Telegraph Cove, located on the eastern coast of northern Vancouver Island, is renowned worldwide as a premier whale-watching destination and one of the last remaining boardwalk communities on the West Coast. Named for a coastal telegraph station built over 100 years ago, the historic village also holds the title of one of the most picturesque in Canada. If you haven’t already started planning a visit, now is the perfect time to do so.
One of the last untouched areas of North America
Situated on one of the last untouched areas of North America, the village takes pride in its preserved boardwalk, original buildings, and ecotourism.
Neighboured by the famed Broughton Archipelago, Robson Bight Beach, and the Great Bear Rainforest, the area draws a lot of visitors during the summer months, but don’t let that deter you. Its snug bays, colourful cabins, and breathtaking views are well worth the visit any time of year.
From guided kayak tours to wilderness camping to grizzly bear and whale-watching tours, there’s something for every kind of outdoor lover here.
While there are no guarantees, Tourism Vancouver Island notes that the nearby Johnstone Strait is one of the most surefire places in the world to see orcas in the wild. So consider staying at one of the village’s vibrant cabins, campgrounds, RV parks, or the lodge for a bucket-list-worthy trip filled with wildlife spotting.
According to Vancouver Island North Tourism, the fishing areas around the cove contain some of the most consistent saltwater sports fishing on the B.C. coast.
“As salmon migrate between Vancouver Island and the B.C. coast, they funnel down through Johnstone Strait, making for great fishing within 20 minutes of our harbour at Telegraph Cove,” they explain.
Visitors will find a mix of Chinook, Pink, and Sockeye fish throughout the summer months.
The village includes full-service marinas, cafes, a restaurant, and a pub to complete the experience. Telegraph Cove Marina can accommodate boats up to 65 feet in length.
There’s also a massive RV park “on the sunny side” of the cove with 48 full-service sites.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, to Nanaimo and drive three hours and 50 minutes to Telegraph Cove via BC-19 N.
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