Where can I buy groceries?

You can pick up groceries at the Cortes Market and the Cortes Natural Food Co-op in Mansons Landing, or the general store in Squirrel Cove.

Is there a place to swim in warm water?

Hague Lake and the shallow lagoons warm up significantly during July and August.

What services are available on the island?

Services are limited. You will find basic grocery stores, a few cafes, and small accommodations, but no large retail chains.

Where is the best place to launch a kayak?

Cortes Kayaks is a reliable starting point. The quiet coves nearby give paddlers safe access toward Desolation Sound.

Can I camp on Cortes Island?

You can pitch a tent or park an RV at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort or the Smelt Bay Provincial Campground.

Cortes Island BC: 2026 Community Guide

THE REGION · CORTES ISLAND, BC

Leave the mainland schedule behind for warm-water lakes, independent artists, and fresh shellfish straight from the inlet.

23 places · Updated October 2026Community Guide · Campbell River Guide

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

This remote outpost sits at the edge of Desolation Sound, operating on a slower schedule with limited cell service. Locals spend their summers swimming in Hague Lake and harvesting oysters at low tide. The community relies on small cooperatives and independent businesses instead of large grocery chains.

Region: Discovery Islands
Getting there: BC Ferries from Heriot Bay on Quadra Island to Whaletown (about 45 minutes)
Known for: Quiet coves, warm-water lakes, shellfish farming, and artists
Best for: Kayaking towards Desolation Sound and peaceful retreats

02THE STORY

Two ferries and a world away.

Warm lakes, oysters, artists and quiet roads. Cortes runs on island time.

Getting here takes two ferries from Campbell River, through Quadra Island. Stock up at Squirrel Cove Trading, the island’s store by the dock.

Learn about the island’s nature and culture at Wild Cortes in Mansons Landing, and visit Steigemann Studio for local art.

For boaters, Squirrel Cove is a sheltered anchorage and Gorge Harbour Marina Resort has moorage and camping. Cortes Kayaks in Whaletown rents boats.

Open Cortes Island on the map

•ON THE MAP

Cortes Island, pinned.

All 23 places in our Cortes Island guide on one live map. Zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

23: Places
5: Regions

Open Cortes Island on the map Browse the full list

01Find Your Corner

The corners of Cortes Island.

Cortes Island has no neighbourhoods, just 5 distinct corners, each with its own feel. Tap one for the best-loved place there.

Ferry landing

Whaletown

Cortes Island

Sheltered harbour

Gorge Harbour

Cortes Island

The centre

Mansons Landing

Cortes Island

The east side

Squirrel Cove

Cortes Island

The south end

Smelt Bay

Cortes Island

Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.

•Refresh & Refuel

Where Cortes Island eats.

Island cafés, bakeries and the stores locals stock up at.

See them all on the map

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•Things To Do

Get out on Cortes Island.

Provincial parks, lagoons, beaches, trails and galleries.

See them all on the map

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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Life at the Edge of Desolation Sound

I am Doug. I will show you how to catch the ferry schedule, find the warmest swimming spots, and pack the right gear for a weekend out here.

The short answer

Start your morning grabbing coffee and fresh bread at the Cortes Natural Food Co-op in Mansons Landing. Then, drive south to hike the trails at Smelt Bay Provincial Park before the afternoon heat sets in.

01Getting here

Ferry Crossings

Your trip starts with a second BC Ferries crossing from Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. The scenic ride takes about 45 minutes and drops you right into Whaletown.

Things move at a different pace once you drive off the ramp. Bring cash and plenty of patience, as basic amenities are sparse but the residents are incredibly friendly.

Local tips

Set up camp at the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort for a reliable home base.
Ferry line-ups get long in July and August, so arrive early and bring a book.

Gorge Harbour Marina Resort

02Village life

Groceries and Coffee

Mansons Landing acts as the central hub where you will find essential groceries and morning coffee. Stock up on supplies at the Cortes Market or grab a bite at the Cortes Natural Food Co-op and the Co-Op Cafe.

To learn about the region's logging and fishing history, visit the Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society and Wild Cortes. Later, walk down to Mansons Landing Provincial Park to wade in the lagoon or swim in the warm waters of Hague Lake.

Local tips

Book a room nearby at the Cortes Island Motel or Brilliant by the Bay.
The sandy spit at the lagoon is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Cortes Market Cortes Natural Food Co-op Co-Op Cafe Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society Wild Cortes Mansons Landing Provincial Park Cortes Island Motel Brilliant by the Bay

03Forest routes

South End Trails

The south end stands out for its sandy shores and rugged hiking routes. Spend an afternoon at Smelt Bay Provincial Park, or pitch a tent at the Smelt Bay Provincial Campground.

To stretch your legs in the forest, hike the Easter Bluff Trailhead or take the Trail Head to Red Granite Point to reach the rocky shoreline at Red Granite Point. For a quiet beach walk, check out Hank's Beach and the surrounding Hanks Beach Forest Conservation Park.

Local tips

Bring sturdy shoes for the steep sections on Easter Bluff.
Smelt Bay is one of the top spots on the coast to watch the sun go down.

Smelt Bay Provincial Park Smelt Bay Provincial Campground Easter Bluff Trailhead Trail Head to Red Granite Point Red Granite Point Hank's Beach Hanks Beach Forest Conservation Park

04On the water

Paddling and Retreats

The sheltered coves point the way east toward Desolation Sound. You can rent gear from Cortes Kayaks or moor your vessel at the Cortes Bay Seattle Yacht Club.

The community prioritizes holistic health, anchored by the Hollyhock Leadership Center. You can view local art at Steigemann Studio before retreating to the Boathouse - Waterfront Accommodation on Cortes Island.

Local tips

Squirrel Cove has a general store and is home to the Klahoose First Nation community.
Always check the tide charts and wind forecast before paddling toward Desolation Sound.

Cortes Kayaks Cortes Bay Seattle Yacht Club Hollyhock Leadership Center Steigemann Studio Boathouse - Waterfront Accommodation on Cortes Island