Earls Cove, British Columbia

Location of Earls Cove, British Columbia

The BC Ferries docks

Earls Cove is a small settlement located on Jervis Inlet in the Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia. It is a terminal for the BC Ferries route across the inlet to Powell River. Earls Cove is the at the north end of the Sechelt Peninsula and on the east side of the mouth of Jervis Inlet, adjacent to Agamemnon Channel, across which is Nelson Island.

Name origin

Historically, Earls Cove was named indirectly after an early pioneer of the area, Mr. Earl: the name was officialized in the plural form (rather than the possessive "Earl's") at the request of the community, as there were several families named Earl in the area.

Access and BC Ferries

Earls Cove is accessed by ferry terminal and paved highway. From the Lower Mainland, BC Ferries provides service from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. From Langdale, Highway 101 runs to the end of the Sunshine Coast at the community of Lund; Earls Cove and the ferry from it to Saltery Bay is approximately midway between Langdale and Lund. The trip by ferry from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay takes about 50 minutes. The distance from Vancouver to Earls Cove is 136 kilometers (85 mi). The ferry trip across the mouth of Jervis Inlet provides passengers with scenery little changed from when Captain George Vancouver explored the area in 1792.

Climate

The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name - generally winters are mild and wet, and the summers drier than many other coastal areas. Average temperatures range from 4°C (39°F) in January to 18°C (64°F) in July. Average rainfall is about 100 cm (39 in); mild weather patterns mean that snowfall in the area is very light. The temperate climate has made this a popular area for retirees and vacationers looking for outdoor recreational opportunities of all sorts.

Attractions

In terms of attractions, Nearby Sakinaw and Ruby Lakes are noted for their trout fishing in season, they are also freshwater havens for canoers and kayakers. Other attractions include Ruby Lake Lagoon which is home to over 80 species of birds, as well as other animals. Wildlife watchers can observe Wood Duck, painted turtles, beavers, otters, elk, deer and bears. The northern terminus of the Suncoaster Trail, a 33 km (21 mi) trail popular with hikers and bikers, is at Klein Lake, just east of Earls Cove. NIHO strongly recommends before attempting any hike in this region you first purchase a hiking guide from a local bookstore. There are several Provincial Parks in the area, including Musket Island Marine Park. Ambrose Lake Ecological Reserve preserves a small coastal lake, adjacent bogland, and surrounding forest, and is open to the public for non-destructive pursuits like hiking, nature observation and photography.

References

• "Earls Cove (locality)". BC Geographical Names Information System. http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/bcgn-bin/bcg10?name=34710. Template:If both