We wish to acknowledge the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose), ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin) and ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco) Nations on whose territories the Cortes Island Museum & Archives works and is situated upon.
Summer Hours and New Exhibits!
Dear <<First Name>>,
On June 15, Cortes Island Museum (at 957 Beasley Road) and Wild Cortes (at Linnaea Education Centre, 1225 Seaford Road) will be open for the summer. Entrance to both venues is free, but donations are gratefully accepted!
In the Museum’s Doreen Thompson Gallery, open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays), we invite you to explore two exciting exhibits: Listening to Bees and That Was Then / This Is Now.
At Wild Cortes, open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Sundays and Mondays), we invite you to explore The Big Three, about encounters with wolves, cougars, and bears on Cortes Island. In addition to The Big Three, you will see fascinating taxidermy exhibits and study skins from taxidermist Laurel Bohart, costumes and masks for playing dress-up, a puzzle of Cortes watersheds, and so much more!
Bees have been declared the most important beings on this planet, and Listening to Bees focuses on the challenges facing native & honey bees worldwide. Learn what we on Cortes Island can do to support and protect them and about the exciting ground-breaking research of Paul Stamets on the beneficial effects of mushroom mycelium on bee health. Sit a moment to watch informative bee videos. Periodically throughout the summer a demonstration hive will be on display – watch our advertisements for the specific dates – and come peek inside a living beehive, with no chance of being stung! Some pictures from the exhibit are in this Facebook Album.
Our ever-changing exhibit, That Was Then / This Is Now, features many new pieces from our permanent artifact collection as well as highlights from our Museum programs and exhibits.
Visit the Museum’s Shop featuring local authors and artisans, the Tourist Info Booth, Heritage Garden, and Public Archives Room, where you will be made welcome by our new summer host, Natalia Nybida.
This is what Natalia says about herself: "I was born and raised on Cortes Island. As a child I spent much of my time in the forest exploring old homesteads and writing stories about the lives of the people who once occupied those spaces. Because of this, the island's history has always been close to my heart. I feel honoured for the opportunity to share that history with others. Writing has been my passion and talent for as long as I can remember. In September, I enter my third year at Vancouver Island University, where I'm majoring in Creative Writing."
The Big Three at Wild Cortes focuses on historical and recent accounts of local human encounters with the big three predators (wolves, cougars and bears). You will learn how to successfully live with these large predators: keep them wild and stop unwanted, dangerous, and damaging interactions. You can watch an award winning mini-documentary, view images taken on local trail-cams, and discover what more Wild Cortes and its partners have waiting for you to experience about Cortes Island’s wild side.
Wild Cortes will be open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. (closed on Sundays and Mondays). You will be greeted by our Wild Cortes volunteer hosts who will be following all COVID-19 precautions.
Historic Cruises with Misty Isles Adventures in 2021
We are excited to announce our cruises with Misty Isles Adventures will continue this summer. With fewer trips and passengers, Amy and Jonas have solid plans to ensure guests’ health and safety. We are hoping the Cortes Community will support our partnership by booking a cruise for yourself or your “bubble” of family and friends.
To register, call Misty Isles Adventures at 250-935-6756. Book early as space is limited due to COVID-19 precautions
Mitlenatch Island – Sunday, June 27 (Coming very soon! Book now!)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., departs from Cortes Bay, $155
Cassel Lake & Refuge Cove – Sunday, July 11 (new)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., departs from Squirrel Cove, $155
Whaletown Explorer – Sunday, August 1 (new)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., departs from Gorge Harbour Marina, $155
Desolation Sound – Saturday, August 14
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., departs from Cortes Bay, $155
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Province of British Columbia through the BC Arts Council, BC Gaming Commission, Heritage Canada, Library and Archives Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Regional District of Strathcona, and our wonderful donors and members.
We are hopeful that these funds will continue to support us through 2021, as we re-establish safe community outreach programming and fundraising activities. We gratefully accept donations. Click on the button below to donate now online or mail the membership form with your donation.
