Thetis Island

History

The First Nations people have lived on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for centuries. The area's oldest known archaeological site, in Port Hardy, dates back more than 8000 years. Place names show a diversity of origins, including various languages of the First Nations people and of European explorers, traders, and settlers. Thetis Island got its name from the H.M.S. Thetis (in turn named after Thetis the Neriad, a sea nymph daughter of Zeus and the mother of mighty Achilles), a British 36 gun frigate that was on the Pacific station from 1851 to 1853 and surveyed the area.

Non-native pioneers first moved onto Thetis in 1873. In 1896 Lawrence Trail was built through the center of the Island to provide access from Preedy Harbour to the Lawrence homestead on Pilkey Point. Thetis Island and Kuper Island (to the south, home of the Penelakut First Nation) were originally joined by mud flats. In 1905 a "cut" was dredged for the first time to allow boat traffic through. This cut now provides a second, tidal access to Telegraph Harbour at the south end of the island.

Location

Thetis Island is located in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, between Vancouver Island and the mainland of BC. Thetis Island is served by a direct seaplane service from Vancouver and Victoria, and BC Ferries operates a scheduled vehicle and passenger ferry service from Chemainus to Thetis and Kuper Island, with a minimum of 10 daily round trip circular sailings. Sailing times are 15 minutes between Chemainus and Thetis Island, 15 minutes between Thetis and Kuper Islands, and 30 minutes between Kuper Island and Chemainus.

Places to See

• Thetis Island Marina
  
  Thetis Island Marina is nestled in Telegraph Harbour, between Thetis and Kuper Islands. As one of the best-protected, scenic locations in the Gulf Islands, it is the perfect spot to rendezvous, relax and enjoy. Thetis Island Marina offers full amenities, including a restaurant, pub, liquor store, post office, and convenience store.
  
  Take advantage of the guest moorage, available with shore power, access to showers, laundry, water, garbage disposal, expanses of lawn, a large covered area for gatherings, swings, shade trees, horseshoe pits and barbecue facilities.
  
  
• Thetis Island Vineyard
  
  Thetis Island Vineyard is located on a ten acre, south-facing moraine-covered hill with views across the forest canopy to the Stuart Channel and Vancouver Island. It is a brisk five minute walk from Telegraph Harbour Marina and five minutes by car to some superb swimming beaches on Thetis Island's west coast.
  
  The vineyard was first cleared and planted in 2000 by Colin Sparkes and family, who emigrated from Heidelberg in Germany. Four acres with eleven varieties of vinus vinifera grapes were planted including: pinot gris, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, merlot, shiraz, agria, dornfelder, pinotage, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon. A log guest cabin and winery extension were built in 2003/4 and landscaping, including a grass tennis court, is still being completed.
  
  The winery, complete with an on-site store, was licensed in 2004, and sales have tripled in 18 months. The main product is the very popular Wild (organic) Blackberry Fruit Wine picked by the Kuper Island First Nations. Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Marachel Foch, Merlot, and Blueberry Fruit Wine are also made and sold here. These products are found across Vancouver Island in over 150 stores.
  
  
• Pilkey Point
  
  Pilkey Point on the northeast tip of Thetis is a popular place for residents to picnic and swim on a summer evening, while watching the sun set.

Things to Do

• Island Exploration
  
  Most boaters are looking forward to a walk to stretch the legs, and Thetis has a very nice, quiet, safe road network to do just that. There is little traffic, and everyone is aware of foot traffic, and slows accordingly. Wave, and you will get a return wave. People here are friendly, and used to offering a wave to anyone as a sign they are welcome on our island.
  
  If you wish to go a bit further afield, head to Chemainus on BC Ferries. The ferry dock is a nice 10 minute stroll from the marina, and you just walk on. There is no ticket booth on Thetis; you buy a ticket in Chemainus and use it for the return trip. The ferry runs quite often, and is easy to use. Remember the times shown are departure times, not arrival times. The trip to Chemainus takes about 25 minutes. Longer if you catch a run that goes via Kuper (pronounced "Kewpur") Island.
  
  Kuper Island is a First Nations Reserve, home to the Penelakut Band. There are no commercial facilities on Kuper, and the normal convention is to be invited before going there. Many of the residents of Kuper Island visit Thetis regularly, and there are a group of talented carvers who are at the Saturday market in the summer, selling traditional native art. A genuine native carving makes a great gift or memento of your trip to the Gulf Islands.
  
  
• Kayaking
  
  The area around Thetis is one of the best anywhere for kayakers. There are birds and sea life in abundance, the area is safe, the waters are protected, and there are countless spots to enjoy along the coasts of the many islands. It is wise to check for private property before venturing ashore, as some islands are homes, and not open to public access. Ask a local here, and they can brief you on which islands are private. If you wish to rent a kayak, there are places nearby. Seaward, on the highway near Chemainus, manufactures kayaks, and often offers them to rent as well. There is another manufacturer/renter in Ladysmith as well. It is often possible to have a kayak delivered to Thetis for your use for a small additional charge.
  
  
• Scuba Diving
  
  Diving is a popular and exciting pastime in the vicinity, and there are several divemasters who can organize and conduct an expedition for you. A dive tour wouldn't be complete without a picture in the cockpit of the Boeing 737 that rests on the ocean floor near here.

Events

• Thetis Island Regatta
  
  Thetis Island Marina and the Ladysmith Yacht Club have hosted a regatta which includes a race around both Thetis and Kuper Island. This regatta first ran 13 years ago, and each year proves to be one of the best social sailing meets anywhere. The regatta takes place on the second weekend of May each and every year, and includes registration on Friday, the race on Saturday, and departure on Sunday.

Contact Information

Thetis Island Marina

Pub/post office/store:
Phone: 250-246-3464 Fax: 250-246-1433
E-mail: marina@thetisisland.com
Website: www.thetisisland.com

Thetis Island Community Website

Website: www.thetisisland.net