In Depth in Telegraph Cove

Telegraph Cove (pop. 20), 22km (14 driving miles) southeast of Port McNeill -- by way of the Island Highway and then a stretch of paved and gravel road -- has an unusual story. The town's handful of permanent residents lives in one of the few remaining elevated-boardwalk villages on Vancouver Island, overlooking Johnstone Strait. This postcard-perfect fishing village's buildings are perched on stilts over the water, making it an entertaining destination for a stroll.

First a sawmill and fishing port, then an army camp, now a resort, Telegraph Cove bustles in summer. The town is largely dominated by comfortably rustic Telegraph Cove Resort, which offers many historic boardwalk homes as rental units. With a good restaurant, busy boat basin, and wonderful bay and island views, the resort village is a longtime family favorite.