Cortes Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Cortes Island, located in the British Columbia region of Canada, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. Situated in the Strait of Georgia, this charming island is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The island boasts stunning landscapes, with lush forests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. Hiking trails crisscross the island, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and mountains. Explore the enchanting forests, filled with towering cedar and fir trees, and discover hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Cortes Island offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Glide through the calm waters of the surrounding bays and inlets, spotting seals, otters, and even whales along the way. The island's diverse marine life makes it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving as well.

Cortes Island is also home to vibrant artistic and cultural communities. Visit the local galleries and studios to admire the works of talented artists and artisans, showcasing everything from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry. Don't miss the opportunity to attend one of the island's lively festivals, where you can immerse yourself in the rich local culture and traditions.

If you're in need of relaxation, Cortes Island offers numerous secluded beaches where you can unwind and soak up the sun. Spend your days lounging on the soft sand, listening to the gentle waves, and taking in the breathtaking ocean views. The island's calm and peaceful atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a rejuvenating retreat.

When it comes to dining, Cortes Island doesn't disappoint. Enjoy fresh and delicious seafood at one of the island's waterfront restaurants, where you can savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Don't forget to try the local specialties, such as Dungeness crab and wild salmon, for a truly authentic culinary experience.

Alternative names: Area: 50.19 mi²Archipelago: Discovery IslandsElevation: 597 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°7'0"N, 124°58'1"W

Location

British ColumbiaCanada

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Cortes Island Top Attractions

Cortes Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cortes Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mansons Landing Provincial Park, Channel Rock, Smelt Bay Provincial Park, Háthayim Marine Provincial Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Mansons Landing Provincial Park
Mansons Landing Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located at Mansons Landing on Cortes Island. It was established in 1974 and covers 100 hectares, including 47 hectares of upland and 53 hectares of foreshore.
Protected area
Channel Rock
Channel Rock is a nature reserve and eco-retreat centre on Cortes Island in the Northern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. It is located within the traditional territories of the Wei We Kai, Kwiakah, Homalco, Klahoose and Sliammon peoples.
Park
Smelt Bay Provincial Park
Smelt Bay Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada. It is located at the south end of Cortes Island, and has twenty-two camping sites. Eight are reservable and the rest are first-come, first-served. There is also an overflow parking lot directly next to the beach for any excess campers.

Day trips

Cortes Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cortes Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Myra Falls, Comox Air Force Museum.

29 milesSW
Winter sport, Ski area
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, tucked away on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its expansive terrain, this ski area offers a diverse range of activities, from alpine skiing and snowboarding...
46 milesSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Myra Falls
Nestled within the lush, verdant landscape of Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island lies the breathtaking Myra Falls, Canada. This natural wonder is a cascading marvel, offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle of water plunging into serene pools below.
28 milesS
Museum, Military museum
Comox Air Force Museum
The Comox Air Force Museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits artifacts relating to CFB Comox, its squadrons and its units. The museum is located at the main gate of CFB Comox, located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The museum opened its doors in the current location 12 September 1987.
29 milesSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a mountain on the eastern edge of the Vancouver Island Ranges of British Columbia and the site of Mount Washington Alpine Resort, popular for skiing and many other activities. It is located approximately 25 km from the Comox Valley.
10 milesSE
Park
Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park
Copeland Islands Marine Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located in Desolation Sound to the northwest of Lund on the northern Sunshine Coast off the west coast of the Malaspina Peninsula.