Fringed by lush rainforest, which is typical of this region, Telegraph Cove on Northern Vancouver Island creates a feeling of being completely removed from the worries and stress of everyday life. You do not have to venture far to experience the beauty of this quaint hamlet, which is surrounded by an array of wildlife including eagles, black bears, and whales.

The historic community of Telegraph Cove was established between 1911-12 during the building of the telegraph line from Campbell River and is one of the last boardwalk communities remaining in British Columbia, Canada.

Telegraph Cove has a rich and entertaining history, having been home to a lumber mill, and salmon cannery after serving as a relay station during World War Two. Many of the buildings have now been restored and form part of the resort accommodation, and today the tiny community is a mecca for tourists and holidaymakers - another Vancouver Island vacation destination!

 

Attractions of Telegraph Cove

There is a huge range of adventure travel options available from Telegraph Cove including exceptional wildlife and nature tours.

With its close proximity to Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight (an ecological reserve established to provide a sanctuary for killer whales), Telegraph Cove is an ideal location to begin your Northern Vancouver Island adventure travel. Exceptional whale watching tours are available either by Kayak for padding enthusiasts, or for those with a preference to seeing the action from higher above the water, there are various larger boat operators.

The Whale Interpretive Centre which houses the Bones Project is also a "must see" while in Telegraph Cove. The Whale Interpretive Centre was founded to help increase public awareness of the biology of the marine mammals in our surrounding waters. Admission is by a small fee. Groups are welcome.

Tours to the mainland via Knight Inlet to see Grizzly Bears are also available.  From the safety and comfort of the boat, you can view the antics of these mighty creatures as they chase spawning salmon at the river mouth of Glendale Cove. You may also have an opportunity to see Black Bears feeding on shell fish.

For those with a passion for angling, there are opportunities for fabulous fresh and saltwater fishing. The surrounding waters of Telegraph Cove offer some of the best fishing in British Columbia. There are fishing charters available that depart from the boat harbour.  Fishing licenses are required and various daily limits apply depending on the species - check with the information centre located near the General Store.

The stores and businesses that can be found along the historic boardwalk of Telegraph Cove provide a comprehensive range of Goods and Services. Check out the gift stores, boardwalk accommodation, and Café, just to name a few.

If you are visiting Telegraph Cove during the Civic Holiday weekend (Aug 1), be sure to check out the annual craft fair. The craft fair is held on the Saturday of the long weekend and sees the boardwalk packed with artisans and crafters from all over Northern Vancouver Island. Try the famous piroshki's and hot corn (on the cob) served up beside the gift store.

Don't miss out on Gordie's salmon barbeque, dished up each night opposite the Killer Whale Cafe.

Facts about Telegraph Cove

Location:
187 kms north of Campbell River and 65km south of Port Hardy. Located on the North East side of Vancouver Island facing the coastal mountains of mainland B.C.

Climate:
Temperatures average between 16-25°C (60-77°F) in the summer, and around 5-8°C (41-46°F) in the winter.

Summer is usually relatively dry, however, precipitation can occur in the form of rain, showers, or drizzle. Foggy mornings are common in mid-August and September.
Activities:
Nature and wildlife watching tours, fishing, caving, galleries, forestry tours, walking and hiking trails, kayaking, camping, Alert Bay Native village, Whale Museum, biking.
Close by:
Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Nimpkish River, Sointula, Malcolm Island, San Josef Bay, Raft Cove, Palmerston Reserve, Port Hardy
Accommodations:
Telegraph Cove Resort, Dockside 29, Hidden Cove Resort, Camping and RV Park, Alder Bay RV Park, The Artists Point - Bed, Breakfast & Photo tours
Amenities:
Boat Ramp, Whale Museum, Restaurant, Pub, Café, General Store, Gift Shop, Tourist Info Centre, Public Parking, Public Restrooms.

History of Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove was first discovered by Duke Wastell in 1912 as a suitable location for a lineman's station for the telegraph line. The first inhabitant of Telegraph Cove was a telegraph lineman by the name of Bobby Cullerne.

During the mid 1920's a sawmill and salmon saltery were established in Telegraph Cove by Duke Wastell and a group of Japanese workers. The sawmill was eventually abandoned during the great depression and it wasn't until the 1930's that Duke Wastell's son - Fred Wastell resurrected the mill after it had lain idle for two years, and it remained operational until the 1970's along with the salmon saltery. 

A road was finally pushed through to Telegraph in 1956, before that time the only means of transport to Telegraph Cove was by boat.

Today Telegraph Cove is a popular destination for pleasure boaters, sport fisherman, and wildlife enthusiasts!