Located on Highway 19, Courtenay is the sister city of Comox, and the terminus for the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway which runs to and from Victoria. A center for tourism, fishing, farming and logging, Courtenay is also a major ski area of Vancouver Island. Mt Washington Resort, the newer ski mountain lies 19 miles (31 km) west of town. Visible from Courtenay on the lower slopes of Mount Becher, is Forbidden Plateau, about a 1/2 hour drive from town. Other area attractions include the District Museum exhibits (Coast Salish big house, logging equipment and Chinese/Japanese artifacts); great fishing, birdwatching, swimming and hiking; and cruises to nearby islands.