E xp e r ie n c e C o r te s I sla n d
2019
Cortes Island Information
DEAR VISITORS!
– Collage by Jane Newman, visual artist, Cortes Island resident since 2017. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Page 1
CONTENTS Emergencies Getting Here Transportation on Cortes Island BC Ferries Cortes Websites Tourist Information Booth Linnaea Farm Public Library Fire Awareness Shopping Farmers Markets Trail Map Provincial Parks, Walks & Beaches Birds of Cortes Island Picture Gallery Events Shellfish Recycling and Garbage Pickup Cycling Wi-Fi and Cell Phone Reception Marnie’s Books Eating Out Gorge Harbour Marina and Resort The Cortes Market Squirrel Cove Trading Company Cortes Natural Food Co-op Cortes Co-op Cafe & Bakery Gathering Place Trading Co Inc. Island Feed Healing Arts, Gypsy Mama Fairhaven Gardens Hollyhock Cortes Craft Shop Co-op Birds of Cortes Island Friends of Cortes Island Society (FOCI)
3 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 30
Rites of Spirit, Massage Therapist, Lisa Day 32 Holistic Health Arts, Jocelan Coty 33 Abi’s Manicure & Pedicure 34 How Much Water is There in the Salish Sea? 35 Meet New Owners of Misty Isles Adventures 37 Misty Isles Adventures 38 Misty Isles Kayaking 40 Cortes Island Museum & Archives 42 Harbour Authority of Cortes Island (HACI) 43 Hot Yoga in Whaletown 44 Cortes Fishing Adventures 45 Marine Adventures 46 Learning to Live With Wolves 46 Twincomm Communications 47 Lane 8 Delivery Services 47 Island Cycle Quadra Island 48 Dandyhorse Bikes 49 Corilair 50 Marine Dental Clinic Cortes Island 51 Pacific Centre for Leadership 51 Discovery Launch Water Taxi 52 Lund Water Taxi 53 Accommodations 54 Royal LePage Advance Ltd, Martha Abelson, Realtor® 54 Whiskey Point Resort Quadra Island 55 Cortes Island Vacation Rentals 56 Cortes Island Motel 56 Juniper Bluffs B&B 56 May’s Garden Cottage 56 Brilliant by the Bay B&B 57 Cortes Island Boathouse 57 Sowelu, South Point 57 Wilcox’s Beachfront Lodge 57 Information Book Sponsors 58
This Information Book
Dear Visitors
is on sale and/or on display I hope you find this book useful. in several places on Cortes Island: Please consider using services of businesses featured here, thus supporting this publication. Participating vacation homes Natural Food Co-op Cortes Museum Grazyna (Gina) Trzesicka, 250-935-0080 Cortes Market cortesinfobook@gmail.com Squirrel Cove General Store Hollyhock Cortes Island Library (at Linnaea Farm) Kaskgraphics, Campbell River Gorge Harbour Marina and Resort Vancouver Yacht Club Seattle Yacht Club Gary Fast and more... Christian Gronau also, in some locations on Quadra Island and in Campbell River Lynne Jordan
Editor
Print House
Contributors
Cover Blue Heron, Hague Lake – photo Jurek Trzesicki Whaletown Lagoon – photo Gary Fast Annual editions of the Cortes Island Information Book since 2007 See the book online at: www.issuu.com/cortesinfobook/docs/cortes_island_information_book Page 2
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Jane Newman John Sprugman Jurek Trzesicki Richard Trueman ... and others
Thank you!
EMERGENCIES AMBULANCE / First Aid / Rescue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 HOSPITAL (CAMPBELL RIVER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-850-2141 MEDICAL – Cortes Health Centre, 945 Beasley Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-935-6718 Monday to Friday: 9 am to 12 noon, 1 to 4 pm POLICE / RCMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 Non-emergency: Quadra Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-250-285-3631 Toll free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-866-888-0088 FIRE (in-house) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 Non-emergency: Mansons Firehall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-935-6779 Non-emergency: Whaletown Firehall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250-935-6600
FOREST FIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-5555 On most cell phones: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *5555 Permits (Burn Registration Line): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-797-1717
SEARCH AND RESCUE Emergency Only, 24 hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-663-3456 MARINE MAMMALS IN DISTRESS If you see marine mammals in distress on the beach, please call the toll-free reporting hotline, 7 days a week at. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-465-4336 OTHER EMERGENCIES, HELP LINES and WEATHER – SEE LOCAL PHONE BOOK: Local phone books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.islandphonebooks.ca Note - To call Quadra Island from Cortes – dial 1-250-local-number - To call Campbell River from Cortes – dial 250-local-number (considered “local phone”)
POST OFFICES WHALETOWN V0P 1Z0 – at the Whaletown dock Monday, Wednesday, Friday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 to 10:30 am, 1 to 4 pm Tuesday (no mail in/out) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 to 12 noon Cut off for mail out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am MANSONS LANDING V0P 1K0 – in Mansons Hall, Beasley Road Monday, Wednesday, Friday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 to 11 am, 2 to 4:30 pm Tuesday (no mail in/out). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 to 12 noon Cut-off for mail out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 am SQUIRREL COVE V0P 1T0 – in Squirrel Cove Store Monday to Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am to 5 pm
BANKS – ATMS The closest bank, Costal Community Credit Union, is located on Quadra Island, Quathiaski Cove, 657 Harper Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-250-285-3327 There are three ATMs on the island: • Squirrel Cove Store • Cortes Market in Mansons • Cortes Food Co-op in Mansons Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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GETTING HERE There are many ways to get to Cortes Island:
Quadra Is.
Air to Campbell River or Comox
on ont dm E to ry to Calga
Cortes Island Lund
• Central Mountain Air • Pacific Coastal Airlines • Westjet
Floatplane • Corilair • Kenmore Air Seaplanes • Van City Seaplanes
Water Taxi • Discovery Launch Water Taxi • Lund Water Taxi
Bus (Nanaimo–Campbell River) • Islandlink • Tofino Bus
Legend
Airplane Floatplane Water Taxi Ferry Highway
Local Transport
Port Angeles
• Lane 8 Delivery Services • Quadra Taxi
to Seattle
From far away – fly to Vancouver, or Comox, or Campbell River. - from Comox and Campbell River airport – there is an airport shuttle to take you to Campbell River. - from Campbell River, Vancouver, or Seattle – you can take a float plane directly to Cortes Island. From Campbell River or Lund – you can take a water taxi to Cortes Island. See Discovery Launch Water Taxi, or Lund Water Taxi information in this book. From Vancouver – take BC Ferry to Nanaimo, then drive or take a bus to Campbell River. Islandlink is a popular bus connection – book your tickets online, www.islandlinkbus.com. A bus or a car trip from Nanaimo to Campbell River takes 2 hours. In peak season, avoid the last Cortes Island connecting ferry, when travelling by car, as the ferry has limited capacity and you risk getting left behind on Quadra Island (during summer the ferry may be full).
TRANSPORTATION ON CORTES ISLAND Cortes Island does not have a taxi service. To travel between ferry terminals on Quadra Island you can call Quadra Taxi 1-250-205-0505. Wonderful way to come to or leave Cortes is to take a floatplane or a water taxi! Discovery Launch Water Taxi, 250-287-7577, travels between Campbell River and Manson’s dock on Cortes Island. Lund Water Taxi, 604-483-9749, travels between Lund and Cortes Bay. Corilair offers 3 flights per day between Campbell River and Cortes from May through September. During the winter there are midday flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Need to bring large items to Cortes? Call Lane 8 Delivery Services. While on Cortes, you may choose to walk or ride a bike instead of using a car. Bring your bike with you or rent it here, see Dandyhorse Bikes on Cortes or Quadra Bikes on Quadra. Hitchhiking is also acceptable. GAS: Diesel and boat gas, also regular gas, are available at the Gorge Harbour Marina in Whaletown and at Squirrel Cove Store. Electric cars can be charged at Hollyhock. Cortes Island does not have a car repair shop. For emergency repairs or flat tire, call Richard@250-204-6567, located in Mansons, or ask around. Page 4
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
BC FERRIES There are two BC Ferries crossings between Campbell River and Cortes Island. Quadra Island • 10 min (1.8 nautical miles) crossing from Campbell River to Quadra Island, Quathiaski Cove terminal, onboard of Power River Queen (85 m long, 68 cars and 400 passengers), and • 45 min (6.2 nautical miles) crossing from Quadra Island, Heriot Bay terminal to Cortes Island, Whaletown, onboard of Tenaka (47 m long, 30 cars, 150 passengers).
When taking BC Ferries from Campbell River to Cortes Island, you pay for a round trip at Campbell River terminal. Mention Cortes Island as your destination. You will be directed to lane 7. Keep the THRUFARE portion of your ticket to show the ferry attendant at the Cortes ferry. On Quadra Island, it is 8 km from Quathiaski Cove north to Heriot Bay, take a taxi – call Quadra Taxi, or use your bike. Look for “Cortes Ferry” signs, or just follow the stream of cars from one terminal to the other. There is just enough time allowed for driving from one terminal to the other. And be patient – you are already on island time. If you miss one ferry to Cortes, there is another one soon. If you miss the last ferry to Cortes, but there are several cars waiting, chances are the captain of the Cortes ferry will come back to pick you up. When going back from Cortes to Campbell River, you do not need to show your ticket. On Cortes, arrive at least one hour before departure time to claim your space in the line. Booking the ferry is not possible. If planning your time is important, please check BC Ferries schedule online. In 2018 summer, BC Ferries brought back early Sunday sailing: between May 17 and September 3 only, the 7:50 am ferry leaving Cortes on Saturday and Sunday, same as on weekdays, will serve morning traffic out of Cortes Island.
Whaletown
Heriot Bay
BC Ferries – Campbell River – Quadra Island Monday to Friday Saturday & Sunday Leave CR
Leave Quadra
Leave CR
Leave Quadra
6:40 am *
6:20 am *
7:30 am
7:05 am *
7:30 am *
7:05 am *
8:20 am xS
7:55 am xS
8:30 am
8:00 am
9:20 am
8:55 am
9:30 am
9:00 am !!
