Twin Islands near the entrance into Desolation Sound have always had a sense of intrigue and majesty about them.
They are literally a place fit for Royalty – Queen Elizabeth II has twice stayed at the lodge during trips to Canada.
These islands have always been off-limits to visitors, but now the owner Mark Torrance has invited Misty Isles Adventures, through the Cortes Island Museum, to bring guests to this unique historic lodge and its 680 acres of private islands.
The nine bedroom lodge was built from logs harvested on Twin Islands in the 1930s by an American industrialist with contracts in Japan.
He also included lavish stables, orchards and gardens to create his own private retreat away from the war.
In the late 1950s the islands were purchased by Margrav Maximillian Von Baden of Germany who is a nephew to Prince Phillip.
The islands were used as a summer retreat for his family.
Since the 1930s, Twin Islands have been off limits to visitors but this year, the owner has invited us to bring Cortes Island Museum guests to stay over night in the lodge and explore the gardens, the orchards and to learn about the extensive off-grid solar and micro-hydro systems that provide services to the lodge and facilities.
Your meals at the lodge will feature food grown right in those very gardens.
Cortes Island Museum and Misty Isles Adventures have teamed up to offer three special and unique trips completely new this year. One already took place in June.
July 14 to 16 (Thursday to Saturday) Kayak Exploration overnighting on Twin Islands: This three day kayak adventure will explore Twin Islands and the surrounding area at the entrance to Desolation Sound.
Be prepared for spectacular views of B.C. coastal mountains, sandy beaches, granite cliffs, First Nation pictographs and abundant wildlife that make this a fantastic place to paddle.
Your guides will make the natural and human history come alive with their stories.
Tread in the footsteps of Royalty and sleep in the cozy log lodge.
Enjoy walks in the forest and gardens of Twin Islands before returning to Cortes where celebrations for Cortes Day will be in full swing.
Cost is $750 each, tax included, and covers all meals, accommodations and kayaks.
August 24 to 25 (Wednesday to Thursday) Cassel Lake overnighting on Twin Islands: Take a voyage back into history up Teakerne Arm and see the waterfall that Captain Vancouver’s crew used as a spa.
If weather permits, you’ll be able to enjoy a swim in Cassel Lake then cruise to Twin Islands to overnight in the lodge.
Next you’ll explore Twin Islands.
Cost is $400 each for couples and $430 for singles, tax included, and covers all meals and accommodations.
You can get details or register by e-mail (cimas@twincomm.ca) or phone 250-935-6340.
Other day cruises put on by Misty Isles Adventures and sponsored by the Cortes Island Museum include:
July 22 (Friday)– Desolation Sound (10:30 am–5 pm), cost $130
August 5 (Friday)–‘Round Maurelle Island (10 am – 5 pm), cost $130
August 13 (Saturday)– Desolation Sound (10 am – 5 pm), cost $130
