New Seniors
Welcome to Cortes Island.
You will be living in any one of our wonderful communities.
Manson's Landing
Should it be Manson's Landing you have a wealth of choices. Manson's includes the Community Hall which houses the post office, The Cortes Cafe, The Thrift Store, The Radio Station, The Library. The children's Play School is housed below the hall to access the playground and is beside the Pottery Guild. Adjacent to the Hall is North Island College, FOCI (Friends of Cortes Island), and a path to the bank which is only steps away. Across the street is the Cortes Natural Foods Coop and often a restaurant. Again steps away is the Cortes Market. Within the restaurant, coop complex is also Marnie's Books and Homespun (the Woolly People). Marnie will order whatever you want and the Woolly People are a connection to the spinners, weavers and quilters of the island.
Squirrel Cove
The Cove has the heritage store which is still active and includes a post office and a hardware store. Adjacent is The Cortes Craft Store and The Cove Restaurant which are open summers only. There is a Government wharf and a boat launch for local boaters. Plus there is beauty as it has a panoramic view of the coastal mountains and Desolation Sound.
Whaletown
This is your entrance point to the island via our local ferry. It has been populated by some of our first families for generations. On route to the Whaletown core you pass the original medical clinic, now a home, and a charming old church. The post office which is adorable is just up the road from the Louisa Tooker Library which is currently run by volunteers. The Whaletown Store which stands sentry to Whaletown's Government wharf has been converted to a residence.
Cortes Bay
Another spot of inordinate beauty, Cortes Bay also includes a Government wharf and a boat launch. In the vicinity is Karl and his Castle which is a must to visit.
Finding What You Need
I’m sure, under activities, you will have noticed walkers. There are several regular walking groups on Cortes. The one at Manson’s walks Monday, Wednesday and Friday leaving the Hall at 9 am. Whaletown has informal regular walking groups which require ferreting out but they are not secret societies and an enquiry ought to be enough.
Watch the flyers to see what is available and if it is not mentioned place a notice requesting what you want for a small fee.
Galleries
Manzanita Muse Studio & Island Rest B & B
Cortes Island's Creative Connection, featuring the art of Jodi Forster & Dianne Bersea cspwc AFCA, naturalistic & interpretive watercolour, acrylic, wood carving, natural materials and shell rattles. Art Workshops, Classes, Retreats, B & B vacations. Studio / gallery visits welcomed. Distinctive art, workshop schedules - http://www.islemuse.com
Island Rest B & B info and rates - http://www.islemuse.com/islandrest.html
250-935-6719
Symphonia, acrylic tryptich by Dianne Bersea 16 x 48"
The Old Schoolhouse Gallery
This active gallery hosts seven to nine shows per season and invites community participation. The shows include open group, closed group and solo shows which are scheduled each spring. Again, watch the flyers for the call to participate. For information call Norberto de la vega Rodriguez at 250-935-8549.
Potter’s Studios
These potters market their work at the Christmas Bazaars, the summer Craft Shop, the Clay Show at the Schoolhouse Gallery the Barefoot Gallery, Hollyhock and advertised one morning sell outs. Otherwise, phone to see if they have work available.
Larry Cohen and Suzu Matsuda, 885 Cortes Bay, 250-935-6754, summer only.
Dianne Daly, 286 Seavista Road, 250-935-6691.
Gary Fast, 315 Whaletown Road, 250-935-6967.
Scott Knutson, 910 Whaletown Road, 250-935-0181.
Ester Strijbos, 1526 Carrington Bay Road, 250-935-6641.
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