This iconic destination for thousands of visitors every year is famed for its ecotourism and a postcard waterfront setting featuring multicoloured clusters of buildings and homes that cling to the rocky shoreline. A century ago all that was here was a one-room telegraph shack from which loggers, fishermen and pioneers would stay in touch with the outside world. Telegraph Cove grew a little bigger when a fish saltery, sawmill, school and general store were built over the years. Many of these historic buildings were built above the water on stilts and joined by a boardwalk. Suites, cabin rentals, two marinas, a pair of RV parks and a luxury oceanfront strata subdivision have brought Telegraph Cove resolutely into the 21st century.
2025 OPERATIONS
On the last day of December, 2024, a tragic fire took place on the north end of the boardwalk, taking out the pub, restaurant, Tide Rip Tours office, Prince of Whales office and the Whale Interpretive Center.
A message from Telegraph Cove, February 2025: As we move forward, we’re getting excited to start the season and want to clarify that the resort will be open this summer. The houses and hotel will be operational, as well as the forest campground and marina and the General Store. We will have a food facility while we are in the process of rebuilding our big restaurant.
Prince of Whales/North Island Kayak will be open for the season as well, as they work to secure alternate accommodations for their offices, within the cove. Tide Rip Grizzly Tours will be located in the front office.
Telegraph Cove’s spirit remains strong! The community is committed to rebuilding and restoring this special place. In 2025, your support is crucial to their efforts.
Here’s how you can help:
Plan a visit: Show your love for Telegraph Cove by exploring its natural beauty, supporting local businesses that remain, and participating in the rebuilding process.
Donate: Contribute to the rebuilding fund and the Whale Interpretive Centre fundraiser to help restore the lost structures and attractions.
Spread the word: Share Telegraph Cove’s story and encourage others to visit and support this resilient community.
Let’s help Telegraph Cove rise from the ashes and shine brighter than ever before!
Follow Telegraph Cove on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date. Let’s show up for this iconic community and help their businesses thrive amidst an tragedy.
- Population of 20
- Visitor Centre
- Whale Watching Tours
- Self-guided Historical Boardwalk Tour
- Grizzly Bear Viewing Tours
- Whale Interpretive Center
- Fishing Charters
Situated in a sheltered inlet at the northern end of Johnstone Strait, across from the Broughton Archipelago, Telegraph Cove is a famed starting point for wilderness tours. Whale watching season runs from May to October, and a comfortable, modern fleet of watercraft set out daily in pursuit of resident and migratory orcas, humpbacks, dolphins and sea lions. Grizzly bear safaris depart by boat destined for Knight Inlet and the Great Bear Rainforest in the foothills of the mainland Coastal Mountain range. Other top activities include fishing, kayaking, diving, hiking and tours of the Whale Interpretive Centre. One bonus for visitors these days is a newly widened and realigned paved road dotted with scenic viewpoints on the way in from Highway 19.
Telegraph Cove is located 26 kilometres south of Port McNeill (25 minutes), and 5.5 hours from Victoria.
For information on Vancouver Island North see Drive BC provincial highway information.