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DESTINATION
Cortes Island, British Columbia

Sa'y'ilh (Gorge Harbour) ~ two waters in one

Gorge Harbour entrance

Sa’y’ilh (Gorge Harbour)

 

Like a saltwater lake,  Sa’y’ilh means "two waters in one", both names apply this this place.

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The outside of the harbour is called "Yi'piikwu." In former times, the entrance to the harbour would freeze over in the winter, and the people would have to break the ice with their canoes to get through. Inside the Gorge Harbour is called "Sa’y’ilh" because the saltwater mixes with fresh water from the numerous streams and springs—hence the place name, "two waters in one." It dries up at low tide, and there are plenty of oysters and clams available on the beach.​ 

Gorge Harbour entrance
Whaletown

Cortes Island

Cortes Island, located on Canada’s west coast at the entrance to Desolation Sound, is one of British Columbia’s most unspoiled destinations. The island offers endless hiking trails, opportunities for beachcombing, and shellfish harvesting. With its spectacular wilderness scenery and abundant wildlife, Cortes Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in British Columbia, Canada.

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Not-to-miss highlights...

  • Cortes Island Museum

  • Craft Shop Co-op

  • Old Schoolhouse Art Gallery

  • Cortes Island by Kayak or Boat (see tours)

  • Friday Market at Mansons Landing & Saturday market at Gorge Harbour

  • Smelt Bay at Sunset and Sandflats at low tide

  • Easter Bluff Hike

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Tehq' ten (Whaletown)

The name "Whaletown" originates from the area's historical use for whaling. "Tehq' ten" means "a sharpening place," referring to the practice of bringing whales here.


Today, Whaletown serves as the BC Ferries arrival terminal and is home to a small community of about 200 people.

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While visiting, tune into CKTZ 89.5 FM for the Cortes Community Radio. 

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For more information on Cortes Island visit Our Cortes

and CortesIsland.com

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Explore
Cortes Island

Desolation Sound 

Gorge Harbour Marina is located near the entrance of the world famous Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, and makes a relaxing stopover on sailing trips to and from this breathtaking destination.

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Desolation Sound is part of the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin , and Homalco Nations and owes its name to the solitude and isolation it offers. Considered to be the best cruising area in BC, and one of the top three best cruising grounds in the world, Desolation Sound is British Columbia’s largest marine park and boasts over 60km of remote coastline for tranquil exploration.

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Sailing vacations in Desolation Sound have a mystical quality, with glacial green waters, dramatic fjords, steep evergreen forests, and encounters with wildlife such as the bald eagle, great blue heron and ancient murrelet. Marine mammals such as orcas, seals and sea lions are common on sailing trips in Desolation Sound Marine Park. As well, sightings of the sleek river otter darting in and out of water or the black bear ambling along the shoreline make Desolation Sound a favourite boating destination for wildlife lovers.

Imagine a sailing trip in the best cruising area of B.C. where each day begins with the soft hues of gold and apricot as the sun rises over the majestic, snow-capped Coast Mountains and ends gentle swaying while sheltered in one of Desolation Sound’s many well-protected anchorages.

 
Between sunrise and sunset, boaters enjoy a plethora of sailing vacation activities. Both freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing are permitted in Desolation Sound Marine Park. Dropping a line provides meals of fresh salmon and rockfish from Desolation Sound’s pristine waters, a highlight of any sailing trip.

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And, of course, an ideal sailing vacation isn’t just for cruising and fishing, but also for swimming. As well as being the best cruising area in BC, Desolation Sound Marine Park is known for some of the warmest ocean waters found north of Mexico. Water lovers can dive right from the stern, row into a beach or rinse off under the spectacular 30m (90′) Cassel Lake Falls which plunge into the ocean from the lake above. 

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In addition, a unique aspect of a sailing vacation in Desolation Sound is the access to onshore trails. With four lakes included in the Desolation Sound Marine Park, there’s as much to do above the high tide line as there is below. Boaters can pull a dinghy ashore for an afternoon of hiking in old-growth forest and swimming, or freshwater fishing, in one of the lakes.

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Boaters can socialize and share sailing trip advice with other sailors at one of three popular anchorages and even restaurants around Desolation Sound Marine Park. Not only is Desolation Sound the best cruising area in BC for a sailing vacation, it is a veritable yachter’s paradise.

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Visit BC Parks Desolation Sounds Marina Park for more information. 

Desolation Sound
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