THE CITY OF COURTENAY

The diversity in Courtenay's real estate market is unmatched; with a different feel from one neighbourhood to the next.
Maybe you want to walk to your favourite coffee shop, live close to the water, drive your golf cart from your garage to the green- or simply have a little more room to make a place your own.

Let’s find the part of Courtenay that feels right for you.

32,763

Est. Population*

1,011/km²

Pop. Density*

13%

Est. Growth
2020-2025*

48.8

Median Age*

$72,000

Median Household Income (2020)*

Your Guide to Life in Courtenay, BC

Choosing a home also means getting to know the community around it. This Courtenay guide brings together practical information on schools, North Island College, parks, recreation, youth activities, dining, faith communities, senior care, and emergency services. Explore the sections below to see what’s nearby, with some resources covering the wider Comox Valley.

If you’re planning to buy or sell, I can help you put that local information to work. As a Courtenay REALTOR® serving the Comox Valley, I’ll answer your questions, help you weigh your options, and make a clear plan for your next move.

Where your child goes to school matters.

For many families, the right neighbourhood starts with the right school. Whether you’re hoping for a shorter morning walk or a particular school program, we can explore Courtenay homes with your family’s daily routine in mind. Be sure to confirm school catchments and enrolment directly with the district before you buy.

13 schools

School Grades Type Students (2025/26)
Arden Elementary Courtenay K–5 Public 216
Courtenay Elementary Courtenay K–5 Public 232
École Puntledge Park Elementary Courtenay K–7 Public 500
Huband Park Elementary Courtenay area K–7 Public 395
Queneesh Elementary Courtenay K–7 Public 428
Valley View Elementary Courtenay K–7 Public 364
Lake Trail Community School Courtenay 6–9 Public 382
Georges P. Vanier Secondary Courtenay 8–12 Public 1,453
École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld Courtenay 8–12 Public 944
Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy Comox · Christian education K–12 Independent 280
Beachcombers Academy Fanny Bay K–7 Independent 59
Glacier View Secondary Centre Courtenay · Alternative programs 7–12 Public alternative 181
Nala’atsi Alternate School Courtenay · For students with Indigenous ancestry 10–12 Public alternative 21

School pathways

Explore how the schools connect, then confirm the route for your home address with the district.

Neighbourhood routes below reflect SD71’s published 2021 feeder chart, not verified 2026 catchment assignments. Boundaries, placements and programs can change. French immersion follows a separate program pathway.

Find your catchment

Vanier family of schools

Arden, Courtenay and Puntledge English catchments

  1. 1. Elementary · K–5 Arden Elementary
    or Courtenay Elementary
    or École Puntledge Park (English)
  2. 2. Middle · Grades 6–9 Lake Trail Community School
  3. 3. Secondary · Grades 10–12 Georges P. Vanier Secondary

Huband Park and Queneesh catchments

  1. 1. Elementary · K–7 Huband Park Elementary
    or Queneesh Elementary
  2. 2. Secondary · Grades 8–12 Georges P. Vanier Secondary

Vanier offers Grades 8–12. Students following the Lake Trail route enter after Grade 9.

Isfeld neighbourhood pathway

Valley View catchment

  1. 1. Elementary · K–7 Valley View Elementary
  2. 2. Secondary · Grades 8–12 École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld

French immersion pathways

Early French immersion

  1. 1. French immersion · K–7 École Puntledge Park
    or École Robb Road (Comox)
  2. 2. French immersion · Grades 8–12 École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld

Late French immersion

  1. 1. Complete Grade 5 Neighbourhood elementary school
  2. 2. French immersion · Grades 6–7 École Puntledge Park
  3. 3. French immersion · Grades 8–12 École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld

Program application and acceptance are required. Living near a French immersion school does not guarantee a place.

Independent and alternative options

Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy: K–12 at one school in Comox, subject to its admissions process.

Beachcombers Academy: K–7 in Fanny Bay. Confirm the next-school plan directly with the school and receiving secondary school.

