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Cortes Island is situated at the Northern end of the Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the Mainland of British Columbia. It is at the entrance to Desolation Sound, a world famous boating destination. The area is ideal for fishing, sailing, and sea-kayaking. The Vancouver and Seattle Yacht Clubs have marinas on Cortes Island for their members. There is also a public marina located in Gorge Harbour. It has facilities for boat rentals and a wonderful restaurant serving local seafood. The island has many lagoons that are perfect for clam-digging and oyster picking. It is easy to catch sight of birds, wildlife and marine creatures on the island or off shore. There is a thriving community of painters, drum makers, musicians, potters, carvers and other artisans. Stores and galleries sell their work. Our Community Site
HAGUE LAKE
has a beautiful sandy beach and is a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. Power boats are not allowed on the lake which makes for a tranquil day’s outing.
KW’AS PARK TRAILS
are located in a 173 acre forested area between Hague and Gunflint Lakes. The trails pass through an astounding variety of ecosystems, including a wet spruce grove, a ridge with red cedars, a valley with tall alders and high open bluffs with pine, arbutus and manzanita. The old growth trail meanders through virgin forests. Link to Trails
HOLLYHOCK
is Canada’s largest learning and conference center. It has a spectacular organic vegetable and flower garden. There is a restaurant and a gift shop that is open to the public. The Hollyhock Site
BAREFOOT GALLERY
Has drawings, paintings, sculpture, raku and other fine art by local artists. Located on Tan Road on Cortes Bay
EASTER BLUFF HIKING TRAIL
takes you to the highest pont on the island and affords a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area. The trail winds through a variety of types of vegetation and also old growth forest areas.
SMELT BAY PROVINCIAL PARK
has a long sandy beach with a Western exposure which makes it a great place to view the Northern mountain range of Vancouver Island or watch the sunset. There are good beach walks in either direction. You can drive to the park or hike to it through a heavily wooded forest of old growth cedar. The trail starts across the road from Healing Waters.
LINNAEA FARM SOCIETY
has 120 acres of working farm land. They have an apprenticeship organic gardening program, workshops on permaculture and a school for the island children. Organic flowers and produce is for sale. Visitors are welcomed. LFS Site
SQUIRREL COVE CRAFT STORE
is run as a co-operative by the local arts and crafts community. Paintings, weavings, cards, jewellry and many other wares can be found here.
MANSON’S HALL
is the local community centre. Here you find the Doctor’s office, the post office, thrift store, weekly fair and a restaurant. The Tak Restaurant and Cortes Market grocery store are across the street.
VON DONOP INLET MARINE PARK
has a trail that starts close to Squirrel Cove. It offers spectacular scenery and lots of oysters. Map Here
MAKE THIS MAP LARGER - HOW TO GET HERE INSTRUCTIONS
More Background on Cortes Island - http://www.discoveryislands.ca/islands/cortesisland.html
Popular parks and areas to visit - http://persweb.direct.ca/rctrue/thecove/where.html#map
Real Estate Listings - http://www.cortesisland.bc.ca/
eMail us: healingwatersbeachretreat@hotmail.com