Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the embodiment of Canada's spectacular West Coast. Moss-laden Hemlock and Yellow Cedar tower over an extensive network of DH mountain bike trails that range from fast and flowy to steep and technical. Add a jaw-dropping view that span the Island's rugged mountains to the blue waters of the Pacific and you have a destination that riding dreams are made of!

Mount Washington has put some serious focus on the beginner trail network and the new Green Line trail is the best place to start! The trail is wide, forgiving, and it's the perfect venue for learning how to ride DH.

The resort's signature expert freeride trail, Back in Black has been heralded as the perfect blend of dirt and wood. If you're into perfectly sculpted dirt jumps, big drops, and even bigger wall rides with more flow than the kitchen tap then look no further. Back in Black will soon make it to your top ten trails list.

In addition to riding some of BC's best trails, the Island bike park hosts a number of acclaimed mountain bike events to keep your stoke on throughout the summer. Check out one of the world's top mountain bike slopestyle events, the Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle on August 3+4, the BC Cup Provincial Championships return to the Island on August 24-26, and our Fall Freak Out Bike Fest September 1+2.

For the complete bike event listing, visit Mount Washington Bike Park.

What are some of the best ways to enjoy Mount Washington's Bike Park this summer?

• Riding our Green Line beginner trail, learning to ride has never been easier
• Bearclaw Invitational One of the world's top mountain bike slopestyle events - August 3+4
• Lesson programs that include Learn to Ride for the family, the Ride On three-day program, and Kids Day Bike Camp

Mount Washington Alpine Resort is the natural choice for your next summer getaway. Fly direct from Edmonton, Calgary, or Vancouver into the Comox Valley International Airport (YQQ). It's only 35 minutes from the airport to the resort. Mount Washington is located 50km south of Campbell River and 100km north of Nanaimo. The resort is just 3 hours north of Victoria and 3.5 hours from Vancouver- including a 90-minute cruise with scenic BC Ferries. (See location map here).

From Mount Washington Bike Park website.

If you love food you then you will want to add a visit to the Comox Valley to your list of things to do! You will find many ways to entertain your taste buds in this thriving community of chefs, farmers, vintners and foodies.

Here are a few ways you can explore all the Comox Valley has to offer:

• Come and fill your basket at our Farmer's Market where you will find fresh garden  produce, locally made artisanal foods such as award winning cheeses to tasty tamales, excellent fresh-baked breads and pastries, fish from local fishers, tender lamb, bison, beef, venison, goat and pork fed on valley grains and grasses, and so much more. Saturday markets are year around and often feature live entertainment. Please check our website for location and times based on season.
• Take a cooking/dinner class from one of the regions many great chefs, organized by Beyond The Kitchen Door
• Buy fresh fish direct from fisherman at the wharf, availability varies, boats in after 5 pm
• Take a tour with Island Gourmet Trails and meet a few of the artisan food producers, farmers, wine makers or brew masters of the Comox Valley. The tour may include a brewery or fruit winery, a seafood processing plant, a chocolatier, a coffee roasting house and/or traditional bakery. Plus you will enjoy a gourmet buffet picnic showcasing some of the best food produced in the region.
• Spend an afternoon wine tasting with one of our growing list of local wineries gathering acclaim, such as Beaufort, Blue Moon, and 40 Knots. Prefer something stronger? Take a tour and a taste at Shelter Point Distillery.

The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre offers a Culinary Tour Package for 2 people that includes a day tour with Island Gourmet Trails, one night accommodation, hot breakfast, and one $50 gift card for The Flying Canoe West Coast Pub. Starting at $218 per person.

There are fine pieces of arts you can appreciate in museums, and then there are those you can find in the most unlikely places. Who would have ever thought you could create stunning works of art with a chainsaw? It’s hard enough for any ordinary person  to wield such heavy and dangerous equipment, much less use it to make an intricate masterpiece with great attention to detail. Not quite sure what I’m talking about? Visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery and see for yourself.