Glacier View Secondary Centre: Alternative programs for Grades 7–12. Discuss placement with the school or district.

Nala’atsi Alternate School: Grades 10–12 for students with Indigenous ancestry. Contact the program about eligibility and admission.

These options are not automatic neighbourhood feeder routes. Online learning is excluded.

Pathway sources: SD71 feeder chart (2021), pages 31–32 and SD71 French immersion information . This overview covers the schools selected for this Courtenay directory, not every district pathway.

North Island College in Courtenay

North Island College’s Comox Valley campus brings post-secondary education close to home in Courtenay. Students can explore degrees, diplomas, certificates and trades training, while continuing education offers opportunities to learn new skills at any stage of life. For people considering a move to Courtenay, the college adds another option for learning, career development and community connection.

Comox Valley campus

2300 Ryan Road · Courtenay

NIC’s largest campus offers a range of post-secondary programs, including its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Explore the campus, book a tour, or check which programs are currently offered here.

Find a program

Degrees · Diplomas · Certificates · Trades

Use NIC’s program finder to browse subjects and filter by the Comox Valley campus. Program availability and delivery locations can change from term to term.

Continuing Education

2137 Comox Avenue · Comox office

Explore short courses, professional training and community learning. NIC’s Continuing Education office is in Comox; individual classes may take place at other locations.

Student housing & services

Comox Valley campus · Courtenay

NIC’s tul’al’txw student housing is open, with individual, group and family options. The campus also offers student services, library access and places to study.

Information checked September 26, 2026. Confirm current programs, course locations, housing availability and admission details directly with North Island College. External links open in a new tab.

Kids’ & Youth Activities in the Comox Valley

Finding a place where your kids can connect, create and feel at home matters. Across Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland and the surrounding Comox Valley, families can explore youth sports, swimming, dance, theatre, art classes and programs such as scouting and cadets. Whether your child is ready to join a team or try something entirely new, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Comox Valley United Soccer Club

Soccer · Valley-wide

Recreational and development pathways for young players, with program choices by age and season.

Comox Valley Wild Lacrosse

Box lacrosse · Field lacrosse

A local lacrosse association for young players. Visit the club for current divisions, seasons and registration.

Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association

Minor hockey · Ice sports

Team hockey for children and youth, based around the Valley’s ice facilities.

Comox Valley Raiders Youth Football

Flag football · Tackle football

Youth football programs include spring flag and fall tackle. Check the club for current age divisions and playing fields.

Comox Valley Baseball Association

Minor baseball · Team play

Local baseball programs for young players, with registration and field details available through the association.

Comox Valley Sharks Swim Club

Year-round swim club · Development · Competition

The Comox Valley Aquatic Club offers swim groups from early development through competitive levels.

Comox Valley Blue Devils

Summer swim club · Competition

A seasonal summer swim team for young swimmers. Check the current registration and practice schedule.

Raiders Cheer

Sideline cheer · Youth teams

The Raiders offer cheer alongside their youth football programs, with practices and game-day locations that vary by season.

Tumble City Courtenay

Sport cheer · Gymnastics · Tumbling

Explore cheer and movement programs at Tumble City’s Courtenay location. Confirm class availability with the studio.

Comox Valley Jets Softball

Youth softball · Team play

The Comox Valley Baseball Association also lists a Jets softball program. Check current age groups and registration.

Swimming and skating lessons

Comox Valley Regional District · Recreation

Explore children’s swim lessons, skating lessons and seasonal day camps at regional recreation facilities.

Comox Community Centre

Children’s recreation · Camps · Indoor sports

A central place to browse Comox recreation classes, camps and activities for kids.

Comox Valley Arts

Visual art · Youth workshops · Camps

Creative learning opportunities for young people, including workshops and seasonal art camps.

Comox Valley Youth Music Centre

Music · Musical theatre · Summer programs

Music and performing arts programs for young people, with offerings that vary by season.

