Getting To Cortes Island, B.C

Cortes Island is nestled in the Northern Gulf Islands in British Columbia and offers a serene escape from the everyday. Reaching our beautiful Island requires a combination of travel methods, each providing its own scenic experience.

  • For those driving, reaching Cortes Island requires a series of ferry connections from Vancouver or Vancouver Island. It is highly recommended to plan your trip to arrive well before the last sailing to Cortes of the day, as ferry sailings can experience delays due to weather or peak-season traffic.

    From Vancouver:

    Step 1: Vancouver to Vancouver Island

    • Ferry Route: Depart from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay).

    • Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

    • Alternative Route: From Tsawwassen to Duke Point (Nanaimo), taking about 2 hours.

    Step 2: Nanaimo to Campbell River

    Drive: Head north on Highway 19 for roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Campbell River.

    Step 3: Campbell River to Quadra Island

    • Ferry: Board the BC Ferries sailing from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island.

    • Duration: Approximately 10 minutes.

    Step 4: Quadra Island to Cortes Island

    • Drive: From Quathiaski Cove, drive about 10 minutes to Heriot Bay.

    • Ferry: Take the ferry from Heriot Bay to Whaletown on Cortes Island, a 45-minute journey.

  • To Comox International Airport:

    Airlines Serving Comox Valley Airport (YQQ):

    • Air Canada (international flights)

    • WestJet (international flights)

    • Central Mountain Air (local flights)

    • Pacific Coastal Airlines (local flights)

    To Campbell River Airport:

    Airlines Serving Campbell River Airport (YBL):

    • Air Canada (international flights)

    • Central Mountain Air (local flights)

    • Pacific Coastal Airlines (local flights)

    For participants flying into Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) or Campbell River Airport (YBL), securing a rental car can enhance your flexibility and ease of travel to Cortes Island. Below are the available car rental options at these airports:

  • Guest pickup available upon arrival to Cortes Island.

    **Note: Seaplane services are subject to seasonal operations and weather conditions. It's advisable to contact the providers directly for current schedules.

  • For those seeking flexibility or traveling outside regular ferry schedules, water taxi services offer direct connections. Pick up is available upon arrival to Cortes Island.

    • Discovery Launch Water Taxi: Connects Campbell River to Cortes Island.

    • Lund Water Taxi: Services routes from the Sunshine Coast to Cortes Island.

    • Sutil Charters: Operates between Quadra Island and Cortes Island.

    • Terracentric Coastal Adventures: Provides services from Lund to Cortes Island.

    Note: Water taxi services may require reservations and are subject to seasonal availability.

    • Vehicle Reservations: While the BC Ferries from Campbell River and Quadra Island operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

    • Accommodation Before Arrival: If your travel schedule requires an overnight stay before reaching Cortes Island, both Campbell River and Quadra Island offer various lodging options.