Luxury beach camping near Telegraph Cove
Experience untamed adventure among the rugged, remote wilderness and waters of Telegraph Cove.
- Telegraph Cove
Popular camping styles for Telegraph Cove
Luxury beach camping near Telegraph Cove guide
Overview
Suspended on stilts with boardwalks joining the colorful local buildings, Telegraph Cove is a sight to behold in the northeast of Vancouver Island. The local population tops out around 20 people, but the area draws over 100,000 tourists in the peak of summer. Campsite reservations are a must—this remote location is ideal for backcountry camping and wildlife viewing (grizzly bears and orcas are common). RV sites and cabins are available, but tent campsites are most abundant in the area. Go island hopping at Alert Bay, or drive to the northernmost tip of the island to visit Cape Scott Provincial Park with sandy beaches and world-renowned hiking trails. Nearby Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is a well-known windsurfing locale also offering swimming and fishing.
Where to go
Blinkhorn Trail & Peninsula
Starting in the village at Telegraph Cove Campground, the Blinkhorn Trail features a 7.7-kilometre round-trip loop with views of the Johnson Straight and surrounding forest. Twisted roots, mud, and fallen logs are commonplace, so durable hiking shoes are recommended. The trail continues down toward the Blinkhorn Peninsula, where campers should be careful of the changing tides—the peninsula becomes an island at certain points throughout the day. A gravel beach area features a few dog-friendly tent campsites outfitted with pit toilets, while private camping options also dot the area.
Cape Scott Provincial Park
Home to the iconic North Coast Trail and white sandy beaches, Cape Scott Provincial Park is a backpackers’ dream a little over 2 hours’ drive on logging road from Telegraph Cove. Most beaches here require a multi-day hiking trip (with beautiful tent campsites along the way), but the main San Josef Bay beach is easily accessible. The 2.5-kilometre trail is well maintained and kid-friendly. Pitch a tent on the beach and take in the old-growth rainforest, then head out to view the rocky sea stacks at low tide. Book a shuttle or water taxi ahead of time, and if driving, bring a map (there’s no cell phone service).
Alert Bay
On Cormorant Island, Alert Bay is rich in First Nation culture and home to the world's tallest totem pole (an astounding 52-metres tall). Drive 20 minutes north to Port McNeill, then take the 45-minute ferry across the Johnson Straight. Check the BC ferries’ website for scheduling and rates, and be aware they’re subject to weather cancellations. Stay top deck to catch a glimpse of breaching orca whales and dolphins. Head to the Ecological Park, which offers trails to view the local forest and is set near a small village-run campground with 22 tent campsites.
Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park
Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park is roughly a 30-minute drive from Telegraph Cove. The forested area is a hotspot for hunting, fishing, canoeing, and swimming, and it teems with old-growth trees, bears, cougars, and waterfowl. Wilderness tent camping is approved year-round with picnic tables and walk-in campsites. Visit in early August to watch the Nimpkish Speed Slalom Windsurfing weekend.
When to go
Part of a temperate rainforest, Telegraph Cove experiences dewey days all year. July, August, and September are safe bets for drier weather, but foggy mornings are common. The off-season runs from October until April with windy and even wetter weather. Temperatures warm up in May, and the daylight lingers longer, drawing crowds before the peak of summer (late June). For bear sightings and whale watching, July through October are the months to visit.
