Location: Squirrel Cove, Cortes Island, The Islands, British Columbia, Canada (Just 1.5 Hours from Campbell River & Comox Airports)
Accommodations: Beach Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 1-4)
Enjoy year round holidays on the seashore - choose between Huckleberry Ocean Hide-Away(2-bedrooms on 10 acres of forest)or Zen Beach Cottage(1-bedroom on 2 acres with oriental gardens).
Huckleberry is a lovely new oceanfront cottage nestled amongst tall alders trees & wild berry bushes. Enjoy 10 acres of forest with trails and a gentle fern-flanked path down to 400 feet of secluded beach. This romantic cottage includes a cozy wood burning fireplace, and offers luxurious soft Egyptian Cotton linens with down-filled designer duvets for your comfort.
Huckleberry is fully furnished in rustic elegance, with seasoned wood for the fireplace, a well equipped kitchen, fresh oysters & clams on the beach, complimentary canoe, or bring along your kayak to explore the world famous Desolation Sound Marine Park, with lots more to discover.
The sleeping arrangements at Huckleberry include 1 private bedroom with a queen-sized bed and french doors to oceanside deck, there is also 1 double-sized bed in an open oceanview loft, and 1 single-sized day bed in the living room reading nook. Huckleberry provides clean and cozy accommodations, making it an ideal retreat for a couple or a small family.
Both Huckleberry & Zen Beach Cottages have stereos, TV with VCR or DVD, and washer/dryer, all utilities are included (except long-distance calls just bring along a phone card), the cottages also have high-speed wireless internet if you are traveling with a laptop computer that is equipped for wireless communications.
Zen Gardens Beach Cottage is beautifully renovated with harmoniously designed gardens that are abundant with rare plants, peace, and tranquility. Enjoy stunning ocean views from every room, and peer over the extensive zen gardens to catch a glimpse of birdlife attracted to your own private sanctuary. Stroll down the secluded path to the beach and explore miles of sandy beach along Smelt Bay.
Zen is an ideal retreat for a single person or a romantic getaway for a couple. Abundant Amenities Include: 1 Bedroom Queen-Sized Bed with French Door to Private Garden, 1 Futon Double Sofa Bed in Oceanview Living Room, 1 Bathroom with Fine Quality Fixtures, Washer & Dryer, Newly Renovated with Stylish Oriental Touches, Elegantly Appointed with Modern Furnishings, Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Open Living & Dining Rooms with Floor to Ceiling Ocean Views, Wireless Internet, Satellite, DVD, Large Flat-Screen TV, Stereo System, Oceanfront Decks with BBQ Grill & Lots of Deck Furniture, Southwest Facing Yard for Sunbathing & Great Sunsets. ZEN Comfortably Accomodates 1-3 Persons or 2 adults + 2 young children.
Cortes is part of the Discovery Islands, which are considered the jewels of the British Columbia Coast. They are located midway along the east coast of Vancouver Island near Campbell River. For over a century Cortes Island has been a haven for those independent spirits searching for freedom, a sense of community, a cleaner environment, and unparalleled natural beauty.
These beach homes are at the gateway to Desolation Sound Marine Park where the scenery is dramatic and varied, largely unspoiled by urban development. The sparkling waters are home to incredible marine life, oneness with nature is everywhere, offering stunning coastal cruising, whether by kayak or by yacht. Wildlife abounds, making hiking and beachcombing enjoyable anytime of the year. When you arrive on Cortes Island - wilderness, peace and privacy will surround you. The whole environment has a unique and magical beauty that will live on in your memory.
Click on website link below to see more photos of Huckleberry, plus our other holiday homes called Zen Beach Cottage (1-oceanfront bedroom) & Cedar Moon (4-oceanfront bedrooms). Please send your questions by e-mail using the VRBO link provided or phone us at 1-250-935-6676.
HUCKLEBERRY GUEST BOOK COMMENTS:
“We had a wonderful time at Huckleberry Hide-Away this past week and I want to thank you for your hospitality. The home was cozy and had everything we needed to make for a pleasant stay. The kids loved the beach and we loved the view!” ~ Jackie & John, Seattle WA
“It is our last evening here and we are not wanting to leave! What an amazing place, the cabin is just beautiful. You have thought of everything, we were so comfortable. We absolutely fell in love with the island – so beautiful & unspoiled. There are so few places like this left in the world! We are looking forward to our 2 weeks here again next July.” ~ Joanne & Colby, Richmond BC
“We’ve has a magical week of beautiful April spring weather watching the changes on Desolation Sound. Your kindness (and spot prawns) have made this a wonderful stay. We’ll be back.” ~ Doug & Ellen, Alaska USA
“We enjoyed being surrounded by trees & luxuriant ferns. We can look down at the water & see our two kayaks nestled on driftwood next to the red canoe. Launching from our own beach added to our sense of belonging and we enjoyed amazingly glassy water several times during evening paddles. Thank you for a wonderful, restful, invigorating stay.” ~ John & Jonelle, Courtenay BC
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: Luxurious Designer Linens with soft 100% cotton sheets, down-filled duvets, feather pillows, all towels & kitchen linens provided.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove: Seasoned firewood & kindling provided.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Convertible Bed: Cozy single-sized daybed in living room reading nook, curl up in front of the fireplace.