I have heard a lot of rave feedback from friends about chainsaw carving, which of course, prompted me to include it in my must-see places in Courtenay, BC. Several months later, the opportunity finally presented itself, when I also had a scheduled business trip to the area. The detour sure paid off. The place, along with its collection of twisted, quirky art forms were pure delight.

Not Your Regular Gallery

Nestled just along the side of the Brown River in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, you will discover a little piece of paradise. I’d personally like to think it’s very much of a fantasy world for adults as it is for kids. Several strides into the place, I was immediately greeted by beautifully painted garden rocks and chainsaw carvings. The place was practically teeming with art – in that eccentric, charming kind of way.

If you do get to visit the place, make sure to bring along your kids. Their vivid imagination will certainly run wild here. 

Chainsaw artists Kevin Lewis and Angela Kroeker  actually carve out British Columbian, and Canadian wood, with the skillful flicks of their chainsaws. The images were simply stunning, and the attention to detail could easily rival those made with chisels.

I found out Kevin has 15 years of experience working as a chainsaw artist, and specializes in carving mythical creatures such as tree spirits, faeries and dragons. He also has a fine collection of carved eagles, frogs, bears, all of which mostly made use of bird’s eye yellow cedar and birds eye maple. This talent has taken him all over Vancouver Island, BC and other key areas in Canada.

Other Great Attractions

Much to my dismay, I soon discovered that the two and a half hours I had allotted for the visit was simply not enough to fully enjoy what the place has to offer. For those planning to visit, consider blocking off a whole afternoon to visit Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery to allow leisurely appreciation of every beautiful detail.

Aside from the outdoor carving gallery, the trail will also lead you to the sewing/upholstery area, where you also have a chance to observe other craftsmen in action. There is also a Sole Comfort Reflexology Studio, which presents a welcome respite for tired, achy feet of tourists after hours of walking. They also feature Dream Shapers Hair Studio, if you fancy snipping off some locks.

Over all, the visit turned out to be more than I expected and proved a worthwhile visit, especially for families.

Address:

Forbidden Studios & Outdoor Gallery

4010 Forbidden Plateau Rd.

Courtenay, BC V9J 1P9

Phone: 250-338-1603

Email: forbiddenstudios@yahoo.ca

Web: www.forbiddenstudiosoutdoorgallery.com

www.kevinlewiscarvings.ca

Accommodations

When planning to visit Courtenay, make sure to book your accommodations well ahead of time. You will discover that the area has a number of great places to stay, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre:

BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 2K4

Phone: 250/338-7741 | Fax: 250/338-5442

Are you traveling for business or for leisure? Whatever the case may be, you will find the Westerly Hotel fully equipped to provide you all the modern conveniences you have come to expect from a premium hotel. Enjoy full-service accommodation at its finest right at the heart of the Comox Valley.

Guest rooms provide spectacular views and are fully furnished with flat screen televisions and walk in showers. They also provide free Internet access and cable satellite TV.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had your share of fun over the holidays. As we usher in 2012, its always fun to jumpstart things towards the right direction, which will hopefully set a more upbeat tone for the rest of the year. Whether you are checking out great ideas to extend the holiday cheer or you are simply looking forward to a nice trip to Courtenay on Vancouver Island, you definitely want to take a look what the local folks have lined up for the first month of the year.

Antler Measure Day

 (January 14, 2012)

If you share an affinity for hunting like some of the local residents in Vancouver, BC or your just curious what this is all about, the Antler Measure Day offers a great way to socialize with everyone. This event is open to the public, with no admittance charge. Local and regional hunters are invited to show off their prized horns, antlers or mounts for measurements, which will be conducted by BCWF.

This event presents a wonderful opportunity to swap stories with fellow hunting enthusiasts. Whether you plan to vie for a trophy or simply share your own hunting experiences, come along and you’re guaranteed to have great time.

Event Details: Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association

3780 Colake Rd. Courtenay, BC

Event starts at 10:00 AM

Registration for measurement is $ 5 (non-members)

Kiwanis Club Prents: Mamma Mia Sing-A-long

(January 21, 2012)

If you happened to have watched and adored the movie ‘Mamma Mia!’, then perhaps you and your friends want to belt out a few songs of your own. Have fun as you join the rest of the audience to sing (more like scream) everyone's favorite movie soundtracks, such as the crowd favorite “ Dancing Queen”. Relive the  fun and excitement of the movie, but this time not just as a spectator. Sing along with everyone, karaoke style and share a few rounds of laughter.

