Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
seum
(207 4th St., 250/334-0686, 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat. and noon-4am Sun. May-Aug.,
10am-5pm Tues.-Sat. the rest of the year, donation). The highlight is a full-size replica
of an
elasmosaur.
The original—12 meters (39 feet) long and 80 million years old—was
found at the nearby Puntledge River. Daily in July and August and Saturday only April-
June and September, the museum leads tours out to the site, on which you have the chance
to dig for your very own fossil (adult $30, senior $25, child $20). Other museum exhibits
include a series of realistic dioramas and a replica of a “big house” containing many nat-
ive artifacts and items, some formerly belonging to prominent chiefs. Finish up in the gift
shop, which is well stocked with local arts and crafts.
From downtown, cross the bridge to the totem pole-flanked entrance to
Lewis Park,
at
the confluence of the Puntledge and Tsolum Rivers. The two rivers join here to form the
very short Courtenay River.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Vancouver Island is not usually associated with snow sports by outsiders, but locals know
they don't need to leave their island home to enjoy world-class skiing and boarding at
Mt.
Washington Alpine Resort
(250/338-1386or888/231-1499,
www.mountwashington.ca
)
,
35 kilometers (22 miles) northwest of Courtenay. The scope and popularity of the resort
areremarkable—itranksfourthinBritishColumbiaforthenumberofskierdaysandhasa
modern base village with more than 3,500 beds. But that's not surprising, considering the
resort receives an annual snowfall of nine meters (30 feet) and temperatures that remain
relatively warm compared to the interior of British Columbia. Seven chairlifts serve 370
hectares (915 acres), with the vertical rise a respectable 500 meters (1,640 feet) and the
longest run just under 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). Other facilities include a terrain park and a
half-pipe. Lift tickets are for adults $75, seniors $60, and children $40.
Between July and mid-October, the resort welcomes outdoor enthusiasts who come to
hike through alpine meadows, ride the chairlift ($17 per person), mountain bike down the
slopes, or go trail riding through the forest. A wealth of other activities are offered—from
mini golf to a bungee trampoline—making it a good place to escape the beachy crowd for
a day or two. Inexpensive summer packages (see the website) encourage overnight stays.
Kayaking
Comox Valley Kayaks
(2020 Cliffe Ave., 250/334-2628 or 888/545-5595) offers guided
tours for around $50, three-hour sea-kayaking lessons for $80 per person, and full-day
guided trips from $115. Or rent a kayak ($50-80 for 24 hours) for some exploration by
