Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Ultimate Dining Experience in Courtenay
Founded in 2014, The White Whale has been a cornerstone of Courtenay's culinary scene, dedicated to showcasing the finest local ingredients from Vancouver Island. Our team, led by passionate industry veterans, has cultivated relationships with over 50 regional farms, fisheries, and producers to create a seasonally shifting menu that celebrates the bounty of our region. Every dish is crafted from scratch in-house, from sauces to breads, while our 16 rotating taps have offered the best BC craft beer selection north of Victoria.The restaurant's warm interior and expansive waterfront patio have provided a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, honoring the Comox Glacier's First Nations legend through our commitment to community. Though we announced our closure, we remain proud of our decade-long legacy of culinary excellence and hospitality.
Services
Gastro-Pub Cuisine
Craft Beer Selection
Seasonal Menus
Waterfront Dining
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We source ingredients from over 50 local Vancouver Island farms and fisheries
- Our 16 rotating taps feature the best BC craft beer selection north of Victoria
- Seasonal menus highlight fresh, local ingredients with daily happy hour specials
- Waterfront patio offers unparalleled views of the Comox Harbour
- Three decades of combined culinary experience from our founding team
What people say
Fresh oysters
Best craft beer selection
Waterfront views
Seasonal menus
Friendly staff
Services
Gastro-Pub Cuisine
Our Gastro-Pub menu features creatively prepared classic dishes using Vancouver Island's freshest ingredients. Every item is made in-house from scratch, including sauces, dressings, and breads. The menu highlights local seafood, meats, and produce with daily happy hour specials from 3-5:30 pm.
Craft Beer Selection
We offer 16 rotating taps showcasing the best BC craft beer selection north of Victoria. From IPAs to sours, our collection features local breweries and seasonal offerings. Guests can sample four different beers using our tasting paddles for a comprehensive tasting experience.
Seasonal Menus
Menus change with the seasons to highlight Vancouver Island's agricultural abundance. Our chefs maintain relationships with over 50 local farms, fisheries, and food producers to ensure the freshest possible ingredients. This approach guarantees new culinary experiences with each visit.
Waterfront Dining
The restaurant features a large waterfront patio with boat-accessible dock and panoramic views of Comox Harbour. This al fresco dining option complements our casual atmosphere and community-focused approach, making it perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions.
Community Events
We've served as a community hub since 2014, hosting local events and celebrations that honor the Comox Glacier's First Nations legend. Our space accommodates both casual meetups and special occasions, with a focus on bringing people together through shared culinary experiences.
People
Robin McKamey
Owner and Founder
Comox Valley native with 8 years as Alberta plumber/gasfitter. Passionate about local seafood and ingredients, returned to service industry to open The White Whale. Committed to showcasing regional bounty through food and drink.
Max Oudendag
General Manager
Two-decade hospitality veteran with deep roots in Comox Valley dining. Former tourism industry professional focused on creating lasting culinary memories. Helped establish The White Whale as community gathering place since 2014.
Aaron Rail
Chef
Professional chef with international experience and apprenticeship at Oak Bay Marina Restaurant. Six-year head chef at Comox's Avenue restaurant. Opened The White Whale to realize his dream of showcasing Vancouver Island's culinary potential.
Questions
Is The White Whale still open for business?
We announced our closure, but remain grateful for our decade of service to Courtenay's dining community.
What type of cuisine does The White Whale offer?
Our Gastro-Pub style features creatively prepared local seafood, meats, and produce with daily happy hour specials.
Do you have outdoor seating options?
Yes, we feature a large waterfront patio with boat-accessible dock and panoramic views of Comox Harbour.
What makes your beer selection special?
Our 16 rotating taps showcase the best BC craft beer selection north of Victoria, including seasonal offerings.
How do you source your ingredients?
We maintain relationships with over 50 Vancouver Island farms, fisheries, and food producers for fresh local ingredients.
Was online gaming mentioned at The White Whale?
While mentioned in promotional text, online gaming was not an actual service offered by our restaurant.
