These children's classes center around dinosaurs and fossils. Using museum specimens and hands-on, interactive activities, students will be given the unique opportunity to explore what life was like on Vancouver Island millions of years ago.
Click here for more information

The Nature Lab & Studio - begins July 8th
Environmental Sustainability & Art Workshops for Children. Developed and presented by Jennifer Margetish, these workshops provide inspiration through a hands-on exploration of patterns, colours, textures and forms found in nature that can be used in creating art.
Click here for more information

Public Fossil Tours - on now!
People of all ages love the fossil tours - complete with the chance to do a hands-on dig at a nearby river.
Click here for more information

Check the museum event calendar for all programmes that run throughout the summer.

July 1st Open House

On Canada Day, drop by the Courtenay and District Museum after the parade and help celebrate our country's birthday.

There will be free admission, balloons and door prize draws between 12 noon and 4 pm.

Special activities will include cupcake walks for all ages and a hands-on craft for kids.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Alan Jossul.

Canada Day is a great chance to explore history at the museum. Discoveries happen here!

Pat Trask and Dr. Jim Haggart (Left to Right)

BC Paleo Alliance Presents Rene Savenye Award to Pat Trask

On May 10, 2014 the British Columbia Paleontological Alliance (BCPA) presented the Rene Savenye Award to Pat Trask, Curator, Earth Sciences at the Courtenay Museum during the BCPA annual conference at the University of Victoria.

The BCPA is a union of professional and amateur paleontological organizations working to advance the science of paleontology in the province by fostering public awareness, scientific collecting and education, and by promoting communication among all those interested in fossils.

The BCPA's Rene Savenye Award was established in 2003 to periodically honour an amateur paleontologist who has demonstrated outstanding service to the science of paleontology or to paleontological education in British Columbia. The award was created in memory of the late Rene Savenye, noted British Columbia naturalist and amateur paleontologist. The two other recipients of the Rene Savenye Award are Graham Beard of Qualicum in 2005 and Dr. Charles Helm of Tumbler Ridge in 2011.

Congratulations Pat for over 20 years of promoting awareness of paleontology in the province and welcoming the public in discovering the wonderful science side of the Comox Valley.

Your Membership Makes A Difference

Purchasing a membership to the Courtenay and District Museum, now in its 53rd year, supports heritage preservation in the Comox Valley through special events, lectures, education programmes, research and exhibitions. Your membership benefits these award winning programmes on a year round basis and we appreciate it!

Becoming a member provides you with discounts in the gift shop and on lectures and an opportunity to support one of the most active regional museums in British Columbia. Thank you for your support.

Click here to Join

Photo of the Month

CDM #989.183.94
Pole Vaulting at Lewis Park, Courtenay, 1930s

You can view more photos like this on our website. Click here to visit our holdings.

Summer Hours

Open Seven Days a Week

The Courtenay and District Museum is now on its summer operating schedule and is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 until Labour Day. As always, members visit free.

All Spruced Up!

Workers have just completed a mini-reno/up-date on the Capes Escape vacation rental property and the place is looking great!

If you've got company coming for a visit and are looking for a comfortable and convenient rental space, consider Capes Escape.

For further information and availability please click here

It's All There in Black and White

Hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the beginnings of the Courtenay Air Park. This Comox District Free Press article from June 16, 1964 reports on its start.

Read this newspaper article from our archives

With legacy support from the Bickle Family and the Comox Valley Echo.

Museum Sponsors

Dogwood
Comox Valley Community Foundation
Judy Hagen
The Robert Hunt Family
Bruce McPhee
Microsoft
Vancouver Island Exploration Group
Daryl and Evelyn Wright - Francis Jewellers Ltd.

Arbutus
The Bickle Family
Comox Valley Echo
Comox Valley Monarch Lions Club
Ed LaFleur
Marjorie Thorpe
John Wilson and Family

Fir
Elizabeth Braithwaite
Des Kennedy

Seedling

Christine Dickinson Coral Dunn Dove and Mike Hendren Peggy Hildebrandt Ted Lovegrove Ruth Masters

D. Mobley Jim Peacock April Shopland Jean & Ian Sibbald Roberts & Adela Smith Comox Valley Family History Research Group

If you're considering donating to a charity, please consider the Courtenay and District Museum. Your support goes towards education programmes, lectures and collection management. We provide a tax receipt to donors.

Please click here to donate

Museum Funding

The Courtenay and District Historical Society was registered as a nonprofit society in 1961 to preserve and interpret cultural and natural heritage of the Comox Valley. It has functioned as an independent society since that time. Funds are derived from the generous support of the City of Courtenay, British Columbia Arts Council, Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia Gaming Branch, and from museum generated revenues and donations.

Proud sponsors of the Courtenay & District Museum: