Outdoor Activities

Step into the wild beauty of Cortes Island with outdoor experiences that will deepen your connection to nature. Wander forest trails on guided nature walks, paddle along the sandy shores by kayak, or set sail with the Misty Isles. For a truly unique adventure, join a Horse Spirit Medicine session. Read about our community partners who offer these programs on this page and book your next outdoor adventure.

Forest Nature Walk

Walk through beautiful forest while listening to stories about our island’s unique flora, fauna, and history from our experienced naturalist. Birds and wildflowers are at their vibrant peak.

Private Booking – $50 | 2 hours, 6 people maximum

Sunrise with Seabirds

Wake up to the natural beauty of Cortes, with this early-morning guided walk along the beach with Hollyhock Naturalist Bill Ophoff, and learn about the seabirds, shellfish, plants and ocean wildlife surrounding our island paradise. Bring your camera, curiosity and water shoes.

Private Booking – $50 | 6 people maximum

To book a nature walk, please contact the store at 250-935-6937 or [email protected]

The natural beauty of Cortes Island
Enjoy the incredible beauty of Desolation Sound by kayak or sail

Cortes Island Activities

Hollyhock is partnered with a number of activity providers on Cortes Island. Book directly with our partners for stand up paddle boarding, horse whispering, kayaking or sailing adventures!

Kayaking

Experience an exhilarating sunset paddle with bioluminescence lighting up your every stroke, or visit a First Nations pictograph site. These guided kayak trips require no previous experience. All are welcome.

Sailing

For an afternoon adventure, board the West Coast schooner Misty Isles, a 43- foot gaff rigged sailing vessel. Tour the world-renowned Desolation Sound, where mountains rise up from the sea, or Mitlenatch Island—the largest seabird breeding rookery in the Strait of Georgia. While under sail or being powered by the quiet, fuel efficient engine, Misty Isles is environment and wildlife friendly.

Book a Kayaking or Sailing Excursion

To book a nature walk, please contact the store at 250-935-6937 or [email protected]

SUP Cortes

Imagine floating on the clear ocean water surrounding Cortes Island. Let yourself be immersed by the gentle rocking of the ocean and the fresh saltwater breeze kissing your skin, bringing calm to your nervous system.

Horse Spirit Medicine

Horses are a natural portal to the wisdom and healing found in the spirit world and in the earth. In the company of horses, the energy fields of our hearts and our minds come into a state of coherence; that’s why being around them feels so good.

Guided Nature Walks