Cortes Island: A Northern Getaway

This Discovery Island is where you can get a true natural sense of coastal British Columbia.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Visiting Cortes Island by boat is the quintessential summer destination. It’s located at the northern end of The Strait of Georgia amongst The Discovery Islands, nearby to Campbell River. Once you plot your course and are under power from Vancouver or other commercial centres on the mainland, the shoreline soon transforms from city development to plush greenery where your only traffic is other boaters and wildlife.

The trip itself is an exciting one, especially if you decide to enjoy everything this scenic route has to offer along the way – and it’s highly recommended that you do. Once you arrive near Cortes Island, there are the three main communities of Whaletown, Manson’s Landing and Squirrel Cove to consider visiting as all provide the essential services and of course, plenty of outdoor activity.

What’s in Whaletown?

Located on the west end of Cortes Island, Whaletown is where the BC Ferry Terminal operates and where you can find transient moorage at the Whaletown Government Dock. Although not as fancy as some big city slips, it’s an ideal place to tie-off your boat and rest after the long trip. There’s also full hydro, garbage disposal and a kayak launch to enjoy some activity around the area.

If you require more services and want to spend a few days off your vessel, nearby is The Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. It’s a full-service marina with upgraded with 549 m (1,800 ft) of protected dock space, and has fuel, transient moorage, 50- and 30-amp shorepower, potable water, and a general store with basic marine supplies. Need some added rest? The accommodations that are available include a lodge, cottage and two self-contained trailers. RV camping is also provided with more than 30 sites, ranging from full and partial service to no service.

Manson’s Landing

The main settlement on Cortes Island, Manson’s Landing has one Government Dock that offers transient moorage with hydro and garbage disposal, and it’s just a 15-minute walk to a Natural Food Co-op grocery store and café. If you visit on a Friday, it’s worth seeking out The Farmer’s Market at Manson’s Hall to re-stock your galley. Held at the end of the week throughout the year (and it triples in size during the summer), the market attracts locals and visitors from other Discovery Islands and beyond for its locally grown, organic vegetables, baked goods, artisan gifts, and more. There’s also a playground for kids. Added convenience in Manson’s Landing is provided by a health clinic, motel, and series of B&Bs and fishing lodges.

To explore some of the island’s more natural attractions, Manson’s Landing Provincial Marine Park is the place to go. Its lagoon provides a relaxing area with sand beaches and where you can swim in the warm waters of Hague Lake. While camping is not permitted, sites available at nearby Smelt Bay Provincial Park. The park includes a beach and is a popular area for canoeing, kayaking, and even scuba diving.

Squirrel Cove

If you land your vessel on the east side of Cortes at the south end of the Lewis Channel you’ll find Squirrel Cove, one of the most historic areas on the island. It encompasses a traditional winter camp and is the permanent home of the Klahoose First Nations.

Squirrel Cove offers many sheltered anchorages and if you want to extend your stay and need some extra supplies, the established Squirrel Cove General Store is just the ticket. Groceries, fuel (that’s offered at the high-tide-accessible gasoline/diesel fuel dock) a post office, hardware centre, restrooms with showers, fishing gear, marine supplies, and more can all be purchased here. The Squirrel Cove Sunday Market is another popular attraction and showcases local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods plus local art, and crafts. It’s open from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm every Sunday.

Ordering takeout from your boat may be limited at most times when anchored, but if you want a break from galley duty, The Flying Squirrel at The Cove Restaurant is the perfect option. It’s open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. (except Tuesdays) and serves an assortment of burgers, pizza, seafood and more, all at reasonable value.

Cortes Island is the perfect multi-day destination that allows you to explore and experience the beauty of British Columbia. It’s also nearby to other Discovery Islands that are just as breathtaking and where more adventure waits.

Need more Activity on Cortes Island?

When you’re not lounging at your slip, visiting a market or hiking or paddling among the natural attractions, Cortes Island is popular for its anchorages, which are ideal spots for paddle boarding, kayaking, diving, and fishing for the many species of active salmon. Many boaters also visit during the series of seasonal events to include :

  • Cortes Day, held the third Saturday in July
  • Sandcastle Day in August
  • SEAFEST on Victoria Day Long Weekend
  • Summer Movie Nights at Gorge Hall
  • Live music is also held at Manson’s Hall or at the Gorge Hall beside the marina.

For more information about the area visit www.ourcortes.com or www.squirrelcove.com