When hiking on Cortes please remember that most small roads lead to private residences, so take care choosing your path. Camp at Smelt Bay Provincial Park and swim, sun or beachcomb along the park's beaches. Manson's Landing Provincial Park includes Manson's Lagoon and a large, sandy beach on Hague Lake. No power boats. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one on the island.
Fish are plentiful.
Spring salmon migrate April though September. Several Cortes streams are home to Chum salmon which can be viewed on their journey in November in the Gorge Channel and Squirrel Cove. For a great beech walk, head south to the tip of Sutil Point from Smelt Bay Park. Identify gulls, eagles, cormorants, herons and oystercatchers while you pick up treasured shells and driftwood along the shore. Whether you go on your own boat or by one of several charter, you'll experience the uncanny phenomenon for yourself.