Sitka Stage & Screen

Acting · Theatre · Film

Acting classes, theatre activities and workshops for juniors, youth and teens in the Comox Valley.

Rainbow Youth Theatre

Youth theatre · Productions

A community theatre group where young performers can take part in productions and build stage skills. Rehearsal venues vary by show.

GAMUT Creative & Performing Arts

Physical theatre · Acting · Creative performance

A performance and creation program combining movement, theatre and collaborative projects. Check age and entry requirements.

CYMC Musical Theatre

Singing · Acting · Stage performance

The Comox Valley Youth Music Centre offers a musical theatre program for young performers when scheduled.

Courtenay Recreation arts programs

Creative classes · Youth programs

Browse the current recreation guide for age-specific arts and creative activities at Courtenay facilities.

Pantuso Dance

Ballet · Jazz · Hip-hop · Musical theatre

Explore dance styles and class levels for children and teens at this Courtenay studio.

Triple Heat Dance Studios

Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Hip-hop

Programs range from early childhood dance to classes for older students and performers.

Laurie Tinkler School of Dance

Highland · Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Irish

A longstanding Comox Valley studio offering a range of dance styles for young learners.

Studio G Dance Academy

Ballet · Contemporary · Performance

A Courtenay dance studio with classes for children and teens, from recreational learning to further training.

Community recreation dance

Introductory classes · Seasonal programs

Check Courtenay and Comox recreation guides for current dance classes and camps.

The LINC Youth Centre

Drop-in · Indoor skatepark · Games

A youth space in Courtenay with an indoor skatepark, games and social activities. Check age groups and the weekly schedule before visiting.

Scouts Canada

Scouting · Outdoor skills · Community

Use the national group finder to check which Beaver, Cub, Scout and older youth groups currently meet in the Comox Valley.

Cadets Canada

Sea · Army · Air cadets

Use the official unit finder to locate current cadet units, meeting sites and eligibility near Courtenay and Comox.

Comox Valley Youth Unlimited

Youth connection · Group activities

A faith-based organization offering youth gatherings and activities across the Valley. Check current programs and locations directly.

A selection of Comox Valley activities, not a complete directory. Ages, fees, seasons, registration and meeting locations change; confirm details with each organizer. External links open in a new tab.

Where to eat and spend a night out in Courtenay and the Comox Valley.

A good meal is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for Courtenay. You can make a night of it downtown with dinner and a show, meet friends over locally brewed beer, or head to nearby Comox, Cumberland, or Black Creek for waterfront dining, live music, and winery tastings. This guide brings together local restaurants and date night ideas across the Comox Valley, with links to each venue’s location and current reviews.

When you’re thinking about where to live, the places you’ll actually spend your evenings matter. Explore the options, then picture what it would be like to have your favourites close to home.

