Category Archives: Cortes Island

Hike Carrington Bay – 15 April 2015

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Activity Hiking
Destination Carrington Bay, Cortes Island
Date 15 April 2015, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 250.285.2393.  You MUST contact Margot by Monday, April 13th, 10 a.m. in order to arrange transportation.
Description This hike will be hosted by the Children’s Forest Board of Directors. We will be met at the Cortes Ferry Parking and driven to the start of the hike.
Our guide is a long time resident of Cortes Island, knows the area well and he is filled with the history and knowledge of this beautiful park.

Carrington Bay Regional Park is one of the most widely used mature forest destinations on the island. The main trail out to the lagoon is an old dirt road bed and the many other trails through the forest are suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. The lagoon entrance is a narrow channel through which the tide flows, mixing salt and fresh water for abundant aquatic life. The forests are also home to a significant amount of wildlife, including several species at risk. The mature forest on the way out to the lagoon also hosts a whole network of hiking and biking trails, with several “you are here” maps along the way that will also help you to locate two historic homesteads. Much of the forest that you will hike through to get to the lagoon is private managed forestland. The Forest Trust for the Children of Cortes Island Society has been formed to purchase these forestlands and hold them in trust for the children of Cortes Island in perpetuity. For more information visit http://www.corteschildrensforesttrust.org. Park at the trail head on Coulter Bay Rd. Access is off Carrington Bay Road in Whaletown or down Jimmy Smith Road, through the Cortes Pit. Estimated walking time for several trails: allow at least 2-3 hrs.
Meeting Place Cortes ferry line-up
Departure Time 9:05 a.m. ferry.  We plan to return on the 1:50 p.m ferry or the 3:50 p.m. at the latest.
Difficulty Easy & beautiful
Costs Ferry fare
Trip limits none
Dogs? Yes. Be aware wolves in the area.
Notes: Bring lunch.  This trip is weather dependent.

Trip Report – Cortes and beyond 15-17 Sept 2014

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Debbie, Norris, Margot, Lonn and Darcy boarded the 9:05 ferry to Cortes on Monday morning and launched at the foot of Sea Vista road – a bit of a carry from the parking area made much easier by loading all the gear except boats on Lonn’s truck which he was able to drive to the beach. We left near high tide on a beautiful, sunny, windless day and paddled north through Plumper Passage and on to the entrance to Von Donop Inlet, with a short lunch break at Carrington Bay.

Our first plan for a campsite was to select one of the two reported on either side of Robertson Creek, about a kilometer northwest of Von Donop entrance. The first site showed a good beach, but tent sites appeared to be well back in the bush and rather dark. The second site would have been fine had it not been littered with derelict boats, floats, Styrofoam blocks and other detritus. So, following a futile hunt by Margot and Lonn to the north, we paddled back into Von Donop Inlet, to a beautiful, flat, open spacious site among huge cedars at the entrance to Von Donop lagoon. There’s even a picnic table!

Following happy hour (with smoked salmon), dinner and a campfire, we crawled into our tents and woke next morning to another beautiful day. We first checked out the entrance to the lagoon to see whether it would be possible to paddle in (an exercise we repeated later in the day at a higher tide). The lagoon entrance is full of shellfish and sea stars that obviously relish the rushing water. We then paddled across Sutil Channel to the Penn Islands. We spotted one small group of kayakers (who turned out to also be from Quadra Island) and landed at a campsite on the east side of northernmost Island. The beach has excellent protection from all weathers and several tent sites (occupied by the tents of our Quadra neighbours). After paddling among the islands, accompanied by snorting, blowing and splashing seals, we returned to Von Donop and, starting at the north shore of the lagoon entrance, hiked up to Wiley Lake. On the way back, we stopped to investigate a small cabin, which has been built by local residents to provide emergency shelter for boaters and hikers. We again tried to enter the lagoon, but concluded that tides likely need to be higher than 14 or 15 feet to make entry possible.

After another quiet night (except for the odd owl and the rustle of curious rodents), we broke camp for the return trip. With impeccable timing, the weather started to change and we paddled back in a light headwind followed, as we drove onto the ferry, by the first drops of rain.

In all, we paddled about 60 kilometres over the three days.

submitted by Darcy Mitchell, trip coordinator

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Paddling/camping beyond Cortes 15-17 Sept 2014

Trip Report – Cortes 5-7 August 2014

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Seven enthusiastic ladies ventured on this trip. Sailed on the day’s first ferry for Cortes Island. We set-up camp at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Later drove down to Smelt Bay Beach, & kayaked around the southern tip of Cortes Island, stopping along the way at Hollyhock. Some chose to swim & others toured the beautiful gardens at Hollyhock. We continued onto Hanks Beach. Beautiful rock formations & all took the time to explore. Return route we paddled past Manson’s Heritage Farm & also the Japanese Farm, learning a little about the history of these farms. A good hard paddle, watched a minke whale & arrived safely back to the camp site at Smelt Bay. This was certainly a good workout for us all.

Great pot-luck dinner at night & then down to watch the sunset.