10:15 am
9:50 am
10:30 am
10:00 am
11:15 am
10:45 am
11:30 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm
11:45 pm
12:30 am
12:00 am
1:15 pm
12:45 pm
1:30 pm
1:00 pm
2:15 pm
1:45 pm
2:30 pm
2:05 pm
3:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
3:00 pm
4:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
4:00 pm DC
5:25 pm
5:00 pm
5:25 pm
5:00 pm
6:15 pm !
5:50 pm
6:15 pm !
5:50 pm
7:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
7:00 pm
8:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
8:00 pm
9:45 pm
9:15 pm
10:45 FS
10:15 FS
10:45 pm FS
10:15 pm FS
! Last connection to Cortes
BC Ferries – Cortes Island – Quadra Island Monday to Friday Saturday & Sunday Leave Cortes 7:50 am * 9:50 am 11:50 am
Leave Quadra 9:05 am 11:05 am DC 1:05 pm
Leave Cortes
Leave Quadra
7:50 am xSu
8:50 am xSu
9:35 am
10:50 am
11:35 am
1:05 pm
1:50 pm DC
3:05 pm
1:50 pm DC
3:05 pm
3:50 pm
5:05 pm
3:50 pm
5:05 pm
5:50 pm
6:45 pm
5:50 pm
6:45 pm
* Except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. DC Dangerous Cargo-Tuesdays. !! Busy, local traffic.
FS - Friday and Saturday only. xSu - no Sunday sailing, except May 17 to September 3, when there are early morning sailings. ! Last connection to Cortes.
May 17, 2018 - Sept. 3, 2018. Schedule subject to change without notice.
http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/northern/ Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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CORTES WEBSITES For general information, maps, photos, trip planning, accommodation, dining, excursions, shopping and MORE see Cortes Island Business and Tourism Association website, www.ourcortes.com. For local news, community bulletin board, picture gallery, island event calendar, lost and found, etc. see Tideline, our local community website, www.cortesisland.com. For history of Cortes and events organized by the Cortes Island Museum & Archives, Misty Isles cruises, and more, see Cortes Island Museum’s website, www.cortesmuseum.com. For information on Klahoose, First Nations on Cortes Island, see www.klahoose.org.
TOURIST INFORMATION BOOTH Tourist Information Booth is located downtown Mansons Landing in the Cortes Island Museum & Archives,
at 957 Beasley Rd. The Information Booth has maps and brochures, and the host can answer your questions about Cortes Island and its surroundings. Call 250-935-6340 or visit www.cortesmuseum.com.
CORTES COMMUNITY RADIO CKTZ FM 89.5 Tune to our island’s own radio station to enjoy a wide range of music and spoken word programming, or listen on line at www.cortesradio.ca.
CHURCH SERVICE An Anglican church service is held every second Sunday, 2:30 pm, in the Church St. Saviour by the Sea, Cortes Bay. Occasionally, there is one in the Whaletown church. Refer to the Cortes Marketer and Tideline.
LINNAEA FARM Linnaea Farm is a 316 acre working farm that exists to teach, demonstrate and develop the values and practical skills of ecological land stewardship. Linnaea Farm is host to many educational offerings throughout the year, has a 30 family share CSA (community supported agriculture), and provides fresh vegetables and fruit at Manson’s Hall weekly farmers market and the Cortes Natural Food Coop. Linnaea Farm hosts Dawg Dayz, an annual disc golf tournament in August, as well as weekly games at the public course. Call or email to organize a tour, take a workshop, stay on the farm, or get a weekly basket of fresh produce. For more information email info@linnaeafarm.org, call 250-935-6747, or check the website linnaeafarm.org.
PUBLIC LIBRARY Vancouver Island Regional Library Cortes Island Branch is located on 1255 Seaford Road (Linnaea Farm) and is open Tuesday 10–12 am & 1–5 pm, Wednesday 1–4 pm & 5–8 pm, Friday 1–5 pm, and Saturday 10 am–2 pm. You may find books in Mansons Hall and some other places, available to borrow on an honour basis (borrow, read, bring back).
FIRE AWARENESS We are a small island covered with trees and one of our greatest concerns is fire, especially during summer season. We have volunteer fire brigades with fire halls in Mansons Landing and Whaletown. Please observe the fire ban that is in effect from May 15th on. Call 911 if you see any unattended fires on the island. Thank you for keeping our island safe together with us!
General Fire Safety • If you are a smoker, when smoking outdoors, dispose of cigarettes and matches properly. Do not toss lit matches or cigarettes out of your car window ever – use your ashtray. • To use an outdoor stove or barbeque – keep the stove a safe distance away from flammable materials. Make sure briquettes and ashes are cold to the touch before disposing of them. • To report a forest fire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone. Page 6
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
SHOPPING You will find enough stores on Cortes Island to satisfy most of your everyday shopping needs. You can also find lots of interesting books and local arts here. Check the ads for opening days and hours, some places are open seasonally only.
MANSONS LANDING Cortes Market (250-935-6626), “downtown” Mansons, open every day. Amazing assortment of groceries, beer and wine, household, hardware and personal care products. Also tea, coffee, espresso, sandwiches, deli items, and more. Lotto centre. Cortes Natural Food Co-op (250-935-8577), “downtown” Mansons, open every day. Fresh, organic, local vegetables, local meat and seafood (frozen), bakery products baked on premises, local crafts and more. Also coffee, soup, lunches, pizza nights, etc. Marnie’s Books (250-935-0212), “downtown” Mansons, next to Cortes Natural Food Co-op Offers interesting selection of books and local crafts. Cortes Island Museum (250-935-6340), “downtown” Mansons, 957 Beasley Rd., between Fire Hall and Medical Centre. Offers books by local writers and on local topics, postcards, local arts, and it is also a Tourist Information Booth. Closed Mondays. Fairhaven Gardens (250-935-6559), 1188 Bartholomew Rd Fairhaven Gardens Nursery is open for the season every Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, from leaf burst in April through leaf fall in October. Cortes Island’s own nursery, surrounded by beautiful ornamental and food gardens. Hollyhock Store (250-935-6576), south end of Mansons, open every day in Hollyhock season. Offers large selection of art and craft products, beautiful clothing and interesting books. Pharmacy, in the Cortes Health Centre and Medical Clinic (250-935-0222), “downtown” Mansons, at 947 Beasley Rd. For over the counter or prescription medication. Pharmacy open Wednesday and Friday, 2 to 4.
SQUIRREL COVE Cortes Craft Shop Co-op, located next to the Squirrel Cove Store, open seasonally. Spring, weekends, 12 to 4 pm. Summer, every day, 10 am to 5 pm. Fall, every day, 12 to 4 pm. Offers large selection of local arts and crafts. Meet local artists and artisans. Squirrel Cove Trading Co. Ltd (250-935-6327) Open every day. Offers fresh vegetables, beer and wine, marine and hardware supplies, gas, and more...
WHALETOWN Gorge Harbour Marina (250-935-6433) Grocery store, local veggies and seafood, wine and beer, gas. Whaletown Garden Centre (250-935-6545), 315 Harbour Road “One-stop, candy shop” for gardeners. Open Thursday through Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Island Feed (250-204-8513), 410 Sawmill Road Our own garden produce, also animal feeds from all over British Columbia, made with only the best ingredients available.
FARMERS MARKETS Mansons: Fridays. Whaletown: Saturdays. Squirrel Cove: Sundays. See Events page.
GAS Diesel and boat gas, also regular gas, are available at the Gorge Harbour Marina in Whaletown and at Squirrel Cove Store in Squirrel Cove. Your electric car can be charged at a charging station at Hollyhock.
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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N
West Redonda Island
E W IS C H A N
Ha'thayim Marine Provincial Park (Von Donop)
N E
L
Robertson Lake
Penn Islands
Cliff Peak
Wiley L.
A R M
A
N
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Smelt Bay Chamadaska Hansen Raven South Point (Private)
Cork Lake
Inlet
Carrington Bay Regional Park
Haywire Bay
S
U
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68 69 70 71
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67 Island
W
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Squirrel Cove Rd Cadwell Tiber Bay Mary Point Cortes Bay Rd Manzanita
Papp Tan Bartholomew Red Granite Oke Ellingsen Jefferey Salmonberry Christensen Kwas Bay Lowe Freeman Read Island Hague Cemetery Sutil Point Rexford Gregg Beasley Rd Charlotte Austin Belwood Siskin (Private) Seascape Tealcroft Manson Highfield Dean Hayes Siereen Potlach
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31 32 33 34 35 36
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
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Cortes Island Roads: 1 Yakka Way 2 Plunger 3 Savannah 4 Seavista 5 Byers Pt. Rd 6 Harbour 7 Sawmill 8 Huck 9 Bayview 10 Milstead 11 Carrington Bay Rd 12 Talbot Way 13 Coulter Bay Rd 14 Olmstead 15 Jocelyn 16 Whaletown Rd 17 Robertson 18 Hunt 19 Salal 20 Bodington 21 Jimmy Smith Way (Private) 22 Larsons Meadow 23 Geoge Harbour 24 Taka-Mika 25 Lagoon Rd 26 Thunder Rd 27 Seaford 28 Ocean View 29 Tork Hill 30 Forrest
Junction Point
Coulter Island
Coulter Bay
Carring ton Lagoon
12 13
Mtn.
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Bluejay Lake
11
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3
8 11
5 ow
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let F e r r y Wha t o Q u a d r a I s l a n d
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6
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18 17 20 19
Tan Island
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Marina Island
Kitten Cat Is. Island Bay
Mansons Landing Provincial Park
24
53
0.25
0.5 Miles
52
2
Lake
35
51 39
49
46
39
44
Smelt Bay Provincial Park
Park
Mountan
First Nations Land
Bluff
Tidal Waters
Trail (Numbered Description on Reverse Page)
Lake
Road (Number References ”Cortes Island Roads” Legend)
Wetland
69 51 67 68
Bay
Midden Site
63 62 61 60
70 51
r t es
Ba Frabjious y Bay
Long Tom
Windy Bay
Cod Rocks
Proposed Whaletown Commons Green Mountain Trail Von Donop/Ha‛thayim Provincial Park
Katimavik Trail
Echo Bay
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Carrington Trail Network
Easter Bluff Trail
South Twin Island
G e o r g i a S t r a i g h t
Cortes Island Trails:
Gnat Road Beach Access
North Twin Island
Siskin Forest Trails
71
Sutil Point
Mary Point
Red Granite Point
Hank's Beach Forest Conservation Park
Stream
Page 8
Co
Tiber Bay
Poison Bay
59
66
37 38
39 41 40 42
43
51
64 65
Smelt
Wolf Bluff
36
Hague Lake
57 48 47
33
Bluff
35
Gunflint
58
1
Beach
27
27 56 55
54 50
0
Easter
25
32
34
27
45 51
Siskin Forest Park
0
27
Kw'as Regional Park
Mansons
Kilometres 0.5 1
31
22 Harbo u
Gorge
S O U N D
Whaletown Commons
Mtn.
