Cortes Island
Cortes is approximately 25 km (16 miles) long and 13 km (8 miles) wide and is located between
Campbell River and the mainland coast of British Columbia. Lying at the entrance to Desolation Sound,
Cortes Island is one of the most impressive of the Discovery Islands. A ferry from Heriot Bay on Quadra
Island can be taken to reach Cortes' dock at Whaletown. From there, roads lead to Manson's Landing
and Squirrel Cove, a well-known anchorage that faces Desolation Sound.
Cortes is an outdoor recreation paradise, with beautiful lakes, lagoons, forests, and white sandy
beaches. The island currently has about 1000 full-time residents, and most live on the southern portion.
On the southwestern tip of the island is Smelt Bay Provincial Park where thousands of smelt come to
spawn. Smelt Bay Provincial Campground offers 22 campsites in a wonderful setting in the woods,
overlooking Smelt Bay. A 20 km (12 mile) paved road leads from the Whaletown ferry landing to the
campground along Sutil Point Road and Smelt Bay Road.
Swimming, fresh and salt water fishing, and nice sandy beaches can be found at Mansons Landing
Provincial Park. Explore the old whaling station near Whaletown and the area's gardens.
Cortes also 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, a co-op of island artists and
craftspeople, showcases local work.
Cortes Day, an annual festival held in Smelt Bay Park, is a fun event for the whole family with a parade,
competitions, games, and food booths. Another event to watch out for is the sandcastle competition held
in August.
Campbell River - Quadra Island Ferry Schedule - crossing time of 10 minutes
http://www.bcferries.com
Fares:
http://www.bcferries.com
Quadra Island - Cortes Island Ferry Schedule - crossing time of approximately 45 minutes.
http://www.bcferries.com
Fares:
http://www.bcferries.com/
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