We decide to stop here for two days, before crossing over to maple bay.
Smuggler Cove:
Smugglers Cove: is a name that evokes a sense of mystery and adventure, often associated with hidden inlets, secret passages, and tales of clandestine activities. Here are a few interesting points about places named Smugglers Cove:
History:
The cove gets its name from its rumored use as a hideout for smugglers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Local legends suggest that smugglers used the cove to stash illegal alcohol during the Prohibition era, taking advantage of its hidden and sheltered location.
While the stories are part of local lore, they add a layer of intrigue and charm to the area.
Natural Beauty:
The cove itself is a picturesque, sheltered inlet with calm waters, making it a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
The surrounding area is part of a protected marine park, featuring rocky shores, tidal pools, and dense forests of cedar and fir trees.
The trail to the cove includes a boardwalk section that winds through a unique marsh ecosystem, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like herons, otters, and even seals.
Recreational Activities:
Hiking: The trail to Smugglers Cove is relatively easy and family-friendly, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the area’s history and ecology.
Boating and Anchoring: The cove is a popular destination for boaters, with mooring buoys available for overnight stays. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for anchoring.
Wildlife Watching: The area is teeming with marine and bird life. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, seals, and sometimes even orcas in the surrounding waters.
Photography: The cove’s serene beauty, combined with its rugged coastline and lush forests, makes it a photographer’s dream.
Conservation:
Smugglers Cove is part of a protected marine provincial park, ensuring that its natural beauty and ecological significance are preserved. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to help maintain the area’s pristine condition.
We dropped our anchor and put on a stern line, but soon realized this was a mistake...
The wind picked up, and we couldn't stay there - so we moved further into the cove as you see in the photo. We then took out the drone for some sunset pics.
Now for the last photo - that stands above all:
Let me know what photo you enjoyed most;) and what you think about this cove.
Thats all for today, have a great day
See you soon
