Cruise to Cortes Island

This is just one destination in the Discovery Islands that’s big on activity – on and off the water.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Located among the Discovery Islands between Campbell River, Victoria, and the mainland of British Columbia, Cortes is one of the series of islands in the region and offers a plethora of natural attractions with many amenities, while still providing the chance to get away from it all. Cortes has three communities – Whaletown, Mansons Landing and Squirrel Cove –each providing several services, conveniences, events and the opportunity to take in many outdoor activities.

The West End and Whaletown

Whaletown is on the west end of Cortes where the BC Ferry Terminal drops off and picks up visitors, a government dock allows moorage, and one of the island’s three post offices to send mail if required. This portion of the island is also home to Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. Located on Hunt Road, this is where you can enjoy a resort-style experience in the heart of the BC Coast. The full-service marina has recently added 549 m (1,800 ft) of protected dock space and is where you’ll find fuel, transient moorage, a store, accommodations, on-site dining, even camping. There’s more than 30 sites ranging from full and partial service to no service.

The South End and Mansons Landing

This is the main settlement of Cortes where you can obtain all the information you need at the visitor’s information centre, take in some of the island’s history at Cortes Island Museum & Archives or plan a trip around The Manson’s Landing Friday Market. If Friday’s don’t work, fresh produce, breads, meats, and decadent pastries can be bought at the Cortes Natural Food Co-op. There`s also a health clinic plus the island`s only motel, a series of B&Bs and several fishing lodges.

If you’re a nature lover, a visit to Mansons Landing Provincial Marine Park is a must. Its lagoon is a peaceful spot with sandy beaches, warm waters of Hague Lake, and tidal flats. Although camping is not allowed, you can pitch your tent at nearby Smelt Bay Provincial Park, which also offers a beach, and where you can canoe, kayak, and even scuba dive.

Squirrel Cove

The region of Cortes consists of a maze of mini, scenic routes with many areas to moor your vessel. If you head to the east side of Cortes – at the south end of the Lewis Channel – you’ll come to Squirrel Cove. One of the most historic areas on the island, Squirrel Cove is home to the traditional winter camp and permanent home of the Klahoose First Nations.

Inside Squirrel Cove proper are many safe, sheltered anchorages where quiet time or activities are king. You can also extend your stay if desired thanks to the Squirrel Cove General Store, which is owned by The Squirrel Cove Trading Co. Ltd.

The high-tide-accessible gasoline/diesel pump and dock (as well as a government dock) allows you refuel before or after a journey and the liquor/grocery store has all the necessities if your food or drink supply gets low. This is where you can also fill your propane tank(s), buy fishing gear, marine supplies, hardware, housewares, even gifts/art and clothing. Washrooms, showers, laundry, potable water and a post office are also available.

On Sundays, perhaps visit The Squirrel Cove Sunday Market that showcases local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods plus local art, and crafts. There’s even live music. It runs from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm every Sunday. Other weekly markets on Cortes can be found in Mansion’s Landing every Friday and Gorge Harbour every Saturday.

While eating out (or take-out for that matter) can often be difficult to find in in the heart of the BC Coast, it’s offered in Squirrel Cove. Now operating in the Cove restaurant, The Flying Squirrel has a budget-minded affordable take-out menu items such as burgers, pizza, bannock, falafels and more. You can dine at the picnic table or bring it back to your boat. It’s open everyday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm except Tuesdays.

Activities, Entertainment and More…

When you’re not dining, shopping the markets or taking in the sites on Cortes, nearby anchorages are great for paddle boarding, kayaking, diving or just plain relaxing and wading in the water. If fishing is your thing, you’re in the right area as it’s known to be very active for many types of salmon.

Cortes Island also hosts a series of annual events and are another enticing factor here. 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 takes place the Saturday of Victoria Day long weekend. Or, if you enjoy nightlife, live music is commonly held at Manson’s Hall or at the Gorge Hall, just beside the marina. Gorge Hall also hosts movie nights throughout the summer.

Cortes and the Discovery Islands is where enjoyment for you and your family comes first. It offers the simple life and the boating lifestyle at its finest. Most of all, once you visit this region, chances are high you’ll discover a new destination to return to again and again.

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