17 16
30
Green
15
9 10
28
16
Nutshell Lake
21
Cove
29
Little Barrett’s Lake
O L AT I O N D E S
Islands
Plunger P ass ag
Subtle
Squirrel
Goat
K‛was Park Trail Network Red Granite Point Hanks Beach Forest Conservation Park Moonscape Beach access Siskin Forest Park Manson‛s Landing Provincial Park
PROVINCIAL PARKS Parks of Cortes Island include Smelt Bay Provincial Park (the only park on Cortes with camping facilities), Mansons Landing Provincial Park, Von Donop Marine Provincial Park, Hank’s Beach, Carrington Park, Kw’as Park, Whaletown Commons and Whale’s Rest Park, near the ferry terminal. Most offer good trail networks. Trails maps are available at trail heads. Camping is also available in Gorge Harbour Marina Resort and at Hollyhock (check with Hollyhock registration).
WALKS The Cortes Island regional parks system is a wonderful and growing network of trails and protected spaces including beach access points, the Siskin Lane trails, Hank’s Beach, Carrington Lagoon, Kw’as Park, and more. Many small roads lead to private property – stay on trail and respect homeowners’ privacy. Keep your dog on a leash. But for most trails, leave your dog at home, as there are wolves on the island. Some easy trails: Siskin Lane trails – a network of easy trails thru Siskin forest, suitable also for bike rides. Smelt Bay beach and trail – long walk along the beach. You can walk from Hank’s Beach to Mansons Landing – but this will take you an entire day. Check the tides before you go, and walk at low tide. Hank’s Beach trail – park your car at Bartholomew Road parking. Easy (20 min one way) trail will take you to the Hank’s Beach. Good for biking. Hank’s Beach is nice for a swim and picknic. In May – watch for ticks. Some more difficult trails: Kw’as Park trails – ecologically-diverse stands of new and old growth forest with some easy, some more challenging parts. You can include a swim with your hike at Swimmers Rock. Start from Kw’as Pond parking or Granny Hague Pond parking close to the Cortes Island Motel. Children’s Forest trails, also known as Carrington Trails – is a network of trails leading to the Carrington Lagoon. Park your car on Coulter Bay Rd. and allow for 2 hours, or even a full day of hiking with lunch or picnic at the lagoon. Green Mountain (240 m) and Easter Bluff (180 m) – trails are moderately difficult, great views of B.C. coast (towards east from Easter Bluff, towards west from Green Mountain). There are many more trails to explore. See Cortes Island Trail Map brochure produced by Friends of Cortes Island with sponsorship by local businesses and available in local stores, containing the map featured on the previous page. You can also join Cortes Walking Group – walks start at Manson’s Hall parking lot, 9 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (post office days). Visitors are welcome to join! You can also walk along the ocean shore from Manson’s Lagoon, through Smelt Bay Beach, to Hollyhock Beach, and to Hank’s Beach. Choose a day with low tide. Do only portions of this walk at a time.
BEACHES AND BEACH ACCESS POINTS Hague Lake – sandy, family oriented, lake beach. Park your car at the parking lot on Seaford Road, between the Cortes Motel and Mansons, cross the road paying attention to traffic on the road. Manson’s Lagoon – sandy beach with big tidal differences at the north end of Sutil Point Road. Manson’s Lagoon is a fregile ecosystem. Stay on the trail, or on the water’s edge. Respect the newly installed fensing. Hank’s Beach and Brigitte’s Beach – small, but beautiful beaches, accessible on foot or by bike. Leave your car in the parking lot at Bartholomew Rd. and walk 20 min through the forest. Smelt Bay Beach – close to Smelt Bay Provincial Park, with wide sandy beach and Cortes Day in July and Sand Castle Day in August (see Events). Our beaches can also be accessed via these beach access points: • Seascape Road access – at the end of Seascape Road • Hayes Road access – from Potlach Road, at the end of Hayes Road • Moon Trail access – from Highfield Road, close to Hollyhock • Gnat Trail access – just past the Squirrel Cove store, towards the Free Store. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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BIRDS OF CORTES ISLAND
Page 10
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
See also page page 27
EVENTS Events are usually posted on the bulletin boards at the stores, Manson’s Hall and Whaletown post office. They are also announced on Tideline www.cortesisland.com and in the Cortes Marketer, the weekly flyer available in the Cortes Market. Events organized by the Cortes Island Museum or by Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) are advertised on their websites: cortesmuseum.ca and friendsofcortes.org. Check bulletin boards for exact dates and for additional events, as not all information is available at the time of printing this book.
Farmers Markets are regular events with local arts & crafts, food, fish...
Meet the artists and craft people.
Friday Market (year around) in and around Manson’s Hall, 12 – 3 pm Saturday Market (summer, June – Labour Day) in Gorge Marina Resort, 10 am – 1 pm Sunday Market (summer, June – Labour Day) in Squirrel Cove, 12:30 – 3 pm
Annual Events Seafest – Seafood and Oyster Festival – Saturday, May 18, in the Gorge Harbour Marina, food 11:30 am. Lots of fun, music, delicious food. All welcome! Come early! Free shuttle from and to the ferry. Creative Spaces: Gardens, Studios & Workshops Tour – Fundraiser for the Cortes Island Museum and an opportunity to visit local homes, studios and gardens. Check local bulletin boards or cortesmuseum.ca for the date and time. Usually on the third Saturday in June. Cortes Day – Saturday, July 20 (weather permitting). Fun for all ! Parade starts at 10:30 am at the corner of Potlach Road and Sutil Point Road. Locals and tourists are welcome to join. From 11 am on, all kinds of activities, food and drink at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Lovefest – Saturday, August 10, Linnaea Farm. The festival includes various forms of performance art, installation art, several local food and goods vendors, and a handful of non-profit organizations. It’s a family friendly event, with local bands performing. Sandcastle Day – Sunday, August 11, Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Date is chosen for the lowest tide. Lots of fun for kids of all ages! Come and build a structure on the beautiful sand beach at Smelt Bay. Registration at 9 am. Bring your tools. Judging between 12 noon and 1 pm. Prizes! Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery in Whaletown, open Fridays 6 – 9 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2 – 6 pm, from June to August, offers exhibits of local artists. Check bulletin boards for dates and shows.
Daily Events at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
There is always something happening at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort... • live music 5 nights a week, July and August • free kids movie night every Thursday, July and August • Canada Day pancake breakfast • yoga every morning on the outside patio, $5 drop in • massage available 7 days a week by appointment • and, of course, Seafest, May Long Weekend
Hollyhock Presenter Evenings – weekly, Hollyhock at 8 pm.
Look for notices on Tideline.
Quadra Island Studio Tour – first weekend of June. Great opportunity to meet creative people and explore Quadra Island. Check www.quadraislandarts.com or Quadra Tourist Information Centre for details.
SHELLFISH Beaches of Cortes Island – Mansons Landing Park, Cortes Bay, Squirrel Cove, Smelt Bay – are good places for collecting clams and oysters. Your will need a small, long handled spading fork or shovel for digging in the sand, plus shellfish licence, available on-line http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/fishreg.html – look for Tidal Waters Sportfishing License. For taste of local shellfish, without digging, come to the Oyster Festival in Gorge Marina Resort in May, or Hollyhock dinner preceded by oyster barbecue appetizer (call Hollyhock to reserve your space – oyster BBQ appetizers are included with some dinners). Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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RECYCLING AND GARBAGE PICKUP Cortes Recycling Centre is located at 1300 Squirrel Cove Road. Garbage pickup is on Saturday – place your bagged garbage before 9 am in an animal proof container at the beginning of your driveway, or bring it to the Centre. You can then visit our Free Store! Your recyclables (paper, glass, metal, plastic), sorted, will be picked up on the same day. To help with garbage pickup separate it into 4 categories: 1. Glass: in a container that can be taken away – all glass, including refundables. 2. Refundable Items: in a container that can be taken away – includes plastic, aluminum, alcohol, pop, juice and water, but not milk cartons (milk cartons are Mixed Recyclables). 3. Mixed Recyclables: in a container that will be emptied – clean, loose and mixed. No soft plastics, styrofoam, glass or tissue. See http://recyclinginbc.ca/ for a complete list of acceptable items. 4. Landfill: one or two clean, securely tied bags weighing less than 10 kg each.
CORTES BODYWORK Many yoga and bodywork studios offer their services on our island. See ads in this book, check Calendar on Tideline, or call Hollyhock store for services offered by Hollyhock.
CYCLING Cycling is a great way to explore the islands. Traffic is light and the roads are pleasant, scenic, and mostly paved, but with no shoulders and lots of hills and curves. You will be safest and most comfortable on a bike that is in good repair and has a wide gear range. You will find also great opportunities for mountain biking and trail-riding. On Cortes Island, the Hank’s Beach trails are easy and flat, Siskin Lane trails are flat, but curvy and narrow, while experienced mountain bikers can enjoy a bit more challenging trails around Carrington Bay. Quadra also offers a wide range of trail options, from the serene Community Centre trails to challenging 400 m descents around Mt. Seymour. On Cortes Island, Dandy Horse Bikes, located in Mansons, 1051 Seaford Road, close to the Cortes Island Motel, offers repairs, e-bike and regular bikes rentals, and service. Dandy Horse Bikes will deliver and pick up bikes anywhere on Cortes Island and they offer courtesy bikes when available. Email: dandyhorse@riseup.net, call 250-857-3520, website www.dandyhorsebikes.ca. On Quadra Island, Quadra Island Cycle, located 250 m south of the Cortes Ferry on Quadra Island, offers repairs, rentals, tours and sales, specializing in electric-assist bikes. Quadra Cycle will drop off bikes at ferry terminals and resorts, and offers free loaner bikes. Email: info@quadraislandcycle.com, website www.quadraislandcycle.com.
