A Look Into The Past At Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove, established in 1911 is a quaint boardwalk community 2 1/2 hours north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. A thriving town, Telegraph Cove was originally a telegraph station. In the 1920's, the town grew to include a salmon saltery and a thriving sawmill. As times changed with the coming of the Depression, the saltery closed with lumber sales becoming the primary business.

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

Today Telegraph Cove is active with the influx of fishermen, whale watchers, kayakers and those like ourselves who travel the excellent road. There is however, nothing along the way except a few rest stops but the scenery is inspiring as the road 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 relax after a hard day of work, and children running along the boardwalk on a sunny day. A 1930 Dodge truck, its cab rusted, sits on the site, forgotten by a long ago owner, a further reminder to visitors of the distant past.

Looking down into the sheltered bay, our thoughts returned to the present with the sight of the new marina and boat slips. Climbing the hill above the small town, the view is spectacular of open waters and passing ships.