Whaletown: Discover Ferries, Forest Trails and Culture

There are several things to consider when planning a stay in Whaletown: the ferry connection from the Whaletown Terminal, the trails in Whaletown Commons and cultural offerings. You can explore the destination according to your travel interests. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider whether the ferry connection, a walk in the forest or a seasonal cultural event will shape your stay before making your choice.

Take the Ferry to Heriot Bay

Ferries departing from the Whaletown Terminal travel to Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. If this connection is part of your trip, check the route and schedule with BC Ferries before setting out, as both may change. This will help you plan the ferry portion of your journey. It offers a different point of reference for your trip than the local trails and cultural offerings.

Forest Trails at Whaletown Creek

Whaletown Commons has a network of trails along Whaletown Creek, with lush fern-filled hollows and old trees. Several short loop hikes pass through dense forest and follow the creek. The focus here is on the short loops, the forest and the creek. The access point is on the north side of Whaletown Road, right next to the volunteer fire department. Check access and trail conditions before your visit. If you’d like to spend time outdoors, you can plan a visit to the Commons as a separate activity from visiting a gallery or attending an event.

Gallery and Seasonal Exhibitions

The Old SchoolHouse Art Gallery provides a cultural space for the Cortes community. The Old School House Gallery is open during the summer season, from June to September, with new exhibitions every two weeks. A visit is therefore tied to a specific time of year and differs from spending time on the forest trails: the gallery’s changing exhibitions take centre stage. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest information about opening hours before your trip.

Events and History

The Whaletown Community Club also offers cultural events and programs for all ages. For individual events, don’t assume there will be an event on a particular day based solely on the gallery season: each offering has its own reason to visit.

One annual summer program is the Garden and Studio Tour, organized by the Cortes Island Museum. It takes place on a Saturday in June or July and includes creative spaces in Whaletown. Dates and participating locations may change from year to year, so plan around the current year’s tour. Unlike the gallery, with its summer season and exhibitions that change every two weeks, the tour is an annual event.

The area’s history adds another reason to visit: by the end of December 1869, more than 450 barrels of oil had been shipped from Whaletown to Victoria and San Francisco. This early shipping history offers a distinct perspective on the area, alongside today’s travel interests in ferries, trails and culture.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Whaletown, consider these different priorities when choosing a location: the ferry connection, short loop hikes or a seasonal cultural event. Check the details of each hotel offer to make sure it suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Mansons Landing, Refuge Cove, Comox-Strathcona G, Minstrel Island, Kyuquot, Sayward, Heriot Bay

View the main travel overview: Strathcona.