Join the Cortes Island community
Part of the traditional territories of First Nations peoples, Cortes Island enchants visitors with its rugged seascapes and lush maritime forests. It sits in the Salish Sea and is a haven for free spirits. You'll find yourself immersed in a tightknit community of locals, from artists, writers and yoga teachers to young families, bohemian couples and organic growers. Sound like your kind of niche? Cortes Island vacation rentals unlock access to a stunning line-up of rustic properties that capture the heart and soul of the island.
Reconnect with nature on Cortes Island
For most visitors, Cortes Island is a place to rest, relax and reconnect with nature. This means that one of the best ways to pass the time is by doing nothing at all. With serene forest settings, Cortes Island vacation rentals make it easy to embrace the carefree lifestyle. For a glimpse of the island's rich First Nations heritage, don't miss Smelt Bay Provincial Park. It's fringed by a multicolored pebble beach and dotted with dirt mounds that are said to have been used as defense fortifications by First Nations people.
Paddling with orcas off Cortes Island
In the summer, you'll find islanders cooling off in shimmering Hague Lake. You can also soak up the sun on Smelt Bay Beach or hit the water for a paddling session. As you explore the rugged coastline, keep an eye open for seals, dolphins and orcas. When it comes to hiking, Cortes Island harbors some of British Columbia's best-kept secrets. You can lose yourself in the thick Manzanita forests of Carrington Bay, hike through towering Arbutus trees in Kw'as Park or work up a sweat on calf-crunching trails like Easter Bluff. You'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Coast Range and Desolation Sound.
Rain-shadow summers on Cortes Island
Thanks to its snug position next to Vancouver Island, Cortes Island enjoys a rain-shadow effect. This means you'll enjoy consistent sunshine for most of the year. There's limited accommodation, which means even in the height of summer, the island will still feel wonderfully laid-back. Planning a summer escape? From romantic retreats to family getaways, Cortes Island vacation rentals make it easy to unplug from your devices and reconnect with your loved ones. Fall can be a beautiful time to visit, with clear skies, crisp temperatures and fiery foliage.
Wildlife galore on Cortes Island
Cortes Island sits high in the Salish Sea, where the Coast Mountains meet the Vancouver Island shoreline. Campbell River is a gateway to Cortes Island, with daily ferries whisking passengers across Discovery Passage. The island is a haven for local wildlife, with playful seals and sea lions often seen basking on the granite rocks. You'll see herons, cormorants and oystercatchers foraging at the water's edge, and majestic bald eagles cruising overhead. Snag oceanfront Cortes Island vacation rentals and you could spot orcas frolicking in the Salish Sea.
How to get to and around Cortes Island
The nearest airport is in Comox, BC (YQQ-Comox Valley), located 28.4 mi (45.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Campbell River, BC (YBL), which is 18.2 mi (29.3 km) away.
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