Experience

Area

Place Experience Area Location Google reviews
Locals RestaurantWest Coast dining by the riverDinnerCourtenay
Ocean7 RestaurantOceanfront dinner at KingfisherDinnerRoyston
Martine’s BistroBistro dining near the marinaDinnerComox
Avenue BistroUpscale casual diningLunch and dinnerComox
Atlas CaféIndependent downtown café and evening bistroBrunch and dinnerCourtenay
Blackfin PubHarbour views and pub diningPub diningComox
AQUA Bistro & Wine BarOceanfront casual plates and wineBistroRoyston
The Waverley HotelPub food and live musicPub and musicCumberland
Cumberland Brewing Co.Craft beer and foodBrewery diningCumberland
Biblio TacoIndependent Mexican restaurantCasual dinnerCumberland
Yiamas Greek TavernaGreek dinner in downtown CourtenayGreek diningCourtenay
Tidal CaféLocally owned breakfast and brunchBrunchComox
Gladstone Brewing Co.Craft beer, cocktails and foodBrewery diningCourtenay
Ace Brewing CompanyLocally brewed beer and pub foodBrewery diningCourtenay
Land & Sea Brewing Co.Craft beer and food in a relaxed tasting roomBrewery diningComox
Nikkei Ramen-yaHouse-made noodles and Japanese ramenRamenCourtenay
Bigfoot DonutsIndependent downtown doughnut shop and caféCoffee and doughnutsCourtenay
Javier’s Latin CuisineLatin American dishes in CourtenayLunch and dinnerCourtenay
Sid Williams TheatreLive theatre, music and filmSee a showCourtenay
Courtenay Little TheatreCommunity theatre productions; check performance venueSee a playComox Valley
The Waverley HotelCheck the calendar for live musicMusic and drinksCumberland
Beaufort Vineyard & Estate WinerySeated tastings; reserve aheadWine tastingComox Valley
Wayward DistilleryLocally made spirits; check tasting availabilityDistillery visitCourtenay
40 Knots WineryWine tastings and vineyard experiencesWine tastingComox
Coastal Black Estate WineryFruit wines and cider in Black Creek; check seasonal tasting availabilityWinery visitBlack Creek
Crypt-Tic Escape RoomSolve puzzles together; book aheadEscape roomCourtenay
Creative CovePaint your own potteryPottery paintingCourtenay
Crown Isle Resort & Golf CommunityPlay a round or visit the driving rangeGolfCourtenay
Swing City Indoor Golf LoungeTrackman simulator bays with a licensed loungeIndoor golf and diningCourtenay
Mashies Golf Inc.Indoor golf simulators for practice or a round togetherIndoor golfCourtenay
Birdie Box Indoor Golf SimulatorPrivate, self-serve simulator; book aheadPrivate indoor golfComox Valley

Find your kind of fun

From a swim or a hockey game to a forest walk or an afternoon at the splash park, there are plenty of ways to get moving and enjoy life in Courtenay and the surrounding Comox Valley.

Comox Valley Aquatic Centre

Swimming · Fitness · Aquatic programs

Head here for swimming, aquatic fitness, lessons and family time in the pool.

Comox Valley Sports Centre

Hockey · Skating · Swimming · Running track

A local hub for ice sports, swimming, fitness and the 400-metre outdoor track.

Lewis Centre

Gym sports · Fitness · Squash · Outdoor pool

Explore recreation programs, gym activities, squash and the wellness centre, with seasonal outdoor swimming nearby.

G.P. Vanier turf fields

Soccer · Field lacrosse · Field hockey · Baseball

Vanier now has two artificial turf fields, including a brand-new multi-sport field that opened in September 2026. Courtenay Recreation manages community bookings; some amenities around the new field are still being completed.

Bill Moore Park

Football · Sports fields · Lawn bowling

West Courtenay’s sports hub includes the football field and a lawn bowling facility, alongside other playing fields and park space.

Martin Park lacrosse box

Box lacrosse · Outdoor court

The outdoor box at Martin Park gives local players a place for lacrosse and other court activities. Check bookings and availability before planning a game.

The LINC Youth Centre

Indoor skatepark · Games · Youth programs

A dedicated youth space with an indoor skatepark, games room and drop-in activities. Check its current schedule for age groups and hours.

Isfeld Skate Park

Outdoor skateboarding · Scootering

An outdoor skate spot near Mark R. Isfeld Secondary in East Courtenay.

Looking for pickleball or another drop-in sport? Check current programs and locations, since schedules and court availability change.

Seal Bay Nature Park

Forest trails · Walking · Nature

Take a quiet walk through the forest or explore the park’s network of trails near the coast.

Nymph Falls Nature Park

Forest trails · Puntledge River · Waterfall

Follow forest paths to the Puntledge River and take in one of the area’s favourite natural landmarks.

Puntledge River

Riverside walks · Summer tubing

Spend time along the river trails, or explore the local tradition of tubing when conditions are suitable.

River levels and currents can change. Check current conditions and local guidance before entering the water.

Courtenay Air Park & Rotary Sky Park

Walking · River views · Playground

Take an easy walk along the estuary and make a stop at the playground.

