Telegraph Cove

• Lodging in this community
• Camping in this community 

History

In 1912, Telegraph Cove was a one-room station, the northern terminus of a telegraph line that began in Campbell River and stretched from tree to tree along Vancouver Island's east coast. The father of community pioneer Fred Wastell purchased most of the land around the cove. Together with Japanese investors, he established a chum salmon saltery and a small sawmill.

Today, Telegraph Cove's economy is based primarily on tourism. Telegraph Cove serves as the send-off point for kayakers and other whale-watchers who are interested in sightings of the large number of Orca Whales that spend the summer months in the nearby Johnstone Strait, which separates the northern part of Vancouver Island from the rest of British Columbia. The old fishing village of Telegraph Cove has been turned into the Telegraph Cove Resort, where numerous small businesses head up operations that take tourists into the Johnstone Strait.

Location

Telegraph Cove is located on the eastern coast of Northern Vancouver Island, 30 minutes south of Port McNeill and 11 kilometers off the Island Highway via Beaver Cove Road. The top half of 280-mile-long Vancouver Island is served by a maze of logging roads, and Highway 19 (north Island Highway), which links Telegraph Cove and Campbell River (a 2.5-hour drive).

Places to See

• Telegraph Cove Resort

Originally an old fishing village, the Telegraph Cove Resort is now home to a number of small businesses. The many unique cabins have kept their original charm from the past with the old "unimproved" look on the exterior and a fresh new modernized decor on the interior.

There is also the Resort campground, which is located one-half kilometre from the Resort Office, a ten-minute stroll up the hill. There are two small creeks running along either side of the campground and a short trail through the woods leads to Bauza Cove.

• Robson Bight Ecological Preserve

Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve was established to provide a sanctuary for killer whales. The reserve protects key habitats for killer whales and prevents their harassment while at the same time providing unique opportunities for killer whale research. Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve also protects a pristine estuary and forested shorelines.

• Whale Interpretive Centre

The Whale Interpretive Centre was founded in 2002 to increase public awareness about the biology of marine mammals and the anthropogenic threats facing their populations. The atmosphere of the Whale Interpretive Centre is informal and highly interactive. Visitors can view an invertebrate Aquarium, enjoy a "kids corner" of activities, view marine education videos and presentations and view articulated skeletons and other displays. 

Things to Do

• Fishing

The fishing areas around Telegraph Cove are not only surrounded by spectacular scenery and sheltered waters, but also contain some of the most consistent salt water sports fishing on the BC coast. Most new fishermen to the area are amazed and delighted at how calm the waters are the majority of the season.

• Wildlife Tours

If you're just interested in viewing the local scenery and wildlife from a boat, then the guides will be happy to cater to your needs. From Knight Inlet to Sointula, the guides will show you the sights (and the fish!).

• Whale Watching

The waters around Telegraph Cove are full of killer whales during the summer. Book a whale-watching tour and see not only these fascinating and complex creatures, but bald eagles, otters, porpoises, and a score of other marine animals. Contact Stubbs Island Whale Watching for more information.

• Kayaking Tours

Maybe you want to spend a little more time on the water, even overnight on a deserted shore somewhere? Kayak rentals and tour groups can call North Island Kayak Rentals at Telegraph Cove to reserve a single or double kayak for as little as a short half day trip up to a full length tour of 3 to 4 days paddling enjoyment.

• Diving

Divers visiting the North Island will soon discover why the Pacific Northwest is rated as one of the best diving locations in the world. Temperate waters along with some of the strongest tidal influences have provided this area with its unique marine life.

There are a couple of superb shore dives on the North Island, but to experience the full beauty of inner space northern style, one must get out with a charter boat and an experienced dive master.  

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Telegraph Cove Resorts
Box 1
Telegraph Cove, BC V0N 3J0
Tel: 1-800-200-HOOK (4665)
E-mail: tcrltd@island.net
Web: www.telegraphcoveresort.com