Squirrel Cove Government Dock

Squirrel Cove cuts into the east shore of Cortes Island near the south end of Lewis Channel, and it has earned its reputation as one of the finest stops in Desolation Sound. The anchorage divides naturally into two chambers: an outer cove that holds the government dock and the Squirrel Cove Trading Post complex, and a sheltered inner cove that is as close to a lagoon as you can get without actually being one.

The government dock is managed under a lease between the Harbour Authority of Cortes Island (HACI) and DFO Small Craft Harbours. HACI is responsible for day-to-day operation and basic maintenance of the facility. The dock has been upgraded in recent years — Small Craft Harbours paid for redecking of the dock head and the walkways to the floats, and HACI has been working on redecking the approach. Commercial fishing traffic holds priority under the SCH mandate, but the dock accommodates a steady stream of recreational vessels throughout summer.

The dock features a 360-linear-foot west float and a 210-foot east float, both offering deep-water moorage — 570 linear feet of floating dock in total. Shore power is available on the floats: 15, 20, and 30-amp connections have been reported. Dinghies get one free hour of tie-up, which makes it easy to row in from the anchorage for a provisioning run without committing to a full slip.

Direct alongside is the Squirrel Cove Trading Post, an old-fashioned general store that punches well above its weight for a remote island setting. Groceries, produce, meat, ice, hardware, fishing and shellfish licences, and marine charts are all stocked. A BC Liquor agent is on site. There is an ATM, Wi-Fi, a computer and printer, and a post office. Showers, washrooms, and a 24-hour laundromat are within steps of the dock. The Cortes Co-op Craft Store showcases local artisans. The Cove Restaurant and the Flying Squirrel take-out window provide hot meals. On summer Sundays a farmers market runs 11am–3pm.

Gasoline and diesel are dispensed from the store's own float, which sits adjacent to the government dock — access is tide-dependent. Propane and kerosene are also sold upland at the store complex. The government dock itself is not a fuel dock.

The inner cove is the real draw. A narrow passage — roughly 50 yards wide and about 15 feet deep — connects outer and inner coves, opening into a broad, well-protected basin with excellent holding in thick, sticky mud at 30–40 feet. The basin accommodates dozens of boats swinging at anchor, with countless nooks allowing stern ties to shore. At the very head of the inner cove, a tidal lagoon connects via reversing rapids accessible by kayak or dinghy near high water, leading toward Von Donop (Ha'thayim) Marine Provincial Park. A hiking trail from the northwest corner of the cove continues overland to Von Donop Inlet.

Wildlife in and around Squirrel Cove is exceptional: bald eagles, osprey, ravens, river otters, and Pacific martens are regular sightings. The sunken logs scattered across the bay floor — relics of historic log-booming operations — provide habitat for rockfish and lingcod.