CANOE, KAYAK, BOATING & FISHING You can safely canoe and kayak on Hague and Gunflint lakes, and in the protected waters of Manson’s Lagoon. You will need to bring your own canoe or kayak. There is no canoe rentals on Cortes Island. To rent a kayak, or book a a guided tour, contact Misty Isles Kayaking – mistyisleskayaking.com. Guided tours also are offered by Misty Isles Adventures – mistyislesadventures.com, Marine Adventures – 250-935-6729, or Cortes Fishing Adventures – cortesfishingadventures.com. See ads.
WI-FI AND CELL PHONE RECEPTION There is limited/spotty cell phone reception and wireless internet access on Cortes Island. You can find cell phone reception near the landing at the Whaletown ferry terminal, but no cell phone reception just up the hill from this landing. Other sites with cell phone reception can be found in the vicinity of Gorge Harbour Marina and “downtown” Mansons Landing, and in many areas near the ocean (Manson’s Lagoon, Hank’s Beach, Smelt Bay, Squirrel Cove, Hollyhock parking lot). Wireless internet is available at Manson’s Hall, the Cortes Natural Food Co-op, the Squirrel Cove General Store, and Cortes Market. Some stores may charge a small usage fee for wireless internet access. Pay phones are located in the Cortes Market in Mansons Landing, Squirrel Cove General Store and Hollyhock, also at government docks at Mansons, Whaletown, Squirrel Cove and Cortes Bay. Page 12
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Marnie’s Books In the heart of Manson’s beside the Co-op Café & Bakery and the Cortes Natural Foods Co-op
Come in for books, games, art & craft supplies and unique upcycled clothing!
ü BOOKS ü ART & CRAFT SUPPLIES ü GAMES FOR ALL AGES ü UPCYCLED CLOTHING
HOURS Noon to 5PM
OPEN § Summer & December - open every day § Rest of the Year - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Contact Phone: 250-935-0212 Email: marniesbooks@gmail.com Location: Manson’s Landing
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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EATING OUT Cortes has two restaurants, two cafés, two take-outs... They offer mostly organic food with many items on the menu coming from Cortes produce. Great places to get something to eat & go are also weekend markets in Mansons, Squirrel Cove and Gorge Marina. See below for places to sit down and eat on Cortes, plus some other options.
MANSONS LANDING Cortes Co-op Café & Bakery (250-935-6505)
Mansons Landing, 800 Sutil Point Road, next to Co-op store, open daily, year-around. Coffee & espresso, locally baked goods, mostly organic ingredients, inside and outside sitting.
To Ki Bap Café Manson’s Hall, To Ki Bap cafe is open 8–3 off-season on Fridays, every day during summer; exquisite menu with lots of local seafood items, provided by Sujon.
Cortes Market (250-935-6626)
Mansons Landing, 809 Sutil Point Road, open year-around. Sandwiches, local baking, outsourced calzones, samosas, sausage rolls and meat pies. Coffee & tea, organic espresso, cappuccino and latte.
Papa’s Take-out (250-935-0075)
Mansons Landing, next to Cortes Market, seasonal. Greek food, burgers, tea, coffee, ice cream.
Hollyhock (250-935-6576)
Mansons Landing, south end, waterfront, beautiful garden, reservation required, seasonal. Vegetarian and seafood, no liquor license, but you can bring your own wine. Ask about oyster BBQ appetizer to complement your dinner (available on certain days only).
WHALETOWN The Floathouse Restaurant (250-935-6433)
Gorge Harbour Marina, Whaletown, waterfront, liquor license, seasonal, with some winter hours – call for more information, reservations recommended. Inside and outdoor sitting, and great views.
SQUIRREL COVE Flying Squirrel Take-out
Next to Squirrel Cove Store, seasonal. Affordable fast food menu with a difference: local seafood, gluten free items, burgers of all kinds, kids’ favs, and much more!
The Cove Restaurant (250-935-6350)
Close to Squirrel Cove Store, seasonal. Great views, waterfront. Reservations recommended.
QUADRA ISLAND There are several places to eat-out on Quadra. You will need to leave Cortes early, and come back late afternoon, allowing for a 45 min ferry ride each way. If you have time, it is worth doing, as ferry trip is quite enjoyable. While waiting for the Cortes ferry – take a break in Heriot Bay Inn, located close to ferry terminal. You can also leave your car on Cortes, take the Cortes – Quadra ferry and go to Heriot Bay Inn for a meal. Remember – last ferry from Quadra to Cortes is 6:45 pm.
LOCAL PRODUCTS You can get local products, such as Becca’s Coffee, Gathering Place teas, spices and dried fruit, frozen salmon, tuna, oyster and salmon cans – in the local stores in Mansons (Cortes Market, Food Co-op), Squirrel Cove Store and Gorge Marina Store. Linnaea Farm and weekend markets are good places to get fresh, island vegetables.
GATHERING PLACE
(250-287-7571)
A family owned business located on Cortes Island, offering tea, spices and other products. The company is committed to organic farming, sustainability and social responsibility. Look for their products in local stores, online at www.gatheringplacetrading.com, at Friday Market, or call for information. Page 14
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
OPEN YEAR ROUND
1374 Hunt Road
WW
250-935-6433
RE - DINING W.G NS - STO O ORG I T A EHARB MOD ACCOM OUR.COM D N U O R MARINA - CAMPG
Boat Moorage - Marine Gas & Diesel - Full RV Hookups - Newly Renovated Rooms - Tent Camping - Pool Full Service Grocery Store - Excellent Variety - Large Fresh Produce & Meat Section - Local Produce - Liquor Sales Licensed Dining - Wireless Internet - Laundromat - Showers - Propane - Car Gas - Kayak, Boat & Vehicle Rentals
floathouse
restaurant
Located on Cortes Island’s Gorge Harbour Fine dining featuring local seafood
Seasonal Menus ~ Chef’s Daily Specials
Reservations Recommended
250-935-6433 Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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The Cortes
MARKET PUBLISHER OF THE CORTES MARKETER
We offer a full line of groceries, fresh produce, meat, deli, ice, dairy – both regular and organic, when possible. Health and beauty products, hardware, office services, and garden supplies. Phone cards are available.
We have a full line liquor store with cold beer and wine.
Our deli has awesome sandwiches made to order. We offer instore baking, outsourced calzones, samosas, sausage rolls and meat pies. Our organic espresso, cappucino and lattes are made with locally roasted Becca’s Beans. We also serve regular coffee and tea.
You can play Keno and 50/50. We also have a BCLC terminal for 649, Lotto Max, BC49, plus Scratch & Win tickets. ATM machine is available. Internet service is available with computers donated by the Cortes Island Wi-Fi Society and we have a hot spot for your own wireless connection.
Cortes Market is the publisher of the Cortes Marketer with Buy & Sell classified, editorials, events and services offered on the island. New editions come out Fridays with all the latest happenings. Pick up your copy at the Market.
Papa’s Takeout offers fast food in Greek style from a small building in the Cortes Market parking lot. This takeout features burgers, fish & chips, calamari, fries, and ice cream. Ample sitting space available. Call 250-935-0075 for more info, or to place your order. Located in uptown Mansons Landing. Delivery available on minimum orders.
SUMMER HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK 9 a.m. TO 9 p.m. 809 Sutil Point Road in uptown Mansons Landing /across from Community Hall/
Phone 935-6626 • Public Fax 935-6619 cmarket@twincomm.ca Page 16
Interac • VISA • MasterCard •American Express
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
ATM
WELCOME TO SQUIRREL COVE! We have many amenities and services for you at Squirrel Cove. The General Store has everything from fresh fruit, vegetables, organic and regular meat, dairy and baking, ice-cream cones, chocolate bars, chips and pop, and ice. Our meat is grass fed and we carry many gluten-free products. We stock charts and maps, fishing gear and licenses, prawn traps and oyster knives. A full hardware store with marine supplies and batteries is on premises. Fuel available: PROPANE & GAS. A Gov’t. Liquor Store, ATM Machine and Post Office are in the store. Free wireless internet service is accessible.
Fuel is available on our dock for high tide boat gas and diesel.
We have Laundromat and Showers facilities, a high water dock for floatplane or boat tie-up, a boat ramp for launching and a beach for kayaks or canoes to launch. Overnight parking is available.
The Flying Squirrel Take-out
An affordable fast food menu with difference! Local seafood, gluten free items, burgers of all kinds, kid’s favs, and much more.
The Cove Restaurant: World Class Food, Fantastic View Reservations recommended.
250-935-6350
Every Sunday, during July and August, there is an Outdoor Market for local craftspeople, bakers and farmers to sell their products. Please come by to visit and enjoy our most spectacular view of Desolation Sound. We are the store with the awesome view. If you need something, we probably have it; if we don’t, we’ll get it for you. Our friendly staff is always happy to make your visit to Squirrel Cove most enjoyable.
SQUIRREL COVE STORE: 250-935-6327 www.squirrelcove.com squirrelcovetrading@yahoo.com
Summer Hours are 7-9 every day except 9-6 on Sunday. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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“Nice, casual community setting for coffee, internet, gourmet eats, quality local groceries, and meeting friends and neighbours alike for simple hellos or networking for work.” Trip Advisor Review
“T fr th co of Ex th su G
Vibrant people. Nourishing food.
W is s
Food Market & Store
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Fresh, local & organic produce, local & organic eggs, local salmon & tuna, organic & local meat, dairy & cheeses / vegan alternatives, bulk foods, health & wellness products, local crafts & gifts.
F lo b co
Cafe / 250-935-6505
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Store / 250-935-8577
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
e
7
“The Co-op Cafe is warm, friendly, lively, full of good things, and clearly a community focus where lots of people know each other. Excellent coffee, and ditto the cakes, and super-friendly staff.” Google Review
We bring the heart and soul of our island’s farmers, fishers, and foodies straight to your table! Bakery & Cafe Fresh bread & baked goods, breakfast & lunch, locally-roasted organic coffee & espresso drinks, beer & cider, gluten-free & vegetarian options, comfortable seating, patio, Wi-Fi.
