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O’Byrne Taylor
Cortes Island
Squirrel Cove
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Tourism Vancouver Island/Boomer Jerritt
Cortes Island
Of course, the fishing is excellent in the area
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O’Byrne Taylor
Cortes Island
One of the docks that’s accessible to the Squirrel Cove General Store
SunCruiser Boating
It’s hard to describe a scenic region like Cortes Island that hasn't been said before. Known as the Gateway to Desolation Sound and scattered among the Discovery Islands - between Campbell River, Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia – Cortes is part of seven islands in the region and the only way to discover its true beauty is to plot a course and navigate your way to this boating haven.
Cortes is less populated than the other Discovery Islands, but it’s the seclusion is what makes it special. The island has a population of a mere 1,000 and consists of three communities that offer several services, events and the opportunity to enjoy much outdoor activity.
One of these communities is Whaletown, located at the west end of Cortes, and is home to the BC Ferry Terminal, a government dock, post office (with limited hours) and the nearby Gorge Harbour Marina Resort on Hunt Road. Offering a resort-style experience for visitors, the full service marina has recently added 1800 feet of protected dock space, and also offers fuel, moorage, a store, accommodations, on-site dining, and even camping with more than 30 sites (ranging from full and partial service to no service).
Traveling to further south at the tip of Cortes is Manson's Landing and the main settlement of Cortes. A visitor's information centre, post office, Cortes Island Museum & Archives and The Manson’s Landing Friday Market can all be enjoyed here. When the market isn’t open, your best choice is the Cortes Natural Food Co-op where you can stock up on fresh produce, breads, meats, and at even score a great cup of coffee or decadent pastries. There's also a health clinic, while the island's only motel, series of B&Bs and several fishing lodges provide a choice of accommodations.
One of the more popular attractions at Manson`s Landing is Manson’s Landing Provincial Marine Park, which consists of Manson’s Lagoon where you can enjoy the sandy beaches, swim the warm waters of Hague Lake, and explore the tidal flats. Although camping is not permitted, you can set up at nearby Smelt Bay Provincial Park where you can swim at the beach, canoe, kayak, even scuba dive.
This region is a maze of mini cruising routes with where there are many spaces to moor your vessel. By heading to the east side of Cortes, at the south end of the Lewis Channel, the peacefulness continues at Squirrel Cove. This is one of the most historic sites on the island, and is the traditional winter camp and permanent home of the Klahoose First Nations.
With many safe, sheltered anchorages inside Squirrel Cove proper, the area is a boater’s delight with its warm waters that allow for many on-water activities and several services at the established Squirrel Cove General Store that can easily extend your stay.
Owned by The Squirrel Cove Trading Co. Ltd. the general store is everything to boaters it needs to be and more. The high-tide-accessible gasoline/ diesel pump and dock (as well as a government dock) means you don't have to worry about fuel and the the liquor / grocery stores offer all the necessities if your food and drink supply runs low. What’s more, The Squirrel Cove Trading Post is where you can fill your propane tank(s) and buy fishing gear, marine supplies, hardware, housewares, gifts/art, even clothing. Washrooms, showers, laundry, potable water and post office are also on site.
Every Sunday, The Squirrel Cove Sunday Market brings out the local vendors that offer produce, fresh baked goods as well as local art, crafts and there’s even live music. The market runs from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm every Sunday (while other weekly seasonal markets can be found at Mansion’s Landing every Friday and Gorge Harbour every Saturday).
Eating out for the evening may seem out of sorts at Squirrel Cove however, you can do that, too. Of special interest is The Flying Squirrel that serves a range of take-out fair – including local seafood and salads – that you can enjoy on-site or at your vessel. A coffee house is also expected to open in 2018.
Like many of the areas of Cortes, Squirrel Cove is where your fishing gear, kayaks, paddle boards and diving gear come into play amongst its emerald-blue waters. The fishing here is very active, whether your game is spinning, fly fishing or bait casting, for many types of salmon. If fishing or kayaking isn’t your thing, the crystal clear waters are great to cool off in anytime of the day.
Aside from its natural setting, Cortes Island hosts a series of annual events. For instance, there's Cortes Day, held the third Saturday in July as well as Sandcastle Day in August. Both are held at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. SEAFEST is also popular and is hosted on the Saturday of Victoria Day long weekend.
It's also common to enjoy nightlife and entertainment on Cortes. Live music is hosted at Manson’s Hall or at the Gorge Hall (beside the Marina). Gorge Hall also hosts movie nights through the summer. On occasion, one of the restaurants will invite musicians, poets and writers to present an evening of entertainment.
Cortes and the Discovery Islands offer a beauty of their own and perhaps take some extra time to explore this area. It just may become an essential stop over – or even a primary destination for your next cruising trip.
For more information about the area visit www.ourcortes.com or www.squirrelcove.com
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