Tucked away on Vancouver Island’s northeast coast is one of the region’s most charming communities. Yet Telegraph Cove offers so much more than a picture-perfect setting. From whale and wildlife watching to kayaking along the beautifully intricate shoreline, it’s a jumping-off point for a bucket-list of adventure!
Located just south of Port McNeill, about a two-hour drive north of Campbell River, the Telegraph Cove Resort is a tiny, picturesque village, largely built atop a boardwalk circling the bay.
In fact, this hidden gem – established in 1912 as a sawmill town – is one of the last boardwalk settlements left on Vancouver Island and boasts a rich past as colourful as its buildings!
Opening May 5 for the season, just in time for the warmer weather, the community jumps to life, welcoming guests for a summer of camping, kayaking, boating, fishing and whale and wildlife watching.
As a gateway to the breathtaking Broughton Archipelago, it’s no wonder outdoor adventure is at the forefront of guests’ itineraries. Whether you’re in town for the day or a week-long adventure, here’s a look at what you can experience in Telegraph Cove:
- Paddling – Join North Island Kayak for an experience like no other. Day trips – including two-hour, half-day or full-day offerings – offer non-intrusive sea kayaking tours to remote beaches and coastal shallows. Opt for a longer sea kayaking adventure of two, three, four or five days and be rewarded with a journey into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. No experience is necessary and all gear is provided (including meals for multi-day excursions).
- Whale watching – Choose your adventure when you experience some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures with the Island’s own Prince of Whales. Offering thrilling three-hour Zodiac excursions and half-day tours aboard a semi-covered, custom-built express cruiser, these Island experts navigate stunning coastal landscapes while sharing fascinating details about the wildlife of the archipelago, from humpbacks and killer whales to otters, dolphins, eagles and other favourites. Prince of Whales’ half-day tour also includes their free photo package, to ensure you do not miss any of the jaw-dropping action! Before or after your trip, stop by the Whale Interpretive Centre to learn more about these coastal giants.
- Wildlife Watching – Marvel at the bears of Knight Inlet – from a safe distance – with Tide Rip Grizzly Adventures, embarking on a two-hour boat ride through the longest inlet on the west coast of North America, teeming with a wide variety of wildlife.
- Fishing – From shellfish to the storied salmon and halibut, the waters around the Cove are a favourite destination for anglers. Bring your own boat or arrange a charter for the local intel.
If you go:
Accommodations: A variety of accommodations are available throughout Telegraph Cove Resort, including cabins and historic homes, dock-side suites and rooms at the hilltop lodge, which overlook the cove.
For those who prefer to bring their own accommodation, the Forest RV Campground offers 100 serviced sites tucked into a stand of old-growth trees just a 10-minute stroll up the hill from the village. And yes, both tenters and RVers are welcome!
Arriving by boat? The sheltered marina welcomes vessels up to 25-feet long.
Drinks & Dining: Stroll the boardwalk toward Prince of Whales and you’ll find the Killer Whale Café and Old Saltery Pub, serving a delicious mix of West Coast cuisine and local seafood. A general store and coffee shop also offer lighter options.
To book your whale watching adventure, visit princeofwhales.com/telegraph-cove-whale-watching
For kayaking, visit kayakbc.ca