Lewis Park & Rotary Water Park

Splash park · Skatepark · Tennis · Baseball · Outdoor pool

Spend an afternoon at the splash park, outdoor skatepark, tennis courts or baseball diamonds. The seasonal outdoor pool and playground add more ways for families to enjoy the park.

Simms Millennium Park

Picnics · Riverside walks · Summer concerts

Just across from Lewis Park, Simms offers river views, picnic space and an outdoor stage for community events.

This is a selection of places in Courtenay and nearby. Programs, bookings, access and seasonal amenities can change. External links open in a new tab.

Faith Communities & Places of Worship in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is home to many places of worship and faith communities across Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and nearby areas. Whether you’re looking for a church, mosque, meditation group, or another way to connect, there are local communities to explore. This guide offers a starting point for finding a group that feels right for you.

CommunityTraditionLocationExploreGoogle reviews
St. John the DivineChurchAnglicanCourtenayVisit website 4.4 (13)
St. Peter’s ComoxChurchAnglican218 Church Street, ComoxView location 4.8 (8)
Christ the KingParishRoman Catholic1599 Tunner Drive, CourtenayView location 4.4 (43)
St. Barnabas Orthodox ChurchChurchEastern OrthodoxCourtenay · check current meeting placeVisit website 5.0 (7)
St. George’s United ChurchChurchUnited ChurchCourtenayVisit website 4.7 (25)
Comox United ChurchChurchUnited Church250 Beach Drive, ComoxView location 4.3 (13)
Courtenay Fellowship Baptist ChurchChurchBaptist2963 Lake Trail Road, CourtenayView location 4.7 (23)
Comox Pentecostal ChurchChurchPentecostal1919 Guthrie Road, ComoxView location 4.9 (31)
Faith Lutheran ChurchChurchLutheran Church–Canada1688 McPhee Avenue, CourtenayView location 5.0 (2)
Northgate Foursquare ChurchChurchFoursquare1640 Burgess Road, CourtenayView location 4.8 (34)
Weird ChurchFaith communityUnited Church of Canada2688 Penrith Avenue, CumberlandView location 4.1 (13)
Black Creek Community ChurchChurchMennonite Brethren7898 Island Highway, Black CreekView location 5.0 (17)
United Mennonite ChurchChurchMennonite Church Canada2277 Enns Road, Black CreekView location 4.5 (10)
Comox Valley Islamic CentreMosque / Islamic centreIslam · affiliation not statedUnit 1, 2270 Cliffe Avenue, CourtenayView location 5.0 (12)
Sherab Chamma LingMeditation and teaching centreTibetan Bön Buddhist tradition120B Headquarters Road, Courtenay · meeting locationView locationFind reviews
Kadampa meditation classesClasses at Black Creek Community CentreKadampa Buddhist2001 Black Creek Road, Black Creek · class locationView location—
Comox Valley Jewish Community ConnectionCommunity network and eventsJewish · multiple traditionsComox Valley · contact for eventsVisit website—
Bahá’ís of CourtenayCommunity gatheringsBahá’í FaithCourtenay · contact for gatheringsVisit website—
Bahá’ís of ComoxCommunity gatheringsBahá’í FaithComox · contact for gatheringsVisit website—

Seniors Living & Care Options in Courtenay

Courtenay offers a range of seniors living options, from independent living and assisted living to long-term care. Local residences include Comox Valley Seniors Village, Casa Loma Seniors Village, Ocean Front Village and Glacier View Lodge. If you’re exploring a move for yourself or a loved one, understanding the level of support each residence offers is a helpful place to start.

Explore selected seniors residences in Courtenay, from independent living to assisted living and long-term care. Several locations offer more than one level of support.

