Squirrel Cove Trading Co. Dock

Tucked at the mouth of Squirrel Cove on the east shore of Cortes Island, the Squirrel Cove Trading Co. is the kind of place cruisers plan their itinerary around. The store has been serving boaters and islanders for generations, and today it remains one of the most fully stocked provisioning stops in Desolation Sound—a region otherwise short on re-supply options once you push north.

The Trading Co. dock is a private commercial float directly in front of the store, separate from the adjacent DFO government dock and the larger Cortes Community Docks wharf. It is small and shallow, so access is tidal: at higher tides most cruising sailboats and trawlers with modest draft can nudge alongside long enough to take on fuel or swing a jerry can ashore. At lower water the dock is the domain of dinghies and kayaks. Plan your fuel stop around a rising tide if you draw more than a few feet.

Gasoline and diesel are both available here—a rare combination at this latitude—along with propane. For crews who prefer not to come alongside, jerry-can fill-ups from the fuel dock are a long-standing option and keep things moving when multiple boats are waiting. The store itself is impressively well stocked for its remote location: fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and poultry, dairy, local seafood, baked goods, canned and frozen goods, ice cream, ice, marine hardware, fishing and shellfish licences, and a full government liquor agency. The post office is here too, so if you are expecting mail to follow you up the coast, this is a reliable forwarding address.

Beyond the basics, the Trading Co. compound has grown into a small village hub. The Flying Squirrel Take-Out window serves quick food, while The Cove Restaurant offers a sit-down option—a genuine luxury after days at anchor. A laundromat and shower facilities round out the shoreside amenities. WiFi is available, as is a computer terminal and ATM. The craft store carries locally made goods and clothing.

In summer (typically July and August) a Sunday farmers market runs 11am to 3pm, bringing local producers and artisans to the property—a good reason to time your arrival for a weekend.

Squirrel Cove itself is famously well protected. The outer bay has some exposure to east and southeast, but once through the narrow 50-yard entrance to the inner basin the wind is effectively killed by the surrounding hills. The Trading Co. dock sits in the outer bay, so be aware that any wind and the wakes of passing tugs can make the floats lively—overnight stays are generally discouraged here in favour of the protected inner anchorage. The adjacent Cortes Community Docks wharf offers 20- and 30-amp shore power on over 550 linear feet of float, with free one-hour dinghy tie-up for store visitors.

The cove falls within a No Discharge Zone, so proper holding-tank discipline applies from the moment you enter. There is no pump-out station at the Trading Co. dock itself.

Store phone: 250-935-6327. Open seven days a week; base hours are approximately 9am–6pm daily, with extended hours through July and August.