The city of Courtenay is the largest of three municipalities located in the Comox Valley, also comprised of the Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland. Positioned between the Beaufort Mountains and the Strait of Georgia, Courtenay offers the best of both worlds: ocean adventures and mountain retreats. Visitors will uncover many snap-shot moments while strolling the Courtenay Riverway, as birds and other wildlife frequent the area. Following along a section of the river and estuary, the path passes through a few of the city's over 40 parks, such as the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, and a beach or two. The Courtenay Museum and Paleontology Centre is home to an 80-million-year-old Elasmosaur, along with an impressive collection of other fossils. Other popular attractions and events include the Puntledge River fish hatchery, the Vancouver Island Music Festival, the North Island Hot Jazz Festival and the Sid Williams Theatre, showcasing local and international talent.