For hours and more info visit cortescoop.ca Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
250 204 8513 www.islandfeed.com Island Feed opened in 2015. The company was founded because of a childhood dream I had in which I would live on a farm.
I wanted to raise animals, have a flower and vegetable garden and provide the community with the healthy outcomes of the farm.
Today this dream is a reality. Our garden every year yields various healthy products and we provide animal feeds from all over British Columbia, made with only the best ingredients available. We want our animals to thrive, not just survive.
Our store is located at 410, Sawmill Road, Cortes Island.
For any questions or for more information please visit www.islandfeed.com, email us at islandfeedcortes@gmail.com or call us at 250 204 8513. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Angel Therapy® & Tarot Australian Bush Flower Essences®
Gypsy Mama
Gluten-free Transitioning Support Crystal Healing Grids Didgeridoo Reiki
Wondering about your life purpose? Trying to decide what’s next? Feeling lost? Seeking solutions for improving your wellness on any level?
Reflexology
Book a a private session with Gypsy Mama, your Soul Coach.
Visit the market for a spontaneous Divine Reading with Gypsy Mama’s natural intuition and years of formal study. Every session is unique. Always guided by angels and often combining modalities. Providing you the opportunity for balancing and increasing your wellness - physically, emotionally & spiritually. Personal Healing Programs are available. Individually created to address your specific health concerns through a series of private sessions and classes.
Please wear comfortable clothing, remain scent free and give yourself time/space after sessions to integrate vibrational changes. Mobile Meetings by appointment Cortes Islands and Fairie Interludes Spontaneous Sessions @ Friday Cortes Market 250-202-8444 (text/voicemail) gypsymama89_5fm@yahoo.ca
Divine Readings, Wellness Consultations, Sessions & Classes Page 22
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
NURSERY HOURS Friday & Saturday 10 to 4
nursery, landscaping & design Local knowledge & supplies for beauty & bounty in all seasons. Ornamental trees & shrubs, fruit trees & berries, perennials, conifers, broad leaf evergreens, roses, climbers, and deer resistant plants. Organic soil amendments including straw, peat, manures, seasoils & fish fertilizer. Open seasonally April thru October. Laura Ellingsen 250.935.6559 Fairhaven Farm, 1188 Bartholomew Rd, Cortes Island Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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HOLLYHOCK.CA
250-935-6576
@hollyhocklife
Restaurant ● Accommodations ● Programs ● Store ● Massage ● Activities
RESTAURANT Delight your palette with organic garden-fresh fusion meals! Our healthy vegetarian buffet-style fare is complemented weekly with wild seafood and beach-side oyster BBQs. Meal times are generally: Breakfast 8:30-9:30am, Lunch 12:301:30pm, Supper 6:30-7:30pm.
To Book, Call 250-935-6576
STORE & ACTIVITIES With carefully selected clothing, jewelry, books, local goods, and more, our store is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Need a little TLC? Book in for a massage, or healing arts session with one of our highly skilled practitioners. Looking for adventure? Kayak or hop aboard with Misty Isles!
Call 250-935-6576 x 231
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
ISLAND SPECIAL Enjoy your island time with this nourishing special! • • • •
1 hour Hollyhock Massage Gourmet Vegetarian Lunch Ocean View Hot Tubs Access to Forest Trails and Beach
Only $125, including tax Book in advance: 250-935-6576 x 259
Our campus is located in the unceded traditional territories of toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose Nation) ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin Nation) and ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco Nation).
IMAGES: AMANDA MCNAUGHTON, DARSHAN ALEXANDER, ZACK EMBREE. GRAPHICS: FREEPIK.
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Craft Shop Co-op
Gifts and treasures created by 30+ local Cortes Island artists and artisans.
Open from mid May to mid September Opening hours: Spring weekends from 12 to 4 Summer every day from 10 to 5 Fall every day from 12 to 4
250.935.6635 www.cortescrafts.ca
Located next to the Squirrel Cove Store.
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cortescrafts
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
BIRDS OF CORTES ISLAND The Western Tanager likes open conifer or mixed forests; widespread in migration. Breeds mostly in the high mountains or the North, in forest of spruce, fir, pine, aspen, rarely in lower elevation woods mostly of oak. In migration may occur in any habitat, even desert. Winters in the tropics, mostly in pine-oak woods or forest edge. Conservation status (*): Widespread and common, with no indication of declining numbers. The Rufous Hummingbird, visiting Cortes Island in the summer, is a small hummingbird, about 8 cm long with a long, straight and slender bill. These birds are known for their extraordinary flight skills, flying over 3,000 km during their migratory transits. Conservation status: Least Concern (Population decreasing). Another hummingbird frequenting Cortes Island during winter and spring is Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), medium-sized, about 10 cm long, native to the west coast of North America. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli. In the early 20th century, Anna’s hummingbirds bred only in northern Baja California and southern California. The transplanting of exotic ornamental plants in residential areas throughout the Pacific coast and inland deserts provided expanded nectar and nesting sites, allowing the species to expand its breeding range. Conservation status: Least concern (population increasing). The Pileated Woodpecker is a woodpecker native to North America. This insectivorous bird is a mostly sedentary inhabitant of deciduous forests in eastern North America, the Great Lakes, the boreal forests of Canada, and parts of the Pacific coast. Conservation status: Least concern. The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is a rare vagrant to coastal Spain, the Azores, and areas of far southern Europe. Conservation status: Least concern (population increasing). On Cortes Island its numbers are declining. The Purple Finch likes woods, groves, suburbs. Breeds mostly in coniferous and mixed woods, both in forest interior and along edges. On the Pacific coast, it also breeds in oak woodland and streamside trees. In migration and winter, it can be found in a wide variety of wooded and semi-open areas, including forest, suburbs, swamps and overgrown fields. Probably decreased in Northeast in late 19th century after introduction of house sparrow. In recent decades has declined further in that area, possibly owing to competition with house finch. Conservation status: Least concern. The Red-breasted Merganser is a shaggy-headed diving duck also known as the “sawbill” (**) named for its thin bill with tiny serrations on it that it uses to keep hold of slippery fish. It breeds in the boreal forest on freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Males are decked out with a dark green shaggy head, a red bill and eye, and a rusty chest. Females lack the male’s bright colors but also don the same messy do. It parades around coastal waters and large inland lakes in the United States and Mexico in the winter. Conservation status: Least concern (population stable). The Yellow-rumped Warblers typically forage in the outer tree canopies at middle heights. They’re active, and you’ll often see them sally out to catch insects in midair, sometimes on long flights. In winter they spend lots of time eating berries from shrubs, and they often travel in large flocks. Conservation status: Least concern (population increasing). Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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The Fox Sparrows are typically seen sending up a spray of leaf litter as they kick around in search of food, Fox sparrows are dark, splotchy sparrows of dense thickets. Named for the rich red hues that many fox sparrows wear, this species is nevertheless one of our most variable birds, with four main groups that can range from foxy red to gray to dark brown. Since they breed primarily in remote areas, many people see them in winter when the birds move into backyard thickets. Conservation status: Least concern The Red-breasted Nuthatch descends head downwards on tree trunks and branches to search in nooks and crannies of the bark for tiny organisms, wedges hard-shelled nuts in a bark crevice and then hammers them with its bill, carries spruce or pine pitch, often from some distance, in its bill to smear on the entrance of its nest cavity, has a greatly enlarged hind toe and a stubby tail, which are probably both adaptations for climbing downwards. Conservation status: Numbers probably stable. Has expanded breeding range southward the east cost by nesting in plantings of ornamental conifers. The Northern Pygmy Owl is a small owl native to western North America. Adults are 15–17 cm in overall length (over 6 inches) and are grey, brownish-grey or rufous in colour. They live in open coniferous or mixed woods. Found in a wide variety of forest types, including open oak groves, sycamores in canyons, pine-oak woodland, coniferous forest of far north and high mountains. Generally, in partly open habitats rather than solid unbroken forest. Conservation status: Least concern. Generally uncommon, but widespread; no evidence of general declines. Hooded Mergansers are small ducks with a thin bill and a fan-shaped, collapsible crest that makes the head look oversized and oblong. In flight, the wings are thin and the tail is relatively long and rounded. Hooded mergansers dive to catch aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish. Males court females by expanding their white, sail-like crests and making very low, gravelly, groaning calls. Hooded mergansers are the second smallest species of merganser, with only the smew of Europe and Asia being smaller, and it also is the only merganser whose native habitat is restricted to North America. Conservation status: Least concern. The Golden-crowned Sparrow lives in boreal scrub and spruce. in winter, you can find it in forest edges, thickets, chaparral, gardens. Breeds in shrubby habitats of North and of high mountains, including willow thickets at edge of dry tundra, stunted spruce near treeline. Winters in many kinds of brushy habitats, from wild chaparral to parks and gardens. Conservation status: Least concern. Still common and widespread. The Chipping Sparrow lives in open woods, conifers, orchards, farms, towns. Original breeding habitat probably was mainly open pine woods, coniferous forest edges, savanna with scattered conifers. Still breeds in such areas but now also very common in suburbs, city parks, orchards, pastures, other altered habitats. Winters in open woods, thickets, farmland, brush. Conservation status: Least concern. Common and widespread, numbers probably stable. Nests often parasitized by brown-headed cowbird. Photo Christian Gronau
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The Barred Owl, also known as northern barred owl or hoot owl, is a true owl native to eastern North America. Adults are large, and are brown to grey with barring on the chest. Barred owls have expanded their range to the west coast of the United States and Canada, where they are considered invasive. Barred Owls roost quietly in forest trees during the day, though they can occasionally be heard calling in daylight hours. At night they hunt small animals, especially rodents, and give an instantly recognizable “Who cooks for you?� call. Conservation status: Least concern (population increasing) Cortes Island Information Book 2019