The next day we set out for Manson’s Lagoon. Quite a breeze blowing, ventured out towards Shark Spit. Many lovely islands on route with lots of resident seals to watch. Put in at Shark Spit, viewed the camp site & the lovely tidal pools. Enjoyed our pot-luck lunch on the beach & took the time to rest. We then kayaked over to Gillean Douglas’s home. It was such a delight to visit her home & to learn more about this incredible author. Return paddle was at times challenging due to the boat traffic, however, a beautiful return trip into Manson’s Lagoon.

A quick change & out for dinner at ‘The Cove Restaurant’ in Squirrel Cove. After a delicious dinner we drove over to the Klahoose Long House. A most impressive building & grounds.

Final day, after we had packed up, we all drove to have a java at the Cooperative Café & local grocery store. Then onto Easter Bluff Trail. This bluff hike is part of Linnaea Farm & offers gorgeous views overlooking the south & west end of Cortes Island & the mountains beyond. Parts of this trail were steep but well worth the view from the top. After, we drove onto Hague Lake & most had a refreshing swim, plus time for lunch. Margot then took a few of the party to Whaletown to view the tiny library, Whaletown Church & the floating dentist. Onto the ferry terminal to be in line-up to catch the ferry for beloved Quadra Island.

The weather was superb, the camp site was clean & quiet, apart from the ‘boot sneak’. What an enjoyable trip & thanks to everyone for making it happen. There is still so much to explore on beautiful Cortes Island.

submitted by Margot Wood, trip coordinator

 

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Camp, Kayak, Hike Cortes 5-7 Aug 2014

Camp, Kayak, Hike Cortes 5-7 Aug 2014

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Activity Camp, Kayak, Hike.
Destination Cortes Island
Date 5-7 August 2013, Tuesday-Thursday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 285-2393, margotw@uniserve.com
Description Two nights stay at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. 1) Kayak Squirrel Cove to visit Ha’thayim Long House continue in bay & to Junction Point. 2) Smelt Bay to Hollyhock, beautiful tidal waters, visit Hollyhock garden, kayak to Hank’s Beach & North Twin Island. 3) Mansons Lagoon to Marina Island. 4) Hike Easter Bluff Trail. All these trips are dependent on weather/wind conditions.
Meeting Place Ferry Line Up for Cortes
Departure Time 09:05 Ferry
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs Camp site, ferry.
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Smelt Bay Provincial Park is a beautiful camp site but fills up quickly. One camp site is booked. Each camp site will accommodate 4 adults.Need tent, kayak, food. Water available at the camp site.

Squirrel Cove has a general store & gas bar. Ha’thayim Lodge is in a gorgeous setting & a magnificent building overlooking the ocean. Lots of interesting shorelines in the bay & onto Junction Point.

Smelt Bay, Hollyhock, Hank’s Beach, North Twin Island, an interesting tidal water trip. Hollyhock has a beautiful garden that we can wander. Hank’s Beach is the newest park on Cortes with many intriguing rock formations. North Twin Island has many lovely tidal pools around its shoreline.

Manson’s Lagoon to Marina Island, interesting islands, Gorge Harbour plus Shark Spit, a lovely place to have lunch. Great returning at tide change.

Easter Bluff Trail – this trail is part of Linnaea Farm, parts are steep & rocky but worth the workout to see the gorgeous views at the top overlooking Cortes Bay.

The trips will be scheduled to meet weather conditions for safety & enjoyment.

Return on the afternoon of the 7th.

Trip Photos – Kayaking Cortes 20-21 July 2013

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This two-day trip morphed into a three-day trip in order to avoid the worst of the ferry traffic for the Cortes Music Fest.  All three days were hot and sunny with strong northwest wind at night and mostly light and variable during the day.

On Friday the group settled into the Smelt Bay campground and then paddled from Smelt Bay around the south end of Cortes across the shoal in very shallow water for great intertidal viewing.  After reaching a small beach on the east side of the island, with great views toward Desolation Sound, we turned around and paddled back.  (5.6 nm)

On Saturday, the group kayaked from Manson’s Landing directly over to Shark Spit, then spent the afternoon exploring the Channel Rock area, walking on Shark Spit, and following the shoreline back to Manson’s Landing and into the lagoon.  The large tides provided an opportunity for seeing marine life, especially sea stars, sea cucumbers and sand dollars.  (9.1 nm including the walk)

On Sunday, the group launched at Cortes Bay and paddled out to the northeast gap between the Twin Islands and along the shore to the islets at the northwest end.  Hank’s Beach on Cortes made a convenient lunch stop and then we returned to Cortes Bay.  (6.7 nm)

As a bonus, we didn’t get caught in any of the ferry overloads!

Kayaking Cortes 20-21 July 2013

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Trip Photos – hiking Cortes 22-23 June 2013

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On Saturday, six members hiked into Carrington Bay, checked out the narrows to the lagoon at a low tide and the campground.  Everyone continued on the Rave On trail to the Grandmothers’ Grove for lunch.  It’s a great forest with lots of old growth cedar, moss and bracket fungi.  After visiting the Gorge Harbour Marina, three returned to Quadra and the others stayed at the newly renovated campground at Smelt Bay Provincial Park.

