We encourage you to explore Cortes however you feel inspired. There is much to be discovered, if you choose. In this rural setting, abundant in plant and animal life, lives a year round population of 1000 humans.

There are three main clusters of people activity; Manson's - which is near here at the south end of the island, Squirrel Cove - north east from here, where the reserve of the Klahoose band is located, Whaletown - north west from here where the ferry comes in.

The main industries here are tourism, shellfish, and construction. Sustaining a decent livelihood is a challenge on this island. Your contribution to the local economy is depended on. The current global trend of an increasing divide between rich and poor is also manifesting more here on Cortes. This community is attempting to dream up creative ways of addressing this sensitive issue. We personally are trying to be conscious of our contribution to this problem by giving back to the island however we can. Many people work hard to keep Cortes a vibrant special place, we invite you to experience and support this however you can.

To learn more about Cortes, please read the local online publication Tide Line.

Local Attractions

"Downtown" Cortes

By "downtown", we mean where you can find the grocery store and a few other places - a natural foods co-op, cortes cafe, sunset restaurant, community hall, post office, library, farmers market, health center, skatepark, museum, credit union, bookstore, monkey wrench bike shop... Everything is within just a few miles, including access to a lake.

Walks and Trails

Behind hollyhock, around the south point, k'wasnbpark, hanks beach, manson's lagoon, maple tree, easter bluff, and much more. just ask someone.

Our personal favourites