The Red-tailed Hawk likes open country, woodlands, prairie groves, mountains, plains, roadsides. Found in any kind of terrain that provides both some open ground for hunting and some high perches. Habitats may include everything from woodland with scattered clearings to open grassland or desert with a few trees or utility poles. Conservation status: Least concern. Widespread and common. Apparently has increased in some areas since the 1960s, and numbers now stable or still increasing. In several regions of North America, red-tailed hawks are adapting to nesting in cities. The beautiful and unique Wood Duck lives in wooded swamps, rivers, ponds and favors shallow inland lakes, ponds, slow-moving rivers, swamps, mainly those surrounded by deciduous or mixed woodland. Often in places where large trees overhang the water, creating shady conditions; also in open marshes within generally forested country. Early in 20th century, the species was thought to be threatened with extinction. Main cause of decline was probably loss of nest sites due to cutting of large trees, combined with hunting pressure. Legal protection and provision of nest boxes helped recovery; many thousands of nest boxes are now occupied by wood ducks in the U.S. and southern Canada. In recent years, apparently has been expanding range in north and west. Conservation status: Least concern, but declining on Cortes Island. -----------For more information about wildlife on Cortes Island visit Cortes Island Museum at 957 Beasley Road or Friends of Cortes Island office at the Manson’s Hall parking lot. Cortes Island Museum & Archives organizes Spring Bird Counts (usually first Sunday in May) and Christmas Bird Counts (Saturday or Sunday, between December 15 and January 05). The Christmas Bird Count results are entered into the Audubon database. For exact dates please check the Museum website, also Tideline. The results of these two annual counts are available on the museum website, www.cortesmuseum.com/bird-counting/. Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) publishes Species at Risk page. Check there for more information: www.friendsofcortes.org/projects/species-at-risk/. Species at Risk in Canada are identified by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), an independent advisory panel to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada that meets twice a year to assess the status of wildlife species at risk of extinction. Members are wildlife biology experts from academia, government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector responsible for designating wildlife species in danger of disappearing from Canada. (*)The conservation status of a group of organisms (for instance, a species) indicates whether the group still exists and how likely the group is to become extinct in the near future. Many factors are taken into account when assessing conservation status: not simply the number of individuals remaining, but the overall increase or decrease in the population over time, breeding success rates, and known threats. Various systems of conservation status exist and are in use at international, multi-country, national and local levels as well as for consumer use. A least concern (LC) species is a species which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as evaluated but not qualified for any other category. They do not qualify as threatened, near threatened, or (before 2001) conservation dependent. Species cannot be assigned the least concern category unless they have had their population status evaluated; adequate information is needed to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution or population status. (**) sawbill - large crested fish-eating diving duck having a slender hooked bill with serrated edges Photo credits: Richard Trueman: Western Tanager; Jurek Trzesicki: Rufous Hummingbird, Pileated Woodpecker, Purple Finch, Red-breasted Merganser, Fox Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Hooded Merganser, Northern Pygmy Owl, Yellow-ramped Warbler, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron; John Sprungman: Young Barred Owls; Christian Gronau: Red-tailed Hawk. The birds pictures are not to scale. All pictures were taken on Cortes Island. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Friends of Cortes Island Society (FOCI) is a charitable organization that has operated on Cortes for over 25 years. We promote awareness and support for the environment by undertaking stewardship activities and providing educational programs.
OUR WORK Marine Stewardship – Sub-tidal surveys, foreshore monitoring, habitat restoration Love the Lakes – water quality monitoring of Hague and Gunflint Lakes, community education Streams and Salmon – monitoring salmon populations and stream restoration Environmental Education Activities – walks, talks, tours and workshops Cortes Island School Garden – environmental education activities and garden program Parks and Trails – we look after Kw’as, Carrington, Siskin and 5 beach access trails Species at Risk – citizen science projects
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Summer Events Program 2019 Join our exciting summer events program. There’s something for everyone from Gumbooting the Lagoon and exploring local parks, to nature writing and landscape photography. Booking required - events will be posted on the FOCI website, Facebook page and Tideline.
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
LOVE THE LAKES
Hague and Gunflint lakes are one of the highlights of many people’s visits to Cortes –
whether it is swimming in their tranquil waters, taking a hike around the lakeshore, or just sitting and enjoying their natural beauty. In the spring 2014 the lakes suffered a series of significant algae blooms, further smaller blooms occurred in 2015 and 2016. Algae blooms can be harmful to lakes because they deplete oxygen. Repeated blooms can cause a lake to become low in oxygen, swampy and unhealthy for humans and wildlife.
Friends of Cortes Island Society’s (FOCI) Love the Lakes Stewardship project aims to protect and enhance the lakes by gaining a better understanding of what is happening; taking practical action; and raising awareness in the community. It includes a long-term water quality-monitoring program led by community volunteers.
What you can do to help Algae blooms are caused by too many nutrients entering the lakes. Our actions around the lakes can greatly affect water quality. To ensure they stay healthy for the future we need everyone to love the lakes and do their bit to help. Here are our top tips. •
• • • • • •
Check your septic – septic systems that are not properly maintained can cause wastewater to seep into the lakes. We recommend that you check your system annually, maintain it regularly and upgrade as necessary. To have your tank pumped, contact: All Clear Septic Services at 250 285-3561 Go phosphate free – please use only phosphate free soaps and detergents, they are readily available at the island’s stores Garden with care – avoid inorganic fertilizers, which typically contain nitrates, and ensure organic manures are well composted before using on your garden Preserve the shore – it is a vital wildlife habitat, and helps filter unwanted nutrients. Please don’t cut it back. Plant a buffer of native vegetation or leave a strip to go wild. Go easy on the water – reduce your water flow by using low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets; limit flushing; use washing machines and dishwashers sparingly. Volunteer – join our lake volunteers to take part in our monitoring program Make a donation – your contribution will help cover the costs of lab analysis, community education and practical action. Donate online at www.friendsofcortes.org or mail cheques to Box 278, Mansons Landing BC V0P 1K0
Love the Lakes activities: Watch for our Love the Lakes summer workshops and activities. Join us to learn about the lakes and what you can do help. Activities will be advertised on Tideline and the FOCI website - www.friendsofcortes.org Algal blooms and you: Some algal blooms can be toxic and all blooms should be treated with caution. We do not recommend you wade or swim in water containing visible blooms or allow your pets to access affected water. Most blooms are short-lived, and an affected area will likely be safe again in a number of days or a week or two. Please photograph and report any algae blooms to FOCI at: friendsofcortes@gmail.com or 250 935-0087.
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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MASSAGE THERAPIST, LISA DAY, RMT(MTAA) ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS ON CORTES ISLAND
Registered Massage Registered Reflexology Registered Holistic Nutrition ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lisa offers effective therapeutic massage therapy sessions specializing in: myofascial release trigger point therapy rehab for injury-related soft tissue dysfunction harmonizing Chi with reiki/qigong In practice since 2001
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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
BOOK NOW! ONLINE: www.ritesofspirit.com OR EMAIL: lisa@ritesofspirit.com
Holistic Health Arts & Comprehensive Body Care by
Jocelan Coty Marvelous Massage • Cranial/Sacral Lymphatic Drainage • Muscle Energy Positional Release • Essential Oils Raindrop Therapy • Reiki • Ozone Steam
cell: 250.203.2643 email: jocelancoty@hotmail.com BODY CARE: A lifetime interest in Holistic Health prompted Jocelan to pursue deep training in several body disciplines, including Yoga, Reiki, Esalen massage, British Sports Therapy, Cranial/ Sacral Therapy, Osteopathic and Lymphatic studies as well as the Science and Application of Essential Oils. All of these practices and more, make up the comprehensive skill set that characterizes her unique approach to compassionate bodywork. Cortes Island Information Book 2019
CARD READINGS: Life is full of interesting challenges and opportunities. If you would like to have a deeper understanding of your life path, karmic patterns, significant relationships and the important influences on your year, talk to Jocelan about an indepth card reading. Page 33
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
HOW MUCH WATER IS THERE IN THE SALISH SEA?
Salish Sea = Salish Sea is an umbrella name for the entire basin – for the inner sea and the surrounding land, both forming the integrated ecosystem. The name covers all the inland Pacific waters from the south end of the Puget Sound in Washington to the north end of the Strait of Georgia (beyond the Desolation Sound), and west to the mouth of the Juan de Fuca Strait. It encompasses all the adjoining waters and channels, river estuaries and strips of land alongside the coast. Those waters and the impacted coastal land form the common ecosystem, protection of which was the primary reason for assigning the name “Salish Sea” to the region (U.S. in 2009, Canada in 2010).
Ø Ø Ø v v
Puget Sound Juan de Fuca Strait of Georgia River estuaries Affected land areas
Salish people are indigenous people spread throughout the Pacific Northwest (Cascadia, and part of Idaho). Coast Salish people belong to that family and live in southwest British Columbia (inside Vancouver Island and in Lower Mainland), Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, and down to the northern parts of coastal Oregon.
This could also be seen as the formal response to the initiative of Chemainus First Nation people (Ladysmith) from 2009 to rename the entire Strait of Georgia to Salish Sea, i.e. going beyond that request. It is worth noting that none of the 23 distinct Salish languages ever had any overarching name for the area, nor for any waterbody within. The name was coined quite recently. Consequently, the name “Strait of Georgia” remains as is, and, in particular, should be used whenever we refer to the ocean waters surrounding Cortes Island and waters well beyond. Furthermore, it was the explicit intention of the scientist (marine biologist prof. Bert Webber from Bellingham, Washington), who coined the name in 1988 and fought for its formal recognition to complement the names Georgia Strait, Puget Sound, and Strait of Juan de Fuca [note the Canadian geographical names: Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound, Juan de Fuca Strait], and not to replace them.
It is a region of extraordinary biodiversity, straddling the international border between Washington and British Columbia, and forming an integrated eco-system of salt water and fresh water, where the rhythm of life is set by the ebb and flood of tides.
=
land-to-water area ratio in the Salish Sea basin
(i.e. water accounts for 15% of the Salish Sea) Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Forest also constitutes the Salish Sea!
