Telegraph Cove - A Heritage Site of British Columbia

Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island is a bit of a drive north Campbell River but both the quaint town and the scenery we passed on our way were well worth the drive. This heritage site, established in 1911, is a quaint boardwalk community. Once a thriving town, Telegraph Cove was originally a telegraph station. In the 1920's, the town grew to include a salmon saltery and a busy sawmill. As times changed with the coming of the Depression, lumber sales became the primary business.

During the 1940's, the population of the small town grew substantially requiring the need of bunkhouses, a community hall, a caretaker, a doctor, a post office and a school as well as family residences.

Today Telegraph Cove is still active with the arrival of fishermen, whale watchers, kayakers and those like ourselves who travel the excellent road. The scenery is inspiring as the highway slices through the surrounding mountains and towering trees.

Many of the buildings on the boardwalk are original offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the town. Walking past each building one can imagine old time music playing in the community hall and laughing voices floating over the water; men's voices drifting from the bunkhouse as they relaxed after a hard day of work, and children running along the boardwalk on a sunny day. A 1930's Dodge truck, its cab rusted, sits on the site, forgotten by some long ago owner, a further reminder of the past.

Climbing the hill above the small town, the view of open waters and passing ships was spectacular. But looking down into the sheltered bay, our thoughts returned to the present with the sight of the new marina and boat slips. The old-time music drifted away with the ocean breeze and we were back in the present.