4 Courtenay residences

ResidenceCare offeredContactExplore
Comox Valley Seniors Village4640 Headquarters Road, CourtenayIndependent living · Assisted living · Long-term care250-331-1183
Casa Loma Seniors Village4646 Headquarters Road, CourtenayIndependent living · Assisted living250-897-1033
Ocean Front Village2900 Cliffe Avenue, CourtenayIndependent living · Long-term care · Memory care · Hospice250-331-0340
Glacier View Lodge2450 Back Road, CourtenayLong-term care · Respite · Adult day program250-338-1451

Finding the right level of support

Independent living

For older adults who can manage daily life but want a residence with services or social opportunities. Ask the operator about meals, fees and what support is actually included.

Assisted living

For people who can live semi-independently but need help with some daily activities. Ask whether a particular suite is private pay or publicly subsidized and what assessment is needed.

Long-term care

For people whose care needs cannot be met safely at home or in assisted living. Island Health coordinates access to publicly subsidized long-term care; contact its Community Health Services team to discuss an assessment.

Where to start locally

Call Island Health’s North Island Community Access Line at 250-331-8570 or visit Comox Valley Community Health Services. For private-pay housing, contact the residence directly.

In Case of Emergency

Courtenay emergency services are supported by the Comox Valley RCMP detachment on Ryan Road, the Courtenay Fire Department’s hall on Cumberland Road, and a local BC Ambulance Service station. North Island Hospital Comox Valley provides 24-hour emergency care on Lerwick Road. A second fire hall is under construction in East Courtenay to improve fire and rescue coverage as the city grows.

Need immediate help?

Call 911 for a police, fire or medical emergency. Tell the call-taker your location and follow their instructions. Do not travel to a station to report an emergency.

Where emergency services are based in Courtenay

Fire

1 operating fire hall

Courtenay Fire Hall
650 Cumberland Road, Courtenay

Courtenay Fire Department provides fire and rescue services in the city and contracted areas.

Ambulance

1 listed Courtenay station

BC Emergency Health Services
Station 150 – Courtenay

For an ambulance, call 911. BCEHS lists the Courtenay station but does not publish a street address on its station directory.

Coming to East Courtenay

A second fire hall is under construction at 220 Waters Place. It is not an operating fire hall yet. The City says it is intended to improve response times east of the Courtenay River.

See project updates

Emergency medical care

North Island Hospital Comox Valley has a 24/7 emergency department at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay. For medical advice when you are unsure where to seek care, call 811.

About response times: No verified, comparable Courtenay-wide typical response times for police, fire and ambulance are available here. Arrival times vary with call priority, crew availability, traffic and your location. Station proximity does not predict when help will arrive. Information checked September 26, 2026; confirm details with the linked service.

Mount Washington Adventures Near the Comox Valley

When you’re looking for a home in the Comox Valley, the lifestyle beyond the front door matters too. Mount Washington Alpine Resort is about 30 minutes away, with skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer. As a Comox Valley REALTOR®, I can help you explore communities that fit the way you want to live.
Alpine

Skiing & Snowboarding

Spend a winter day on the slopes, whether you’re learning your first turns or heading out for another run.

Explore activity
Nordic

Cross-Country Skiing

Explore groomed Nordic trails from Raven Lodge, with routes for a range of experience levels.

Explore activity
Nordic

Snowshoeing

Take a quieter trip through the winter landscape on the mountain’s snowshoe trails.

Explore activity
Family fun

Tube Park

Enjoy a snow day without skis. Check the resort’s current operating status before making the trip.

Explore activity
Nordic

Fat Biking

Try riding on snow in the Nordic area when conditions and trails allow.

Explore activity

Activities, access and operating hours change with the season and weather. Confirm current details with Mount Washington Alpine Resort before visiting.

Information on this website is provided as a general guide and may change without notice. Please confirm details with the relevant organization, authority, or professional before making decisions or relying on them.

*Courtenay population and growth figures are 2025 estimates. Population density is calculated using the estimated population and the city’s 2021 land area. Median age is from the 2021 Census, while household income reflects 2020 earnings reported in that census. Figures refer to the City of Courtenay and may change as new data becomes available. Sources: Environics Analytics/BCBusiness and Statistics Canada.

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