Event Details: Sid Williams Theatre

442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

Open to patrons of all ages

General Admission: $ 20

The Backyardigans Live in Courtenay!

(January 23rd, 2012)

For kids and kids at heart, this is one rare treat you don’t want to miss. Produced by Koba Entertainment, this musical event features Broadway-style choreography along with scenic and hi-tech 3D video design. The show is under the supervision of the artistic Patti Caplette.

With 21 eclectic songs by The Backyardigans'TV series composer Evan Lurie, this engaging musical brings together Koba's artistic director Patti Caplette for direction and Broadway-style choreography and Beth Kates for scenic and state-of-the-art 3D video design. Join the Backyardigans gang – such as Tyrone the moose, Pablo the penguin, Tasha the hippo, Austin the kangaroo and Uniqua the purple-spotted creature as they are whisked to another great adventure.

Event Details: Sid Williams Theatre

442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

Open to patrons of all ages

General Admission: $ 27.75, Reserved Seating

Show starts 6:30 PM

Accommodations

If are planning to visit Courtenay in Vancouver Island, BC, you should considering booking your accommodations ahead of time for a fuss-free vacation or weekend getaway. There are a string of great hotels in the area, including one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre:

BEST WESTERN PLUS The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre

1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 2K4

Phone: 250/338-7741 | Fax: 250/338-5442

Look forward to a comforting and luxurious stay at The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre. The entire hotel staff eagerly welcomes guests, tourists and business travelers all year round. Known for its premium service and well-appointed guest rooms, you will be surprised to find out that accommodations are offered at reasonable rates.

Located at the heart of the Comox Valley, the hotel has all the amenities and facilities to ensure the comforts you can expect from a Best Western Plus hotel. Ask for a room at the Mountain Wing and enjoy spectacular views complete with modern conveniences, including a 37-inch flat screen TV and a walk in shower, among others.

Hotel staff are ready to provide you 24 hour service, should you require any form of assistance at any time during your stay.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

History comes alive at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre, in Courtenay, BC on north-eastern Vancouver Island.  During the year the Museum provides outdoor and indoor programs for all age groups covering First Nations history, history of the Comox Valley, amazing fossils, logging history and geology. The Museum is a member of the The Great Canadian Fossil Trail.

Courtenay Museum's Prehistoric Displays

Although Courtenay is a small town the artifacts and fossil sites have garnered international interest. The Museum has been featured on television documentaries on the Knowledge Network and the Discovery Channel.

Courtenay's surrounds were once teaming with undersea prehistoric life such as the elasmosaur, a fearsome looking marine reptile with a long neck and lot of teeth.

Courtenay Museum Photo Collections

A wonderful collection of photos to take you back in time.

• Business and Industry - boots hop, cafe and others
• Celebrations - fairs, weddings and picnics
• Comox and Comox Valley - harbour, ships, docks and streets
• Courtenay - main streets, houses and totem poles
• Farming - early farms and farming equipment
• Forbidden Plateau - black and white photos of this beautiful and rugged area
• Hotels & Inns - Port Augusta and Elk hotels
• Logging - early loggers and logging tools
• Public Buildings - schools and government buildings
• Recreation - women's grass hockey, fishing and baseball

Courtenay Museum Artifacts

A unique collection of artifacts to bring history to life.

• First Nations - some amazing masks on display
• Military Gallery - from badges to helmets and more
• Accessories Gallery - purses, shoes and jewelry
• Hats Gallery - men's hats, including a top hat, and women's hats
• Children's Clothing Gallery - no blue jeans or tank tops here
• Fan Gallery - exquisite fans

Capes Escape

Capes Escape is a 1930's home connected to the 7 acre Capes Park and  just a few minutes from downtown Courtenay. The 1,700 sq ft home named after Katherine Capes, a Founder and Patron of the Museum, is available for rental.

