Outdoor Recreation on Cortes Island

Scenery & Parks

Blessed by incredible scenery and a diverse landscape, Cortes is a perfect setting for outdoor recreation. The island is approximately 25 km long and features a coastline of rocky coves and sandy beaches. Provincial parks on Cortes protect inlets, lagoons, and beaches that are ever changing with the tides, as well as large tracts of temperate rainforest.

Cortes has a number of trails for exploration on foot or by mountain bike. You can choose to immerse yourself in the wilderness of the north end, or check out the trails on the southern half of the island. While walking around Hague Lake, stop for a refreshing swim in its clean water fringed by sandy beaches. The island's quiet roads are excellent for cycling. You can also spend many pleasant hours walking the shoreline beaches, bird watching and looking for treasures left by the high tide.

Boating, Fishing, & Diving

The gateway to Desolation Sound, Cortes is very popular with boaters. Kayakers, sailors, and cruisers come to enjoy the island's stunning coastline or cast off from here to explore nearby islands and inlets. Cortes is well equipped to serve boaters with a marina, yacht clubs, government docks, and boat launches. The fishing in this area is world class, and local guides are available to take you to the best spots. Desolation Sound is also a favourite destination of scuba divers.