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- VCR
- Video Library: Classic movies & family videos.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: CD library to discover some new music.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: New 4-burner electric stove with oven, new full-size fridge, toaster, microwave, complimentary tea/coffee/spices.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Oceanfront deck with view over the beach below.
- View/Location
- Beach View: A private fern-flanked path down to secluded driftwood & seashell beach.
- Ocean View: Thru cedar trees towards ocean & distant islands on the horizon.
- Mountain View: Dramatic peaks of coastal mountain range in the distance.
- Communications
- Telephone: Free local calling.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Free high-speed internet if you are travelling with a laptop computer with wireless capabilities (aircard or wifi card).
- Other Amenities
- Canoe to explore the coastline, oysters & clams on the beach, hammock under the trees.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed: Smoking outdoors on the beach.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Other Activities
- Forest trails to explore on 10 acres.
Rate Details (In US/CAN Dollars)
RATES at HUCKLEBERRY & ZEN BEACH COTTAGES:
OCT - MAY = $1000/week
JUN & SEP = $1400/week
JUL & AUG = $1600/week
Plus 5% GST Tax + $500 Damage Deposit refunded within 10 days of departure.
Inquire About Special Monthly Sabbatical Rates from Oct 01 thru Apr 31.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2005
Property Photos
- Oceanside Decks with Giant Fern-Flanked Path to Beach - British Columbia Vacation Rental on Cortes Island
- Canoe to Explore the Coastline & Islands of Desolation Sound - British Columbia Vacation Rental on Cortes Island
- Master Bedroom with Queen-Sized Bed & French Doors to Oceanview Deck - British Columbia Vacation Rental on Cortes Island
- Curl up in a Cozy Reading Nook with Day Bed & Woodstove
- Oceanview Open Loft Bedroom #2
Guest Comments (8)
First (8) of (8). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #174015
There have been 7658 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009


Positive Rating
What a peaceful, quiet and restorative place. A wonderful way to understand how delicate and wondrous the earth and living simply can offer us happiness
Positive Rating
Such a sweet nest! So exciting to experience your newest creation on the shore overlooking Desolation Sound. The cabin is truly beautiful on so many levels, the peacefulness is rejuvenating and "smile-making". It's inspiring to discover different options for living and being on Cortes Island.
Positive Rating
It's rare to find a spot such as this -- as comfortable on an overcast or fog-shrouded day as on a sparkling sunny day. With all the thoughtful touches you've added this place is a comforting sanctuary, a welcome respite from the city.
Positive Rating
I don't want to leave. Three weeks of September in this magical place has been wonderful. Every morning a new picture. I've particularly enjoyed our salads & veggies from your garden, and having fresh flowers in the house. This island has captured my soul.
Positive Rating
I just wanted to let you know that we have had a wonderful week here. Your place is quite beautiful - the setting is magnificent. Being a morning person - taking in the sunrise from the deck with a cup of coffee and good book has been the perfect antidote to forgetting a stressful job. I fantasize about a way to do it everyday. We have enjoyed exploring the island. We canoed around Squirrel Cove one morning and another morning to Mary Point. We hiked to Green Mountain and over to Nutshell Lake and then spent a day hiking around Van Donop Inlet. Swimming in Hague Lake has been a perfect way to end each day...hope we have a chance to return to Cortes Island. It has been a great week.
Positive Rating
Welcomed by the sweet scent of Cedar and instantly "at home". Salmon? Seals? Oh my -- they're dolphins -- jumping, changing directions, playing! What a thrill & delight! Kayaked to the waterfalls in Teakearne Arm. Smoked salmon from Gary Block at the Wild Harvest Co, hiked about Hague Lake, dinner at Hollyhock with its abundant gardens. Thursday was stormy, but so hypnotically beautiful. Nothing like a warm fire on a rainy night. A deer watches us through the sliding glass cottage door. Friday was a still, sunny morning with loons calling. Mountains peeking through thinning clouds. Dinner at the Floathouse. Happiness is Wildfern Cottage. So much to feed the soul & heart.
Positive Rating
We have enjoyed two weeks of perfect weather plus one summer rainstorm. Our girls have seen eagles, loons, seals, and starfish. We have explored Cortes by canoe (thank you), bike, car and motor boat. It is a beautiful island, tranquil and unspoiled. The Friday Market was fun and we experienced the restaurants, shops, and Wolf Bluff Castle. We especially enjoyed the peace of the cottage, beach combing, and building driftwood sculptures.
Positive Rating
Well, it's Saturday August 7th -- our last day here. We've enjoyed this wonderful place so much! We travelled almost every road on this island, ate at most of the restaurants, and took advantage of the wonderful services at Hollyhock -- fantastic massages, great facials -- wow! Had an awesome Italian feast there last night. But mostly we enjoyed the peaceful tranquility of this cottage, sitting on the deck watching the tides come and go, hearing the sea lions playing in the distance, and combing the beach with all its treasures. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place. We hope to return next year!