Cortes Island, Eagle Acres

Lots of possibilities here. Known as “Eagle Acres”, this substantial 160 acre property is situated on the south end of Cortes Island adjacent to Smelt Bay Provincial Park. This offering encompasses a number of benefits and features. Eagle Acres is known not only for having its own private airstrip, it also functions as a Bed and Breakfast and is home to an aggregate supply business.

The acreage has an almost level topography with a road bordering the entire perimeter of the property. It’s a nicely treed acreage with a variety of vegetation such as Cedar, Fir, Pine and Alder in different stages of maturity, plus many other indigenous plants and interesting landscape and water features in a few choice locations.

The rustic and charming 5 bedroom/6 bathroom, approximately 4400 sq.ft. main residence has two additional self contained one bedroom guest suites plus a modest detached cabin and sheltered 5th wheel for additional accommodations. From the 2200 sq.ft. of deck space on the front of this lodge style home you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mainland and Vancouver Island mountains.

The 3100 ft airstrip is one of only two private air strips within the Discovery Islands region and something that is likely never to be duplicated again due to zoning and bylaw regulations. Transport Canada inspected this recognized and approved airstrip which could be easily extended by approximately 600 ft.

Permitted uses include private and charter flights. Effectively, everything related to airstrips with the exception of regularly scheduled commercial services. Details are noted in the CARs (Canadian Aviation Regulations Supplement). An excellent choice for a flying club.

Another business component also included in this offering is a sand, gravel and other aggregates supply business, which is in fact licensed and permitted with the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The only licensed operation of its kind on Cortes Island. The necessary equipment to operate the business is included; a summary list includes a D8 Caterpillar, 2 580B Backhoes, an unlicensed gravel screening truck, 12 yard tandem International dump truck, 6 yard diesel gravel dump truck and a 120 Hitachi excavator amongst a variety of other smaller sundry equipment.

Cortes Island has a population of around 1000 people. A relaxed rural lifestyle is evident throughout, particularly in the Community Hall, which hosts the Post Office, Library and small College. “Downtown Manson’s” includes the School, Medical Centre, Cortes Market General Store, restaurant, credit union, fire hall, museum and future housing for seniors. Undeveloped commercial land provides for future expansion. Provincial Parks with beaches, public dock and freshwater lakes are minutes away.

Cortes Island, part of the Discovery Islands is considered a major gateway to the very popular Desolation Sound region; well known for its waterfalls, secret coves, rock cliffs and tranquil natural beauty with plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and bears. For the outdoor enthusiast it is truly one of the best jumping off points for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, prawning, kayaking & hiking. This area enjoys a nice temperate climate and the waters here are warmer than in most other areas on the coast.

Access to Cortes Island is a 45-minute trip via regularly scheduled ferry service from Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. Quadra Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River. During the summer months there is also regular float plane service from Vancouver and Seattle directly into Cortes Bay.