Lying at the entrance to
Desolation Sound (perhaps British Columbia's most famous marine boating destination), is the large Cortes Island. A ferry from Heriot Bay on
Quadra Island can be taken to reach Cortes' dock at Whaletown. From there, roads can be taken to Manson's Landing and Squirrel Cove, a well-known anchorage that faces Desolation. Some accommodations, supplies and gas can be found in the 3 settlements. On the southwestern tip of the island is Smelt Bay Provincial Park where thousands of smelt come to spawn. Swimming, fresh and salt water fishing, and nice sandy beaches can be found at
Mansons Landing Provincial Park.