Forests cloak the seaward slopes of the Coast, Cascade and Olympic Mountains. They form an arching canopy of soaring red cedars, western hemlocks and Douglas fir, with the floor carpeted with emerald-green moss, sword fern and salal. These rainforests are the creation of wind-driven moisture gathered from the Pacific Ocean. This, in combination with the moderating influence of a maritime climate and nutrient-rich soils, created perfect conditions for conifer species to dominate the watershed forests, to reach enormous size, and to live for hundreds and even a thousand years or more. A few skyscraping trees occasionally tower above the forest canopy. Nearly every conifer found here is the tallest of its kind on the planet. As an example, one Douglas fir is 750 years old and reached over 90 m (300 feet) in height. A nearby western red cedar is at least 1,000 years old and over 60 m (200 feet) tall. To understand these giants, forest biologists studied their internal architecture and discovered that these conifers have an unusual abundance of cellular storage reservoirs in their conducting sapwood. For example, a western hemlock has the ability to store thousands of West Thurlow Island, 2017; There are some big trees on gallons of water in its sapwood under the bark. In addition, the hemlock’s branches are festooned with as our island, too – please ask in the Cortes Island Museum. many as 70 million needles, all capturing sunlight to power photosynthesis on a grand scale. Most trees couldn’t exist, though, without forming a mutually beneficial (symbiotic) partnership with fungi. The carpet of mosses on the forest floor filters rainwater and, in turn, fungi assist trees and other plants with the uptake of nutrients, the absorption of water, and the promotion of organic decay. In turn, trees provide their fungal partners with sugars created as a by-product of photosynthesis in their leaves and needles. The most remarkable symbiotic partnership occurs when a tree root and its specific fungus form a single organism that envelops tree roots and root hairs to form a gauzelike layer that greatly enhances the tree’s ability to extract water (and nutrients) from the soil. Western hemlocks are so dependent on this process that their roots barely penetrate the soil even as their trunks reach to the sky. That is why hemlocks are so prone to falling down during windstorms, endangering houses and hydro lines on this island.
Forest soils are a “terrestrial ocean” – an important source of nutrients for the Salish Sea ecosystem. In addition to the already rich forest soil, Pacific salmon carry a virtual tsunami of nutrients from the ocean when returning to their natal streams in the forest for spawning. Interestingly, the amount of salmon-derived marine nitrogen (as opposed to nitrogen from terrestrial sources) in the tree’s annual growth rings corresponds to the size of the year’s salmon run. All five species of Pacific salmon contribute to the health of the environment after their reproduction by becoming nutrients and food in the freshwater systems. Page 36
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Interesting salmon facts:
Pacific salmon are distantly related to Atlantic salmon, but they cannot inter-breed as both these species have different numbers of chromosomes. Pink salmon are the smallest and most abundant species, and Chinook (King) salmon are the largest (exceeding 50 kg) but least abundant species. Pacific salmon “home” to their natal streams to reproduce. Adults return to the same streams that their parents used. This behaviour has allowed the development of extensive genetic diversity within each species, allowing salmon to be highly adaptable. Scientists believe that homing is accomplished by tracing “pheromones” or chemical signatures of the home stream. Salmon have an extremely keen sense of smell – they can smell chemicals down to one part per million. Salmon in their saltwater phase travel an estimated 30 km a day, but they are capable of maintaining an average of 60 km per day over long distances. [after Pacific Salmon Foundation “Salmon Facts” https://www.psf.ca/learn/salmon-facts ]
[Jerzy Trzesicki, mostly from “The Salish Sea – Jewel of the Pacific Northwest”, 2015 and internet sources]
Personal insight: due to its broad meaning, the name Salish Sea should be avoided whenever referring to waters of the Strait of Georgia and, more importantly, in a manner suggesting that the Strait of Georgia has changed its name or might change once we exercise enough pressure on the government. People of authority and those who create maps, write articles, guide tours, etc. should be familiar with the proper name for the area.
Diversity: the act of thinking independently together. – Malcolm Forbes
The name “Gulf of Georgia” was established by Captain George Vancouver on June 4, 1792 to commemorate the 54th birthday of British King George III. Vancouver discarded an earlier Spanish name "Gran Canal de Nuestra Señora del Travelling together with Capt. Vancouver Rosario la Marinera” for the area. Gulf of Georgia, as defined by George Vancouver in this joined expedition, Spanish in 1792, had broader meaning than today’s Strait of Georgia, as it incorporated Captains Galiano and Valdes named waters to the north of the Tacoma Narrows (the Puget Sound, also named by our Cortes Island soon thereafter. Vancouver at that time, was stretching to the south of the Tacoma Narrows only).
MEET NEW OWNERS OF MISTY ISLES ADVENTURES Misty Isles Adventures: Jonas Fineman and Amy Bockner Jonas Fineman and Amy Bockner live on Cortes Island with their two young daughters, Mila and Ava. Amy is a third generation Cortes Islander, and Jonas immigrated to Canada in 2012 from the central Oregon Coast. Jonas has been a professional mariner for all of his adult life. Raised in a small Pacific fishing town, he took to the decks of commercial salmon trollers at an early age and quickly fell in love with the life at sea. Over the years he made his way around the North Pacific on workboats before following an opportunity to Atlantic Europe and Scandinavia as an officer on a 30 metre sailing vessel. Since moving to Canada, Jonas has been leading wilderness expeditions by sailboat up and down the BC Coast, from the Southern Gulf Islands to Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest. He has logged over 20,000 nautical miles on the world’s oceans, and is a respected member of the West Coast maritime community. In 2018, he joined Mike Moore and Samantha Statton at Misty Isles Adventures as a relief captain on the schooner Misty Isles. Amy has spent the bulk of her professional life as a remote wilderness chef; from snowbound sites in Canada’s North, to tropical retreat centres, to sailboat galleys on coastal B.C. waters. She co-founded Tacofino, a successful restaurant business in B.C., and is currently the owner/operator of Älska Food and Flora, which provides catering and floral design services for local weddings and events. She cultivates and manages a large organic flower and vegetable garden on the family’s property in Whaletown. When Misty Isles Adventures was posted for sale in late 2018, Jonas and Amy stepped forward to take the wheel. Together, they share a common passion and curiousness for the natural world around them. As the new owners of Misty Isles Adventures, they look forward to providing high quality and thought provoking travels for people who want to experience, learn about, and celebrate this beautiful part of the world.
Misty Isles Kayaking: Kai Harvey Kai: “I grew up on Cortes Island, and have always had a deep love and appreciation for the sea. I started working with Misty Isles three years ago, and now I am the owner and operator of the kayaking company! It is wonderful to provide the space for people to experience Cortes from the water. It brings me so much joy to spend my days outside exploring my backyard! During the winter months I am currently studying at Quest University in Squamish. I plan to move back to Cortes full time as soon as I am done with my degree. In my spare time I love to spend time with my friends and family, do art and be in nature.” Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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M I ST Y ISL ES A DV ENTU RES
EXPLORE Join us onboard!
AFTERNOON TRIPS 1:30-5:30 DAY TRIPS 10:30-5 OVERNIGHT, KAYAK MOTHERSHIP TRIPS AND MORE!
mistyislesadventures.com mistyislesadventures@gmail.com 2509356756 Photo: Amanda Mary Creative Page 38
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Scheduled Trips Join us on one of our scheduled half day trips aboard the Schooner Misty Isles, departing Cortes Island for Desolation Sound and Mitlenatch Island throughout the summer. From exploring local flora and fauna, to swims and strolls in and around the Discovery Islands, an area of profound natural beauty awaits. For those looking to venture a little further afield, Misty Isles Adventures and the Cortes Museum partner to bring you full day and overnight voyages that cover the waters in all directions from Cortes Island.
Custom Charters Curious about an extended adventure? Collaborate with our experienced captains and crew to create unique and customized charter expeditions. We offer multiple day trips deeper into the wilderness for kayaking, boat camping, hiking, and more. You can enjoy fresh seasonal cuisine prepared onboard, and onshore accommodations at unique coastal lodges throughout the area. Contact us to start building your own voyage plan!
For more information and bookings visit us online!
mistyislesadventures.com mistyislesadventures@gmail.com 2509356756 Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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M IST Y I S L ES KA YA K I N G
KAYAK CORTES Choose your adventure!
SUNSET PADDLE 7:30- 10:30PM BIOLUMINESCENCE PADDLE 8-11PM AFTERNOON PADDLE 1:30-5:30PM RENTALS, GROUP AND FAMILY PADDLES!
mistyisleskayaking.com mistyisleskayaks@gmail.com 2502026374 Photo: Amanda Mary Creative Page 40
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Guided Paddles Join our naturalist guides as we explore Cortes Island's ecological and human history. From gliding over reefs and sunset tours to starlit paddles through the glowing bioluminescence, these trips are a great way to experience the island. 3 hours - $85, 4 hours - $90, 5 hours - $110
Rentals The waters around Cortes Island are beautiful to explore by kayak and we also have kayaks to rent! For your own safety, we require that all renters have kayaking and rescue experience. Half Day rental $40, Full Day $50
For more information and bookings visit us online!
mistyisleskayaking.com mistyisleskayaks@gmail.com 2502026374 Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society 957 Beasley Road Box 422, Mansons Landing BC V0P 1K0
One block up the hill from Manson’s Landing Hall. Summer hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter hours: Friday & Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Wheel chair accessible.
The museum building is history itself! It served as the local store next to Manson’s Landing dock from 1940 until 1995 before the lagoon area became a provincial park. The old store building was fitted with wheels, and pulled up the hill, to where it sits today. Museum’s exhibits showcase the natural and cultural histories of First Nations and Europeans on Cortes Island and surrounding areas. New feature exhibits are installed each year. Wild Cortes is the Cortes Island Museum’s offsite natural history centre. Visitors are invited to explore the ecology of our wild island through lively, informative exhibits and dioramas, and participate in tours, workshops and events.The exhibit is located at the Linnaea Education Centre, 1255 Seaford Road. For opening hours check our website cortesmuseum.ca or phone 250-935-6340. The Cortes Museum offers fabulous cruises in Desolation Sound aboard the charter vessel Misty Isles. From May to September this 43foot motor schooner sets out on different one or two-day trips into the stunningly beautiful waters surrounding Cortes Island. You will see lots of wild life, hear stories, First Nation legends and tales of early European exploration. Check local bulletin boards and publications, visit the museum or our website cortesmuseum.ca, or phone Misty Isles Adventures at 250-935-6756 for more details regarding these cruises.
