Cortes Island
Cortes Island is an island in the Discovery Islands archipelago on the coast of British Columbia, Canada. The island is 25 km (16 mi) long, 13 km (8 mi) wide, and 130 km2 (50 sq mi) in area. It has a population of 1,035 permanent residents (2016 census). Cortes Island lies within Electoral Area B of the Strathcona Regional District, which provides water and sewage systems, fire protection, land use planning, parks, recreation, and emergency response.
The Gorge of Cortes Island | |
Cortes Island is located at the northern end of the Strait of Georgia | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Salish Sea |
| Coordinates | 50°07′N 124°58′W |
| Archipelago | Discovery Islands |
| Area | 130 km2 (50 sq mi) |
| Length | 25 km (15.5 mi) |
| Width | 13 km (8.1 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Regional district | Strathcona |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,035 (2016) |
| Ethnic groups | Wei We Kai, Kwiakah, Homalco and Klahoose First Nations |
Access to Cortes Island is by plane or ferry. By plane through a non-profit private airstrip Cortes Island Aerodrome on the south end of the island, or by seaplane to many of the island's protected harbours; by ferry from Quadra Island, which is itself accessed from Campbell River on Vancouver Island via BC Ferries.
Cortes Island is a tourist destination in the summers, with many people visiting to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and warm weather.