Our Local History

The Comox Valley, K’ómoks First Nation traditional territory, has been home to a continuous human population for thousands of years. A gentle local climate, abundant mariculture and seafood resources, and ease of movement along important waterway trade routes drew people to this special place.

Added to this, the Comox Valley glacier-fed watershed culminates in the K’ómoks Estuary, known historically as a primary fishery for Indigenous people. Evidence of an industrial fish trap system can still be seen today at low tide in this rich protected estuary, home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

Local history at the Courtenay and District Museum comprises both natural and cultural heritage–from 80 million year old reptiles who swam in warm shallow seas, the remains of which continue to be discovered today–to an inclusive view of the people who lived in, and came to the valley. Specimens, artifacts, archival documents and images all convey the fascinating history of the Comox Valley. The museum is the recipient of awards from Heritage B.C. both in the areas of palaeontology and cultural history. The Salish word “K’ómoks” says it all because it means “abundance”. Join us as we explore.