BCeh! / Vancouver Island / Gulf Islands / Cortes / Top 10 Things To Do

Cortes Island is part of the Discovery Island group on the northern tip of the Gulf Islands. Cortes Island BC is a rural community with some very popular activities for the outdoor enthusiast like hiking and walking trails, scuba diving, sailing, charter tours, fishing and kayaking Desolation Sound and biking the narrow roads on Cortes Island.
Refer to Parks and Trails List and/or the Eco-Tourism Tour and Guides Business Listings.

1. Boating: In one word....Unbelievable marine voyages! Some of the prime marine wilderness areas like Desolation Sound are near Cortes Island. Cortes Island is one of the Discovery Islands. An area of many inlets, lots of thick forested coves, towering rock cliffs, cascading waterfalls and sandy secluded beaches are found throughout Desolation Sound. Case closed the verdict is in. Unbelievable!
   
   
2. Kayaking: Visitors from around the globe who are looking for a spell binding scenery laden trip from the seat of a kayak come to Desolation Sound. The area around Cortes island is great for day kayaks but Desolation Sound... is a top long haul kayaking destination. Squirrel Cove, Gorge Harbour, Cortes Bay and Von Donop Inlet are some of the popular areas to disappear to and enjoy the serenity of oceans, wildlife while following the nose of your kayak.
   
   
3. Beach Worshipping: Cortes Island enjoys many beaches. The beach scenery is abundant just from walking the shores. The shorelines have seashells scattered along the pebbled beaches wedged under pieces of driftwood. We cannot stress the satisfaction one can obtain taking a beach walk following the tides on Cortes Island.
   
   
4. Shopping: Cortes Island BC is the home to many artistic people that enjoy the tranquility of the island as the ideal environment for them to create in. Many artists invite you to explore the works of their labour in many of the creations by painters, drum makers, musicians, potters, carvers and displayed in the many unique boutiques, bistros and kiosks.
   
   
5. Swimming: Cortes Island has both ocean and lake swimming areas. Cortes is such an island with fantastic swimming holes. Locally throughout the island there are many park areas and beach access points for swimming the salt water ocean. For some fresh water lake swimming you should towards the prime swimming area of Hague Lake. Swimming trunks are a travel must!
   
   
6. Cycling and Mountain Biking: Cortes Island is great for the road cyclist as a day ride as a part of the Discovery Island loop ride. most of the road are with ocean views. For the mountain biker who does not mind a little dirt there is the off road trails on Von Donop and Green Mountain. Helmets everyone.
   
   
7. Hiking and Walking: So many parks for a small island. Both long and short walking and hiking trails on Cortes Island. Take a stroll surrounded by mountains, lush marine forests and sandy beaches while exploring the network of trails on the island. Work up a sweat hiking up Green Mountain or stroll with an ice cream in one hand along the piers of Whaletown, BC on Cortes Island.
   
   
8. Wildlife Viewing: Whether it is from the shores of Cortes Island playing with the seabirds or out in the beautiful waters of Desolation Sound watching the Black Bears, Bald Eagles and Orcas live in their natural habitat, one can truly be in 'awe' of the west coast wildlife in and around Cortes island.
   
   
9. Quadra Island: Cortes island is a ferry ride away to Quadra Island. lA trip to quadra Island for some quality exploring that island is a full day wondering the trails. Hop the ferry and take in one of BC Ferry's most scenic routes.