Recently we thought a visit to TELEGRAPH COVE might be worthwhile event so we booked a place to stay and pointed the Acura westward. It’s a three hour, twenty minute drive from FRENCH CREEK. But it’s a most enjoyable one. Once past Campbell River the highway is a good two lane road with long straights and gentle curves. Used cruise control all the way. Some fabulous vistas of surprisingly high mountains. By the way, just past Campbell River is a view spot with a spectacular view of Seymour Narrows.
A stop on the way for a picnic beside a small lake was a hit. Just fancy Cambazola Cheese, Pate & Crackers with a sip of Pinot Grigio.
Arriving at our destination mid afternoon, we checked in and shuffled down the boardwalk to our room. Telegraph Cove is rustic and so was our room. Spotless but sort of 1950’s Auto Court. A kitchenette, a small table and two single beds. This is in a building on piling hanging over the water.
Since we were a little peckish a short walk down the boardwalk took us THE OLD SALTERY PUB, a really cute pub with a long deck overlooking the harbour. An order of Calamari with a glass of wine was so good a second was ordered. Interestingly, our server was a charming young lady from Brittany in France. Turns out that most of the staff here are from overseas. We later met a girl from Austria, two from New Zealand and another from Germany. All were loving the west coast experience. We were, too as we watched a variety of boats come into the marina.
We took a tour of the boardwalk along which are a bunch of old houses, cottages, a bunkhouse, a restaurant, a whale museum and more.
All rustic and totally charming. There are a variety of accommodations here including a 100 site campground. For more information go to
Dinner was in the KILLER WHALE CAFE, right beside the pub. Its quite large and was full on a Wednesday night. Since we had overindulged in Calamari we opted to just order an entree. No appetizer or salad. Sheila chose the Chicken Souvlaki with Pita Bread and I liked the Seafood Carbonara. Both were delicious. A half litre of Pinot Grigio washed it down. We had a window table with a view of the Marina. We enjoyed it all. Check out the menu here. https://telegraphcoveresort.com/2021-dinner-menu/
Thursday morning, even though the room had a kitchen and I’d packed coffee and our French Press, I sallied forth to Sally’s Coffee and picked up some pastries and coffee to savour in our room. And we did.
After check out we drove to Port McNeill and back. Nothing in McNeill warrants a visit in my opinion. Back at Telegraph we hit the pub again for lunch. A bowl of Seafood Chowder for both of us and to my delight I found FISH TACOS. They were good too. But different. Small pieces of Cod pan fried rather than a single piece found elsewhere.
We loved our visit to TELEGRAPH COVE and would certainly go again. If you are looking for funky, rustic, historic, this is the place.
Just saying…
MURPH..Just Saying. 