Katherine Capes was an avid preservationist of both cultural and natural heritage as well as  one of the first female Canadian archaeologists.  She donated the Capes family home in 1997 to the Courtenay and District Historical Society.

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225. This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: Best Western Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 (800) 668-7797  Telephone: (250) 338-7741 (250) 338-7741  Fax: (250) 338-5442 Email: info@bestwesternbarclay.com.

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

The Nymph Falls Nature Park is a 53 ha (100 acre) park and forest on the north side of the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley - a short drive from Courtenay BC on Vancouver Island.  It features nature at its best with spectacular views and several trails for bikers, hikers and just walkers.

The park offers nature sightseeing in a forest wilderness, waterfront, an easy walk to the Nymph Falls, swimming during the summer as wells as horseback riding, hiking and biking trails.  There is a picnic area with picnic tables and toilets.

In the summer the waters are calm and quite suitable to swim. However, in the winter it a raging high current river.

The park has well maintained walking, hiking and mountain biking trails for all skill levels. There is a longer loop trail and a shorter loop trail that leads to the fish ladders and the Nymph Falls.

Nymph Falls Nature Park

The park and the Nymph Waterfall is located on Puntledge River.  The woods are a second growth forest that is regenerating.

Some 70 years ago blasting was done to create ladders through the falls to allow the spawning salmon to swim upstream.  You can expect to see the salmon in fall months of October and November.  A good location to view the returning salmon is from benches on an exposed terrace on the rock.

Nymph Falls

The waterfall is absolutely beautiful and fairly easy to access.  You can enjoy a cool dip in the nippy waters of the lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall.
Nymph Falls is located along Plateau Road en route to Forbidden Plateau. After you cross the Inland Highway watch for the park about 2 km (1.2 miles)  just before the hatchery.

Hiking, Biking & Walking

The park is great for some easy hiking on a sunny afternoon.  Except for the sounds of nature, the park is very quiet. Remember to bring drinking water as it can be warm and humid.

For more advanced mountain bikers there are trails noted in red on the map. There are also multi-use trails suitable for beginner bikers and hikers.  The pedestrian only trails are noted in green and bikes are not allowed.

Getting to Nymph Falls Nature Park

Travelling north on Highway 19, turn left onto Plateau Road. The park entrance is adjacent to 4478 Plateau Road - about 16 km (10 miles) from Courtenay.

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225. This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: BEST WESERN PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Tel: (250) 338-7741  Fax: (250) 338-5442  Email: info@thewesterlyhotel.com

Enjoy all that the Courtenay area has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

One of Vancouver Island’s best aviation museums is just outside Courtenay and it’s the perfect stop on a family holiday.  Despite its name, the Comox Air Force Museum is dedicated to both military and civilian aviation history.  It’s composed of a thriving and well-equipped museum, a hangar devoted to ongoing restoration, and an air park. With plenty to see and do, it appeals to young and old alike.

Comox Air Force Museum

The Museum is located at 11 Pritchard Road in Comox, near the main entrance to the Canadian Forces Base Comox, which overlooks the Strait of Georgia.  It’s open to the public by donation, on Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The Museum is open nearly year ‘round, with the exception of the holidays in late December and early January.

Its mission is “is to preserve Canadian West Coast aviation heritage, both civilian and military.”  You’ll find intriguing displays of aircraft models, history and aeronautical-related personal items from residents of the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island.  The Museum’s staff and volunteers good work to preserve the history of the Canadian Air Force recently won them a Wing Commander’s Commendation.

Are you a fan of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds?  Check the Museum’s website or Facebook page, as the Snowbirds occasionally practice in the area.

Y2K Spitfire Hangar

Just south of the Museum on Little River Road (also known as “Military Row”) is the Y2K Spitfire Hangar, dedicated to the restoration of a 1945-era Supermarine Mk 1X Spitfire, the celebrated World War II airplane.  Since 2000 (and thus, the “Y2K” designation), a large team of volunteers has dedicated their time, skills and funds to making the plane “flight-ready,” down to the original paint colours.  That’s quite a feat, considering that the aircraft arrived at the Museum disassembled, in numerous boxes.  

