De Courcy Island facts for kids
De Courcy Island is a lovely island found in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada. It's about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Nanaimo and 38 kilometers (24 miles) southwest of Vancouver. The island was named after Michael de Courcy, who was a captain of a ship called HMS Pylades. De Courcy Island is about 460 acres (186 hectares) in size.
This island is known for being the home of a mysterious figure called Brother XII in the 1920s. It also has a popular spot called Pirate's Cove Marine Park, which is a great place for boats to visit.
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Discover De Courcy Island
De Courcy Island is a peaceful spot in the Pacific Ocean. It's part of a group of islands that are popular for boating and exploring nature. The island offers beautiful views and a quiet escape.
Getting to the Island
You can only reach De Courcy Island by boat or by a special small plane called a floatplane. These planes can land on the water. A company called Gulf Island Seaplanes flies to the island every day, making it easier for people to visit.
The De Courcy Island Group
De Courcy Island is part of a larger group of islands that share its name. From north to south, these islands include Mudge Island, Link Island, De Courcy Island itself, Ruxton Island, and Pylades Island. This group of islands runs alongside the east coast of Vancouver Island. They are protected from the open ocean by two bigger islands, Gabriola Island and Valdes Island.
If you're coming by boat from Nanaimo in the north, you'll pass through a narrow waterway called Dodd Narrows. If you're coming from Vancouver, boats travel between Gabriola Island and Valdes Island through Gabriola Passage. Both Dodd Narrows and Gabriola Passage have strong ocean currents, so boaters need to be careful. The larger Gabriola and Valdes Islands act like a shield, keeping the smaller De Courcy group safe from the rougher waters of the Strait of Georgia.
A Bit of History: Brother XII
In the 1920s, De Courcy Island became known as the home of a very mysterious person called Brother XII. He was a leader of a unique community that lived on the island. His story is a fascinating part of the island's past.
Pirate's Cove Marine Park
One of the most popular spots on De Courcy Island is Pirate's Cove Marine Park. This park is a favorite destination for boaters. It offers a safe place to anchor boats and enjoy the island's natural beauty. Many people visit Pirate's Cove to explore the shoreline, have picnics, and enjoy the peaceful marine environment.