New Misty Isles booking procedures in 2019: email mistyislesadventures@gmail.com visit www.mistyislesadventures.com or phone 250-935-6756 Page 42
250-935-6340 cimas@twincomm.ca www.cortesmuseum.ca
Want to know where to find the best beaches or hiking trails? Where you can camp or stay?
The Cortes Island Museum hosts the Tourist/Visitor Information Booth with maps, brochures and magazines (available always on the covered porch) The museum’s Heritage Garden offers a living connection with the early homestead gardens of Cortes Island and reflects an aspect of settlement history. The garden features plants grown prior to the late 1950s and has been developed with generous plant donations from local gardeners and homestead gardens. The May Ellingsen Archives houses documents, photographs, oral histories and informational files pertaining to the history of Cortes Island available for public viewing and research. The Museum Shop sells books, art cards, and local art and handcrafts. The Museum’s Reading Area has many albums of old photographs and stories from early settlers. We sponsor special events such as Walks & Talks and the Creative Spaces–Gardens, Studios & Workshops tour in mid-June, advertised on local bulletin boards, in the weekly Cortes Marketer, and on the museum’s website. Check cortesmuseum.ca for more information.
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Whaletown Dock
Cortes Bay Dock
Harbour Authority of Cortes Island Year round moorage facilities for a wide-ranging group of marine users
Gorge Harbour Dock
Easy online payment • Whaletown Dock • Cortes Bay Dock • Gorge Harbour Dock • Manson’s Landing Dock • Squirrel Cove Dock
www.cortesharbours.ca hacimgr@gmail.com
250-935-0263 Squirrel Cove Dock
Manson’s Landing Dock
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Hot Yoga . . . . in Whaletown
Hot Yoga is the safest and fastest way to change your body increasing flexibility, strength and balance.
The yoga studio is heated with high humidity to warm your
body and increase circulation. This allows for deep stretching,
injury prevention and reduces stress and tension.
The practice is self paced,
beginners are welcome.
We practice every day. Please call ahead to reserve your space.
Admission is by donation.
Namaste. Where: 1416 Robertson Road Times: Daily RSV: 935-6728 By Donation For classes, days and hours, check the calendar on Tideline, our community website, www.cortesisland.com/tideline/. Please bring your mat, a towel and water to drink. Page 44
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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LEARNING TO LIVE WITH WOLVES ON CORTES ISLAND There are wolves on Cortes. We need to keep our wolves WILD. Here is what you can do! 1. Never feed wolves. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed wolves as it endangers you, your fellow community members and the wolves. 2. Do not feed deer or raccoons. They are prey species of wolves. Food conditioned deer and raccoons WILL attract wolves to your doorstep and your neighbours. 3. Keep yourself safe. HAZE wolves, wave your arms to make yourself look bigger, shout loudly and use noisemakers. Let the wolves know, in no uncertain terms, that they need to respect you and you will not tolerate their presence in this place. Use your most aggressive body language; take on the alpha role. 4. Keep your pets safe. Dogs must be leashed when walked; unleashed dogs are seen as prey by wolves. Do not leave pet food outside. • Ensure all pets are secured overnight • Keep outside pet feeding areas clean • Do not take your dog when walking in natural areas frequented by wolves: Carrington Bay, Von Donop Inlet, Hank’s Beach, Marina Island, etc. 5. Practice good animal husbandry. All livestock must be secured by sturdy fence. As a community, work together and CONSISTENTLY follow these guidelines! Report routine wolf sightings to the FOCI office at 250-935-0087. Report wolf encounters of concern to the Conservation Officer at 1-877-952-7277.
TWINCOMM COMMUNICATIONS
Twincomm is a locally-based internet service provider (ISP), serving Cortes Island for over 15 years, with close to 400 Cortes customers in the communities of Mansons Landing, Squirrel Cove, Whaletown, and Klahoose First Nation. Internet Services are delivered by a broad-band wireless network from internet connections in Campbell River, Lund and Mansons Landing. Twincomm’s over 700 customers range from Cortes Island, west to Quadra Island, east to Lund, and as far south as Texada Island. We continue to strive to offer a competitive internet experience, while delivering exceptional customer service to our customers. /by Twincomm/ Page 46
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
High Speed Internet on Cortes Island
Other Services: • Home or Business Network Installations • Web Cam Hosting/Installations • WIFI Access @ Refuge Cove
For more information:
www.twincomm.ca 1-866-446-6004 Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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“Different Spokes for Different Folks”
• Electric Bike Systems • Cycle Tours • Quality Rentals • Sales New & Used • Quality Rentals • Repairs & Accessories • Free Courtesy Bikes
Try Ride Coffee “Get Cranked”
roasted by Aroma Specialty Coffees
250 285-3627
Located at 615 Taku Rd. info@quadraislandcycle.com www.quadraislandcycle.com
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Repairs E-bikes
Rentals Sales
Dandy Horse Bikes dandyhorse@riseup.net www.dandyhorsebikes.ca
(250) 935-6647
(250) 857-3520
1051 Seaford Cortes Island Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Pacific Centre for Leadership
better teams... better leaders... better results... Specializing in meeting and retreat facilitation, team building, strategic planning and organizational development. Serving Cortes, the Discovery Islands and Vancouver Island.
www.pcfl.com
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Contact: Colin Funk colin_funk@pcfl.com Mobile: 778-348-0652
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CHARTER SERVICE DEPARTING CAMPBELL RIVER AND CORTES ONLY A 30 MINUTE TRIP SHARED TRIPS AS LOW AS $30 Eco Tours Custom Family Tours Passenger, freight, kayak transportation Fast ~ Safe ~ Reliable discoverylaunch.com info@discoverylaunch.com 250-287-7577
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Whiskey Point Resort A harbour view from every room!
• • • • • •
Outdoor pool Hot tub Kitchenettes Pet-friendly rooms Weekly rates Open all year!
New! Visit our gift shop and art gallery! Featuring Island Art & Crafts
Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island, BC Book online at www.whiskeypoint.com or call... PHONE 1-250-285-2201 TOLL FREE 1-800-622-5311 EMAIL resort@whiskeypoint.com Cortes Island Information Book 2019
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Cortes Island, BC ...a quiet, comfortable getaway for couples
Cortes Island Motel Your HoMe awaY FroM HoMe THE ISLAND’S ONLY MOTEL SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH 10 SPACIOUS, COMFORTABLE, AFFORDABLE ROOMS, COMPLETE WITH KITCHENETTES.
or small families
Buddy and Eva Parker 1078 Seaford Road Cortes Island BC
250-935-7805
r e p i n s u ff J u l B Phone / Fax: 250-935-6363 rbparker@xplornet.ca www.cortesislandmotel.com
maysgardencottage@gmail.com
GUEST HOUSE
cozy cottage retreat sylvan setting kitchenette
Cortes Bay
Elizabeth Anderson 250-935-8559 elizabeth@twincomm.ca juniperbluffs.wordpress.com Box 302 Mansons Landing BC V0P 1K0
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Cortes Island Information Book 2019
Sowelu South Point 250-935-6777
www.cortesaccommodation.com Cortes Island Boathouse
Wilcox Beachfront Lodge on Gorge Harbour
Hot Tub.... Kayak.... 5 Acres.... Dog Friendly Sue Vican 707-829-2073 sue@suevican.com VRBO 317280 HomeAway 3014221
Brilliant by the Bay Bed & Breakfast
250-935-0022 info.brillbybay@gmail.com www.brillbybay.com
gateway to adventure
~
homegrown goodness
Cortes Island Information Book 2019
~
natures beauty
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These businesses made the information book possible. Please, support them. Thank you! Past Issues
Collect Them All
SPONSORS INDEX Abi’s Manicure & Pedicure, 34 Corilair, 50 Cortes Co-op Cafe & Bakery, 19 Cortes Craft Shop Co-op, 26 Cortes Fishing Adventures, 45 Cortes Island Museum & Archives Society, 42 Cortes Market, The, 16 Cortes Natural Food Co-op, 18 Dandyhorse Bikes, 49 Discovery Launch Water Taxi, 52 Fairhaven Gardens, 23 Friends of Cortes Island Society, 30 Gathering Place Trading Co Inc., 20 Gorge Harbour Marina and Resort, 15 Harbour Authority of Cortes Island, 43 Healing Arts, Gypsy Mama, 22 Holistic Health Arts, Jocelan Coty, 33 Hollyhock, 24 Hot Yoga in Whaletown, 44 Island Cycle, Quadra Island, 48 Island Feed, 21 Lane 8 Delivery Services, 47 Lund Water Taxi, 53 Marine Adventures/Photography, Tony Clark, 46 Marine Dental Clinic Cortes Island, 51 Marnie’s Books, 13 Misty Isles Adventures, 38 Misty Isles Kayaking, 40 Pacific Centre for Leadership, Colin Funk, 51 Rites of Spirit, Massage Therapist, Lisa Day, RMT, 32 Squirrel Cove Trading Company, 17 Twincomm Communications, 47
Accommodations
Brilliant by the Bay B&B, 57 Cortes Island Vacation Rentals, 56 Cortes Island Boathouse, 57 Cortes Island Motel, 56 Gorge Harbour Marina and Resort, 15 Juniper Bluffs, 56 May’s Garden Cottage, 56 Sowelu, South Point, 57 Whiskey Point Resort, Quadra Island, 55 Wilcox Beachfront Lodge, 57
2013
2019, Cover-1 Great Blue Heron Hague Lake Summer 2018 Photo – Jurek Trzesicki
E xp e rie n c e C o rte s I sla n d
2012
Experience Cortes Island Thank you for leaving this book behind
2019, Cover-2 Whaletown Lagoon October 2018 Photo – Gary Fast
Royal LePage Advance Ltd, Martha Abelson, REALTOR®, 54 Page 58
Cortes Island Information
Services
For the next year edition advertising contact Grazyna (Gina) Trzesicka cortesinfobook@gmail.com 250-935-0080 BOX 221 Mansons Landing BC V0P 1K0
Cortes Island Information Book 2019