The restoration is a joint project between Vintage Wings of Canada and the Comox Air Force Museum.  The hangar is open most Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but call first to make check:  250-339-8162.

Heritage Air Park

Slightly farther south on Little River Road (also known as “Military Row”) and just 500 meters from the Museum, you’ll find the Comox Air Force Museum’s Heritage Air Park.  You can walk among a handful of vintage aircraft, getting a good look at an Avro Canuck and Canadair Argus, Silver Star, Starfighter and Tutor, along with a Douglas Dakota and Grumman (de Havilland) Tracker.  You’ll even find some heritage vehicles.  It’s open from May to September, on Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and admission is free.Comox Air Force Museum’s Heritage Air ParkComox Air Force Museum’s Heritage Air Park

LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Comox Air Force museum has a lot to offer to vacationing families.  For more information about the Comox Air Force Museum, visit

http://www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca/Home.html and follow them on Facebook.

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225.  This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Telephone: (250) 338-7741 Fax: (250) 338-5442 Email:  info@bestwesternbarclay.com.

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Planning a successful and effective conference is as much about selecting the right location as it is about managing the many details.  The charming town of Courtenay has made itself a perfect meeting venue, and here’s why:

You’ll Have Resources and Assistance

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Centre offers a free group planner that outlines listing of possible locations to hold your important event, and includes a roster of local caterers.  Courtenay’s largest hotels have staff with extensive event planning skills.  Learn more.

You Can Make Your Meeting Different

Help bring a little magic to your meeting, and let your guests create fun memories by offering a group event that your attendees don’t expect.  How about a scavenger hunt at a farmer’s market?  Or an eco-tour?  Perhaps absorbing some lessons in leadership from a tour of the Comox Air Force Museum on vancouver island, dedicated to the accomplishments of the brave soldiers of the Canadian Air Force on the West Coast?

You Can Create a Memorable Spouse Program

Spouse programs can run the gamut from dining, shopping and gallery visits to a culinary tour through the region’s local farms, vineyards and fishing docks.

You Can Make it Easy for Them Stay and Play

Keep your attendees happy by selecting a venue that makes it easy for them to vacation in the area with their family before or after the meeting. The Courtenay area’s unique geography and temperate climate year round makes it the perfect setting for whole-family activities including hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, diving and camping. And only 20 minutes away is an alpine playground that receives some of the deepest snow in North America.

Courtenay Hotels

A message from our sponsors.

The Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley.  It offers easy access to Mount Washington Ski Resort and Crown Isle Golf Resort.

The Best Western PLUS  Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre is rated three diamonds by the AAA-CAA.  This full-service property offers free, high-speed Internet, a complimentary full breakfast and room service.   The Hotel’s new Mountainside Wing offers guest rooms featuring 37-inch flat screen televisions and walk in showers.  All of the property’s 142 rooms are non-smoking and include and four suites.

Just steps from your room are the property’s Greenhouse restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Snooker’s Lounge, where you can sink into one of our big comfy leather chairs for a fireside chat or enjoy a game of billiards with friends.  For pub fare and evening entertainment be sure to check out our new Flying Canoe West Coast pub, opening in the Spring of 2011.

Traveling with your four-legged pal?  Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms.  Up to two dogs are allowed per room, with an 80-pound weight limit.  Other pets, including cats and birds, may be accepted at the hotel’s discretion.  The pet rate is 10.00 CAD per pet per day with a 100 CAD per week maximum.

Unwind in the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and full fitness centre.  Other amenities include locker rooms, a games room and even a ski storage room.

With meeting space and banquet facilities for 225, the Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre’s meeting rooms and ballroom are perfect choices for your company’s conference, your non-profit group’s big event and especially a wedding or special birthday party.  The hotel’s business center helps corporate travelers be more productive.

The friendly hotel staff will be happy to help you schedule a variety of packages including golf packages from March to October and ski packages from December to April.
Contact info: Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre, 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Telephone: (250) 338-7741 Fax: (250) 338-5442

Email:  info@thewesterlyhotel.com

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Where will the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre take you?  On a voyage of discovery through the worlds of palaeontology, geology, geography and culture, that’s where.  You can even travel 80 million years back in time as you venture on a fossil tour.

