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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. Nestled in a stand of old-growth trees, the campground has over 120 serviced sites available to the discerning camper and RV enthusiast. As an added attraction, the campers like to invite visitors staying at the resort to a "potluck" dinner every Sunday evening during July and August. The campground contains a Laundromat, washrooms, showers, firewood for the nightly wiener roast, and a sani-dump. There are treed, partially treed, and field sites available. 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 (WIC) is run by the non-profit JSKWICS. It houses "The Aquarium Project" and 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 WIC is informal and highly interactive. Visitors are able to:
- View an invertebrate Aquarium
- Enjoy a "kids corner" of activities
- Have easy access to the interpreters
- View marine education videos and presentations
- View articulated skeletons and further displays (baleen, invertebrate, plankton, whaling artifacts)
Exhibits include:
- Skeletons of a: killer whale, river otter, sea otter, Pacific white-sided dolphin, Dall's porpoise, harbour seal, bald eagle, and Steller sea lion. Displays highlight contrasts between species and species adaptations.
- The suspended skeleton of a ship-struck fin whale (2nd largest animal species to ever have lived).
- An interactive setting which includes: a pygmy sperm whale and a juvenile harbour porpoise.
- Testimony to the work of Dr. Michael Bigg and the importance of the Ecological Reserve at Robson Bight.
- Skulls of sea lions, bears, a sperm whale, and a multitude of baleen whales.
- Further amazing artifacts such as a blue whale jaw, whale lice, ear ossicles, whale teeth, and a variety of samples of baleen.
- Children's games and experiments to illuminate marine mammal adaptations and much more!
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.
Events
- Orcafest
Orcafest is an annual event in the town of Port McNeill on Northern Vancouver Island. Every August, the locals come together to celebrate by hosting a parade, arts and crafts stalls, and childrens activities.
- Craft Fair
The Craft Fair is an event that the local north islanders look forward to every summer. Come out to see native art and a diverse assortment of creative works by local artisans or set up a table of your own. All booths are set up along the boardwalk so that visitors can enjoy the scenery.
Contact Information
Telegraph Cove Resorts LTD
Box 1
Telegraph Cove, British Columbia
V0N 3J0
Telephone: 1-800-200-HOOK (4665)
E-mail: tcrltd@island.net
Website: www.telegraphcoveresort.com
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