Cortes Island, BC Oceanfront Accommodations, Tenting, Kayak Adventures & Yoga Retreats: T'ai Li Lodge

Click on the Vancouver Island and Cortes Island maps above for larger views

Getting to T'ai Li Lodge on Cortes Island, BC

Cortes Island, in the Desolation Sound region of Canada’s west coast, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on the face of the earth. Separated from “civilization” by two ferry rides, it is easy to access, but “on the way to nowhere” and relatively undiscovered.

Cortes is surrounded by clean salt water and snow capped mountains. The land and sea are home to bald eagles, many species of seabirds, shore birds and marine mammals, as well as deer and other smaller creatures. There are wonderful hiking trails, parks and beaches to enjoy. You can dine out at one of our fine restaurants, or dine in, enjoying fresh island produce & seafood.

Much of what is special about Cortes has to do with the people here. Some have grown up here, and many have been attracted to Cortes from afar, resulting in a rich mix of talents and skills and lifestyles. We all feel that we have found paradise... Life here will remind you of a simpler time. There are Saturday night dances, Friday markets, summer festivals, general stores and a local craft store. There are no fast food franchises, no malls and no night clubs. You’ll find friendly people who make you feel welcome and give you the same sense of security that you might have felt as a child in a small rural town. It still feels that way here!

T'ai Li Lodge is located in Windy Bay, the first small bay south of Cortes Bay. We welcome arrivals by boat or kayak. Lodge rental guests are welcome to tie up at the seasonal dock in Windy Bay or at one of the secure moorings off the dock. The bay is protected from all but strong southeasterlies. Secure anchorage is available in Cortes Bay, and moorage is also available at the government dock in Cortes Bay.

Travel to Cortes Island by Car and Ferry

Ferry Service to Vancouver Island

Vancouver-Victoria or Nanaimo B.C. Ferries
Routes & Fares 1-888-223-3779
Reservations  1-888-724-5223
www.bcferries.com

Seattle-Victoria (Passenger only) - Victoria Clipper
1-800-888-2535
www.victoriaclipper.com

Port Angeles - Victoria
1-360-457-4491
www.cohoferry.com

Anacortes -Victoria
1-888-808-7977
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Where to Find Rental Cars in Campbell River, BC

Rental cars are available at the Campbell River Airport:
Budget: (250) 923-4283 (Campbell River)
National: (250) 923-1234 (Campbell River), (800) 387-4747

Taxi and Bus Service on Vancouver Island, Quadra Island, and Cortes Island

Quadra Taxi: (250) 285-3598 (Quadra Island)
Cortes Connection: (250) 935-6911 (Cortes Island)
Campbell River Airporter: (250) 286-3000

Directions from Vancouver Island to Cortes Island via Quadra Island

From the BC Ferry terminals in Victoria or Nanaimo, just head north on Highway 19 or the scenic 19A that runs along the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. It’s an easy two hour drive from Nanaimo. From Victoria take Highway 1 north to Nanaimo. From Campbell River take the BC Ferry to Quadra Island (15 minutes). Drive across Quadra Island to Heriot Bay (15 minutes) and board the ferry to Cortes Island (about a 45 minute ferry ride).

Driving Directions to T'ai Li Lodge on Cortes Island, BC

(Please see the Cortes Island Map for reference - printable PDF, 656 Kb, opens in new window)

• Drive off the ferry on to Harbour Road which ends at a "T" junction (1.5 km / .9 miles).
• Turn right on to Carrington Bay Road, and proceed to another "T" (1.2 km/.75 miles) to Whaletown Raod.
• Turn left on to Whaletown Road and travel 6.1 km/ 3.8 miles to a fork part way up a steep hill, where you bear right on to Gorge Harbour Road.
• Drive 3.8 km/2.4 miles on Gorge Harbour Road and turn left at the "T" junction on to Seaford Road.
• Travel 1.9 km/1.2 miles on Seaford Road and take your first right on Cortes Bay Road.
• On Cortes Bay Road continue past Bartholomew Road on your left until you reach Red Granite Road and turn left (2.6km/1.6 miles from Seaford Road).
• Go to Ellingsen Way and take a right turn, then take your first left onto the T'ai Li driveway (marked with a sign). Please go right at our turn around circle and park on your right. Walk down to the Lodge or Arbutus Point Camp. We will welcome and orient you, and arrange to help you unload.

Kayak to Cortes Island via Lund on the Sunshine Coast

If you are bringing your own kayak and driving from Seattle or the Vancouver area you might want to drive and take two car ferries up the Sunshine Coast (north of Vancouver), park your car in Lund and paddle to Cortes Island (about a 16 km/10 mile trip if you follow the shore). Check with us for additional details and refer to Canadian Hydrographic Chart #3538. T'ai Li Lodge is located at 50° 03'.27 North Latitude and 124° 55'.72 West Longitude.

Water Taxi from Lund to Cortes Island

Lund Water Taxi Ltd.  1-604-483-9749
Foot passenger transport is available by water taxi from Lund, BC to Cortes Bay.

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Air Travel to Cortes Island

Air travelers can connect through to Campbell River Airport from Vancouver International Airport, from Seattle via Kenmore Air (float plane service from downtown Seattle or wheeled plane service from Boeing Field). Daily WestJet flights from Calgary or Edmonton arrive at Comox International Airport, 45 minutes south of Campbell River.

Air Canada operates scheduled flights from Seattle and Vancouver to Campbell River. A transfer from Campbell River Airport to the ferry terminal in Campbell River is available.

Air Service to Vancouver Island

Air Canada:
1-800-663-8868 (US)
1888-247-2262 (Canada)
www.aircanada.com 

Central Mountain Air (Vancouver-Campbell River)
1-888-865-8585
www.cmair.bc.ca

Pacific Coastal Airlines (Vancouver-Campbell River)
1-800-663-2872
www.pacific-coastal.com

WestJet (Calgary or Edmonton-Comox)
1-888-937-8538
www.westjet.com

Kenmore Air (Seattle floatplanes and wheeled planes)
1-800-543-9595
www.kenmoreair.com

Corilair:
250-287-8371 (Campbell River)
1-888-287-8366 (North America)

Vancouver Island Air:
250-287-2433, 1-877-331-2433
Charter service only

Seaplane Service to Cortes Island

The most spectacular way to travel to T'ai Li Lodge is by seaplane to Cortes Bay, 15 minutes from our Lodge. We will pick you up on arrival.

Pacific Coastal Airlines flies year-round from Vancouver Airport; you change planes at Powell River or Campbell River and fly to Cortes Bay (Corilair).

Kenmore Air operates scheduled flights from Seattle to Cortes Bay from June through September.

Corilair offers scheduled flights from Vancouver Harbour to Cortes Bay (June through September).

Please feel free to call us or these airlines for additional information or to arrange custom charter flights to Cortes Island.

Marine Travel

Marine travelers are welcome at many marinas and government docks located throughout the region.

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