Sunday dawned clear and calm at Smelt Bay.  The group hiked up Green Mountain for excellent views in all directions and took a side trip to Nutshell Lake, a lily pond/bog with some unusual plants in the area.  With more time and energy, the group carried on to Easter Bluff, a quick hike to great views to the east, and then on to Brigitte’s and Hank’s Beach.  There was even time for a walk on the beach at Seavista.

hiking Cortes 22-23 June 2013

 

Kayaking Cortes 20-21 July 2013

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Activity kayaking
Destination Cortes day paddles
Date Saturday-Sunday, 20-21 July 2013
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg and Margot Wood
Contact Info 285-2393.  Please contact the trip coordinators well in advance of the trip.
Description We haven’t done these trips, but come to Cortes and explore with us.  There are a number of options: 1) come Saturday on the 9:05 ferry, paddle with us, and return to Quadra on the 5:50 ferry, or 2) come Friday anytime or Saturday on the 9:05 and camp on Cortes, paddling together on Saturday and Sunday.The Saturday paddle is expected to be from near the ferry dock at Whaletown south to Shark Spit on Marina Island or to Coulter and Carrington Bays, conditions permitting.  For Sunday, we could choose a paddle in Squirrel Cove, or from Manson’s Landing, or from Cortes Bay out and around Twin Islands, depending on conditions.
Meeting Place Cortes ferry terminal, 20 July
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs The cost of the ferry.  If you stay over Saturday night, there is the cost of camping or other accommodation.  We think we can launch the kayaks for free, but there might be a charge at Squirrel Cove or elsewhere.
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: This is the weekend of the Cortes Music Festival, so definitely plan ahead if you want to stay over Saturday night.  The Music Festival takes place right next to the Gorge Harbour Marina.  If you want to party all Saturday night, Gorge will be the place to camp.  If you prefer it quiet, Smelt Bay Provincial Park or Squirrel Cove will suit you better.Arrangements have not been made for the group, since we have no information about how many are interested.  Camping at Gorge Harbour includes access to their pool and other facilities.  Reservations can be made for Gorge Harbour by calling 935-6433.  Tents are $25/day.

Reservations for Smelt Bay are made on-line through Discover Camping.  They allow up to three tents and four adults per site.  The cost of a site is $16/day plus a $6 reservation fee.

Tenting at Squirrel Cove is $15/tent.  Phone 935-6327.

hiking Cortes 22-23 June 2013

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Activity hiking
Destination Cortes day hikes
Date Saturday-Sunday, 22-23 June 2013
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood and Debbie Quigg
Contact Info 285-3710.  Please contact the trip coordinator well in advance of the trip.
Description We haven’t done these trips, but come to Cortes and explore with us.  There are a number of options: 1) come Saturday on the 9:05 ferry, hike with us, and return to Quadra on the 5:50 ferry, or 2) come Friday anytime or Saturday on the 9:05 and camp on Cortes, hiking together on Saturday and Sunday.  Plan ahead if you want to stay over Saturday night.The Saturday hike is expected to be from Coulter Bay to the Carrington Bay narrows and on to the Grandmother’s Grove, returning to the cars via a loop.  For Sunday, we could chose from Green Mountain, Easter Bluff’s or Hank’s Beach.
Meeting Place
 Cortes Whaletown ferry terminal, 22 June
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs The cost of the ferry.  If you stay over Saturday night, there is the cost of camping or other accommodation.
Trip limits none
Dogs? TBD
Notes: Gorge Harbour Marina, Smelt Bay Provincial Park and Squirrel Cove are the campgrounds we know about.  Arrangements have not been made for the group, since we have no information about how many are interested.
Camping at Gorge Harbour includes access to their pool and other facilities.  Reservations can be made for Gorge Harbour by calling 935-6433. Tents are $25/day.
Reservations for Smelt Bay are made on-line through Discover Camping.  They allow up to three tents and four adults per site.  The cost of a site is $16/day plus a $6 reservation fee.
Tenting at Squirrel Cove is $15/tent.  Phone 935-6327.

Grandmother Grove Hanks Beach
Easter Bluff Green Mtn

Cycling Cortes Island 1 June 2103

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Activity cycling
Destination Cortes Island
Date Saturday 1 June 2013
Trip Coordinator Diana McKerracher
Contact Info 250-285-3204
Description Spend a day exploring our neighbouring island by bicycle. We can stop for coffee at Manson’s Landing and picnic at Smelt Bay Provincial Park or Hague Lake. Don’t be discouraged by the hills, you can always get off and walk up if you need to – and remember for every uphill grind, there’s an exhilarating downhill swoosh
Meeting Place on the Cortes ferry
Departure Time 9:05 ferry from Heriot Bay
Difficulty
 moderate – total distance 40 km
Costs $7 for Cortes ferry;  snacks at Manson’s Café if desired
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Return on 3:50 ferry from Whaletown (arriving Quadra 4:35)