Squirrel Cove, Cortes Island

Squirrel Cove is a hidden treasure nestled in a secluded corner on the east coast of Cortes Island. The cove is comprised of an outer cove and an inner cove. In the outer cove, visitors will find semi-protected moorage and tie-ups at the government dock. Adjacent to the government dock is the Squirrel Cove General Store and a complex of services including a well-stocked grocery-hardware store, post office, gas and propane service, a government liquor store, Wi-Fi, ATM, laundromat, showers, garden centre and a craft store stocked with Island-made goods and clothing. A Sunday market, with crafts, local produce, baked goods and musicians, runs from 11am to 3pm in the summer only.

The Cove Restaurant and the Flying Squirrel take-out window has one of the most enthralling landscapes to grace any eatery on the B.C. coast. Sitting on the waterfront patio sipping chilled drinks, enjoying a world-class view of the coastal mountains and watching eagles playing over the water of Desolation Sound is a treasured experience.

The Klahoose First Nations traditionally used the cove for thousands of years to gather seafood before European settlers began arriving, and the Island’s resources still are especially important to their cultural and economic well-being.

Entrance into the inner cove is through a narrow 50-yard wide, 15-foot-deep passage located in the northern end of the outer cove south of Protection Island. The shoreline and uplands to port is Klahoose Frist Nations land.

The huge protected inner cove will suit almost any type of boat, large or small, to swing on anchor or stern tie to shore. There are lots of nooks and crannies to set the anchor. The bottom provides good holding in sticky mud. The cove has depths ranging from 30 to 40 feet and is protected from winds and currents.

A visit to Squirrel Cove is very relaxing. The ravens with their deep croak will remined you’re far from civilization. Bald eagles and osprey glide on unseen updrafts of warm air while otters and martins swim along the shore.

The inner cove offers a variety of activities, such as taking a dinghy ride to the Squirrel Cove Store for provisions, enjoying a meal, or purchasing souvenirs. Take a swim in the cove, the water is very warm. The entire cove is a “No Discharge Zone.”

At near high tide take your kayak or dinghy into the small lagoon at the head of the cove. The saltwater lagoon fills and drains with each tide cycle. When you enter the lagoon it’s a whole other world. Be careful not to get stranded by staying too long. The rapids that form are also fun to float down in a kayak or air mattress after high tide.

You can also hike over to Von Donop Inlet and Von Donop Lagoon on the west side of Cortes Island. Along the northwest shore of the inner cove, across the bay from the reversing rapids, there is a pile of rocks on top of a boulder and a sign that marks the head of the rough 5 km trail that leads through the forest to Hathayim Marine Park (A.K.A Von Donop Marine Park) and an old road. Continuing southwest will lead to the inlet and following the road north 1.5 km and you will arrive at the lagoon. B.C Park signs in the park warn hikers of wolves in the area.

A favorite late afternoon activity is to grab a cold beverage, hop in the dinghy and slowly cruise along the shoreline and through the anchored boats.