Welcome!

The Cortes Island Museum & Archives offers engaging year-round exhibitions and programs. We are place to reflect on the social and natural history of Cortes Island and the region, imagine a shared future, and celebrate this special place we call home.

Housed in the former Cortez Lodge Store and conveniently located in “downtown” Mansons, the Museum has been serving visitors and the community alike since 1996. We continue to grow thanks to volunteer efforts and our island can-do spirit.

Admission is free with donations much appreciated.

Browse our Online Archives, home to more than 4,000 digitized historical photos!

Misty Isles Historic Cruises

2023 Cortes Museum Cruises with Misty Isles Adventures Sail from Cortes Island back into an earlier era in Desolation Sound on interpretive voyages aboard the schooner Misty Isles.  Famous for its spectacular mountains and fjords, much of Desolation Sound is designated as a marine park and is abundant with wildlife.  In addition to its natural beauty, it’s...

What's On

The Mother Tree
The Cortes Wild! partnership invites everyone to celebrate forest with us with The Mother Tree exhibition. Bring the whole family! The exhibit opened on Earth Day, 22 April 2023. Photo credit:...
Wayfinding: Stories of Maps and Place
Wayfinding: Stories of Maps & Place The exhibition opened on March 26 and will continue through December 2023. Wayfinding is about how we navigate and understand the world around us....

News & Events

Lagoon Gumbooting with Deb and Jane – July 3
Lagoon Gumbooting walks offer a fascinating low tide exploration of Manson’s Lagoon. You will discover...
Creative Spaces: Garden & Studio Tour – July 8
Saturday, July 8, 9:30 to 4:30 Cortes Island Museum invites you to join us in...
Low Tide Reef Exploration Cruise – July 13
Thursday, July 13 – EXPLORE AMAZING REEF LIFE AT LOW TIDE! Investigate and explore the...
Visitors Information Booth
Tourist/Visitor Information Booth at the Cortes Island Museum provides maps and brochures about Cortes Island....
Book Your Misty Isles Cruise
Book your spot for Misty Isles historic cruise. All cruises are guided by a historian...
Heritage Garden – Roses About to Bloom!
Visit our heritage garden. Now with roses about to bloom.