Welcome to
The Nest
At Smelt Bay
Cortes Island BC

THINGS TO DO

​

As our guests, you are a few minutes by foot, bike, or car from countless opportunities for adventure, sightseeing, or simply enjoying all the amenities the island has to offer.

You will find the white sand beaches of Smelt Bay Provincial Park a 5 minute walk from our home. You can easily beach comb the day away while on “island time,” watching the eagles soar overhead, the sail boats float by, and at the end of the day take in the glorious sunsets. Book your stay around one of the annual events here in the park - Cortes Days in July and the sand castle contest during low tide in August.

 

Horse Spirit Medicine sessions

Horse are a natural portal to the wisdom and healing of the earth and the spirit world. Come, slow down into horse time with us. Learn how body language and energy, the horse’s and your own, are keys to meaningful interactions with our wise equine friends. Come as you are, whether for life guidance and insight, confidence, healing––or just for the fun of it. More info: White Horse Sanctuary   https://whitehorsesanctuary.com/#  

Contact:   olj@orianelee.com  |   250.202.3498

​

 

World renowned Hollyhock retreat centre is a short 15 minute walk through a shaded forest trail from our home.  Hollyhock offers various workshops, or you can simply venture through the extraordinary grounds, stroll along the beach, eat a mostly vegetarian meal grown and prepared on site (reservation usually required), or browse the gift shop.

​

A few kilometers away is Manson's Hall where artisans gather on Fridays to sell crafts, baked goods, and local produce in season.    Also located here are several eating places, the Co-op grocery store, The Market grocery and liquor store,  the incredibly well curated museum, as well as Marnie’s Book Store that's always a fun place to visit.

​

Adjacent to the hall is Hague Lake, a tropical paradise on a sunny day. You will find soft white sand on one shoreline and on the other, less populated rocky shore, the clothing optional area. Here you can enjoy swimming, paddling or simply kicking back to enjoy the day. No trip to the lake is complete without a picnic lunch from the nearby restaurant locally known as “the take out.”

 

Manson’s Landing is just down the road where you can sink your feet in the white sand while enjoying the views of the coastal mountain range. The inner Manson's lagoon is tidal influenced and shellfish can be harvested here at low tide, when in season and safe to harvest.

There are several hiking trails on the island. You could also explore the ocean around the island, Desolation Sound, Mitlenatch Island  to name a few.  There are tours and rentals (Misty Isl Adventures) available on the island, booking in advance is recommended.

​

Whatever you choose to do when you are here on Cortes, you will feel as though you have effortlessly slipped into the easygoing, island lifestyle. When you are driving around our island, expect a wave from the friendly passers-by… Wave back and you may just feel like you have embraced the carefree island life...

​

​