Cortes Island, Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound

Cortes Island is part of the archipelago islands referred to as the Discovery Islands in British Columbia

. The islands are located at the northern end of the Gulf of Georgia and between Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast of BC. Campbell River on Vancouver Island is the departure point for ferry to Quadra and Cortes Islands. These islands are sometimes included in what is referred to as the Gulf Islands, and sometimes not.

Cortes Island is roughly halfway between Powell River and Campbell River. The island is 25 km (16 mi) long, 13 km (8 mi) wide and 130 km (50 sq mi) and 13,000 hectares in area.. It has a population of approximately 1000 permanent residents. Cortes has the largest community. Whaletown, Squirrel Cove and Mansons Landing are communities on the island.

Cortes Island is one of the most inspiring of the islands of the Discovery Islands, with its lakes, beaches, and jagged gorges. Cortes has a thriving arts and crafts industry. Drum makers, potters, painters, carvers, and other artisans live and work on the island. Cortes Craftshop in Squirrel Cove is a co-op for island artists and craftspeople to showcases their work. Island galleries and gift shops also sell local art and crafts.

The island offers the chance to enjoy nature's natural beauty. The land and sea are home to bald eagles, many species of seabirds, shore birds and marine mammals, as well as deer and other smaller creatures. Boating, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, bird watching and hiking are some of the many outdoor activities available to residents and visitors.

The island offers many recreational activities. There are hiking trails, parks and beaches to enjoy. The island's trails are great for hiking and mountain biking, and there is a campground and beautiful beach in Smelt Bay Park. There are many beautiful beaches and lagoons that are great for bird watching.

Cortes is at the entrance to the famous boating destination known as Desolation Sound. Gorge Harbour has a marina, and there are government wharves at Cortes Bay, Whaletown, Squirrel Cove, Manson's Landing, and Gorge Harbour for boaters to use.

Salmon fishing in the region is legendary. The waters around Quadra and Cortes Islands have yielded some of the largest salmon ever caught on BC's west coast. There are local charter boat operators available for fishing or wildlife viewing excursions. It's easy to catch sight of wildlife on ruggedly beautiful Cortes.

Life here will remind you of a simpler time. There are Saturday night dances, Friday markets, summer festivals, general stores and a local craft store. There are no fast food franchises, no malls and no night clubs. You'll find the same sense of security that you might have felt as a child in a small rural town. It still feels that way here!

by: KC Beam.

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