Cortes Trip
Report – Sept 8 – 11, 2026
26
members of our group met on Cortes Island for 4 memorable days of kayaking,
exploring and socializing. Getting to the Island involved driving to Campbell
River before taking 2 ferries to arrive at our destination.
Day
1 – Sept 8
After
checking into the Gorge Harbour Marina Resort,
we got together in the back deck
of the Lodge for Dinner followed by an orientation session.
Day
2 – Sept 9
In
the morning, Harvey led a 4-hour paddle exploring Gorge Harbour. After launching
our kayaks at the Marina, we paddled past many boats anchored in the Harbour
and then saw petroglyphs etched into the cliffs overlooking the entrance to the
Gorge.
We also paddled past many shellfish farms located in the Harbour.
Some
of the group toured the entrance to Desolation Sound on a 3 ½ hour paddle led
by Cortes Kayaks. Others explored Cortes – including the bakery at the Cortes
Natural Food Co-Op in Mansons Landing, Smelt Bay Provincial Campground and Hollyhock
Retreat Centres’ amazing gardens.
Afternoon
Some
of the group participated in the Desolation Sound tour with Cortes Kayaks.
Others explored the Island and some chose to relax in the Pool and Hot Tub at
the Resort.
Evening
Most of the group
met for dinner at the Barbecue and Picnic area on the Resort’s waterfront. This
was followed by lots of socializing around the campfire.
Some
people headed off to a 3-hr Bioluminescence Tour with Cortes Kayaks at Mansons
Landing.
Day
3 – Sept 10
In
the morning Scott led a tour of Hague and Gunflint Lakes.
The group enjoyed an
easy paddle on both lakes and challenged themselves to navigate the narrow
channel joining the lakes. After the paddle many in the group had a refreshing
swim in Hague Lake.
Harvey led
a group from Mansons’ Landing to Marina Island. The trip to the Island was a
challenge due to the strong headwinds. The group spent some time exploring
Shark Spit on the Island and then had the winds at their back on the return to
Mansons Landing.
Evening
Dinner
was at the Gazebo where we brought our own meals and some bought food from the Resort’s Food Truck. We then headed to the waterfront for
a bonfire and watched the sunset. Ron, Doug and Jim entertained the group with
a few musical offerings.
Some
of the group took in the amazing Bioluminescence paddle offered by Cortes
Kayaks.
Day
4 – Sept 11
Most
of the group chose to head home the next day. A few people stayed to paddle in
the Squirrel Cove area on the east side of the Island.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=link}