So What’s an Elasmosaur?

This most famous resident of the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology is a giant marine reptile known as an elasmosaur.  It’s the largest marine reptile fossil ever discovered in British Columbia and the first of its kind west of the Canadian Rockies.  Vancouver Island residents Mike Trask and his 12-year-old daughter Heather found the fossil along the banks of the Puntledge River in November 1988, and since then a few other specimens have been recovered from other Upper Cretaceous sites, most notably from exposures along the Trent and Englishman Rivers.

A Discovery, A Transformation

The Trask’s discovery not only rocked the quiet world of palaeontology, it transfixed the community and transformed the Museum.  The once-small county museum made the Elasmosaur location a provincial heritage site, organized the excavation of the remainder of the fossil and responded to the community’s interest by supporting further fossil research.

Other large extinct reptiles have been discovered in the area, including the crocodile-like mosasaur, a marine lizard.  Material attributed to a number of different mosasaur has been recovered from several sites along the Puntledge River and from Maastrichtian marine deposits on the North Coast of Hornby Island.

Fossil Tour, Anyone?

Experience the thrill of digging for extinct dinosaur relatives firsthand, on a docent-led tour of leafy fossil sites along the Puntledge River.  The tour, which must be booked in advance, is a short ten minute drive and an easy five minute forested walk from the Museum.

Your tour guide will describe the site’s history and explain proper collection techniques; then you get to dig in.  They supply a limited number of hammers, chisels and goggles, and here’s the best part: you get to keep any fossils that you find!  If the species is of scientific value, you may be asked to donate the fossil to the museum collection, with the finder’s name attached.

Learn more http://www.courtenaymuseum.ca/pro_tour.html

Courtenay Accommodations

There are a number of hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts to pick from including our sponsors, Best Western:

The Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre in Courtenay, British Columbia is the only full-service hotel in the Comox Valley. Its Convention Centre offers meeting space and banquet facilities for 225.  This full-service property features 142 well-appointed guest rooms; two on-site restaurants, the Greenhouse Restaurant and Snookers Lounge; free high-speed Internet and more.

Contact info: Best Western PLUS Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre , 1590 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 2K4. Toll Free: (800) 668-7797 Telephone: (250) 338-7741 Fax: (250) 338-5442.

Enjoy all that Courtenay has to offer and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.

Courtenay is in the heart of the Comox Valley on Eastern side of Vancouver Island. It is both fun and unique. Vitality Magazine named Courtenay “the most charming small town on Vancouver Island.”

Courtenay Downtown Events

There always seems to be something going on in downtown Courtenay from its markets, dances and art shows.

Mount Washington Alpine Resort

Mount Washington is on the eastern side of the Vancouver Island range which features a spectacular alpine setting with the Pacific ocean as backdrop. It has a variety of runs from beginner to expert and boasts the deepest snow in the world!

The resort, some 30 km (19 miles) from Courtenay offers world class alpine skiing, snowboarding, and host of other winter activities. Accommodations  include an Alpine Village with condominiums, chalets and townhouses.

During the summer Mount Washington and the surrounding resort are transforms itself into a major destination for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and hikers.

Mount Washington

Vancouver Island Music Fest

The Island Music Fest is the largest music festival on Vancouver Island and is held in the summer, usually in July. Bring your tent or camper and enjoy an eclectic mix of music.

 Strathcona Provincial Park

Strathcona Provincial Park is a huge rugged mountain wilderness park located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island. Except for Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau which offer some tourist activities, the rest is basically undeveloped. If you are looking for the untouched outdoors of a majestic rain forest you will love this area.

Whether you are looking for crystal clear lakes, majestic peaks or alpine meadows you will find it in abundance here.

Looking for a marine dinosaur?

How about a Elasmosaur or the Mosasaur? The Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre  has quite a reputation for their discoveries all to the delight of novice and experienced paleontologists.

Enjoy Courtenay and please tell your friends.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.