HEATHER ISLAND

The 40 ft deep water dock can accommodate yachts up to that size on each side. It is in the lee of the island from the prevailing SE winds and and is also protected from most westerlies.  It is also easily accessible to float planes (GPS coordinates and landing instructions for seaplanes are available upon request). If you do not have your own boat, please discuss rental options with us. An aluminum skiff with a 10 hp motor is available for rent from the owner, or arrangements can be made with a local marina. Water taxi from Campbell River or Lund is the other way that guests without their own boat normally get to Heather Island.

The screened in sleeping porch is truly magical.  The queen size bed, crafted from driftwood, is equally special for afternoon reading, sunsets over Shark Spit on nearby Marina Island, and dozing to the sounds of a heavy rain in the middle of the night on the metal roof.

The master bedroom on the second floor is eye level with surrounding eagle nest trees.  The sunsets are brilliant through the west facing windows and the windows on the east side that catch the sun’s reflection.

Two twin beds in an upstairs bedroom also look over Shark Spit. Although the house includes a bathroom with all facilities, some guests prefer the great outdoors, where the outhouse is guarded by a pink flamingo, and the view is amazing.

Off the west facing covered deck where the owner and his guests normally have dinner, there is a sun deck with a grape arbor and seasonal plants. The indoor dining room also enjoys the same spectacular mountain and sunset views. Your meals can be prepared in the spacious, modern, and fully equipped kitchen. Thanks to an underwater cable, the island has a land phone and internet access. Satellite TV and a VCR are also available.

Heather Island is locally known as “Arbutus Island” since it has the largest grove of arbutus trees of any property in the Desolation Sound area.

Located on a spot high on the east side overlooking “seal rock” and its inhabitants is  “The Chair;” THE spot to contemplate your first novel while enjoying a morning cup of coffee in the sun. A boathouse sheltering the rowboat built by one of the owner’s sons for his Seattle to Alaska adventure is a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy the lower part of the island. An adjacent deck on the workshop is also a special place to enjoy the passing boat traffic.

Shark Spit on Marina Island is a few hundred meters to the west, and has an extensive driftwood, clam and oyster beach. It is a popular place for yachts to anchor and go ashore.

The three major dock areas to access Cortes Island itself (Whaletown, Manson’s Landing and Gorge Harbour) are all 10 minutes away by small boat. There you can fully provision, explore, or participate in one of Cortes’ colorful summer festivals.

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