Begin your drive from Downtown Courtenay by heading east on Horton Road. This main route provides a straightforward path towards the North Island College Comox Valley campus, making your commute smooth and efficient. If you’re arriving from Vancouver, Canada, consider taking the BC Ferries service to Vancouver Island, then driving north along the Island Highway (Highway 19). This highway is the primary connector between major communities on Vancouver Island, ensuring a seamless journey.
Once you follow Horton Road, continue for about 5 kilometers. You’ll pass through scenic residential areas and local parks, which highlight the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to North Island College; they are clear and well-placed, ensuring you don’t miss the turn. As you approach Comox Valley, the campus is situated near the intersection of Anderton Avenue and Ryan Road.
To reach North Island College from Vancouver, plan your route in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or weather changes that can affect driving conditions. A typical drive from Vancouver through the ferry crossing takes approximately 4 to 5 hours including waiting times. Once on Vancouver Island, follow the signs along Highway 19 north, then connect to local roads leading to the campus. This route offers a combination of scenic views and efficient navigation routes suitable for students, visitors, or educators traveling between major hubs.
Step-by-step driving instructions including major streets and landmarks to follow
Start your drive from Downtown Courtenay by heading southeast on Fourth Street. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Cliffe Avenue, which is a major road running along the city’s central area. Turn left onto Cliffe Avenue and drive south, passing the historic Heritage Centre on your right.
Follow Cliffe Avenue for approximately 4 kilometers, crossing over the Arnold Road intersection, until you approach the Courtenay River. Keep an eye out for the Seventh Street intersection and turn left. Continue east on Seventh Street, passing the local Comox Valley Sports Centre landmark on your left.
Travel along Seventh Street for about 2 kilometers until you see Cliffe Avenue again. Take a right to stay on Seventh Street heading east, then merge onto Ryan Road via the ramp on the right. Follow Ryan Road, which leads you directly towards the vicinity of North Island College Comox Valley campus.
Approximately 2 kilometers from the merge, look for the Beachwood Road exit. Take this exit and continue straight, passing the Filberg Heritage Lodge on your right as a landmark. Drive along Beachwood Road, and you will see the college campus on your left shortly afterward. Look for parking lots near the main entrance for convenience.
Public transportation options and schedules for reaching North Island College from Downtown Courtenay
Take the BC Transit bus route 7 from Downtown Courtenay directly to North Island College, Comox Valley Campus. The bus runs every 30 minutes during peak hours from Monday to Saturday, with first departures at 6:00 AM and last at 10:00 PM. These buses operate consistently to ensure reliable access for students and visitors coming from areas like Vancouver, Canada, who wish to commute efficiently.
The journey typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic, providing a quick connection between the heart of Courtenay and the college campus. Plan your trip by checking the BC Transit schedule online to confirm departure times, especially on weekends or holidays when service may vary.
For added convenience, consider using the BC Transit mobile app to track buses in real-time. This helps coordinate schedules seamlessly and ensures timely arrivals at North Island College from downtown Courtenay. If you’re traveling from Vancouver, it’s practical to arrive in the city early in the day and plan your bus connection accordingly to maximize your schedule flexibility.