Telegraph Cove Heritage Collection
A heartfelt tribute to a place that I have loved for over 50 years.
My Connection to Telegraph Cove
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My connection to Telegraph Cove began long before it became the internationally recognized destination it is today.
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As a young girl growing up in Vancouver, I visited my aunt and uncle in Telegraph Cove during the early 1970s. Those visits felt like stepping into another world. The sawmill was still operating, and I remember watching the Gikumi tied alongside the dock as she was loaded with lumber. At the time, no one could have imagined that this hardworking vessel would one day become British Columbia's first whale-watching boat.
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My love for Telegraph Cove and Northern Vancouver Island only grew stronger over the years, and in the early 1990s, I made the North Island my home.
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Since then, I have had the privilege of watching Telegraph Cove evolve from a hardworking coastal community into one of British Columbia's most beloved seaside villages, while never losing the history, character, and connection to the ocean that first captured my imagination as a young girl.
Many of the paintings in this collection are inspired by those early memories and the decades that followed. Through my artwork, I hope to preserve not only the beauty of Telegraph Cove, but also the stories, history, and spirit of a place that has been an important part of my life for more than fifty years.
Stories of Telegraph Cove
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Every painting in this collection is inspired by a place, a landmark, or a memory from Telegraph Cove. Some preserve historic buildings that still stand today, while others capture places that have changed over time. Together they tell the story of a remarkable coastal community that has evolved from a working waterfront into one of British Columbia's most iconic destinations. If a painting captures your interest, click "Continue reading" to discover the history and inspiration behind it.
A Passage Through Time
A Passage Through Time
This painting captures Telegraph Cove from a viewpoint just outside the community, looking across the water toward one of British Columbia's most treasured historic villages. It is a perspective that showcases the colourful waterfront buildings, the peaceful harbour, and the lodge that was added in more recent years, reflecting the community as it continues to evolve while honouring its past. As a young girl visiting my aunt and uncle, Telegraph Cove quickly became one of my favourite places. Every visit brought familiar sights, the quiet harbour, and the feeling of stepping into a community where history was still very much alive. Over the decades, I have watched Telegraph Cove grow from a small working village into a destination known around the world, while somehow retaining the character and charm that first captured my heart. The calm waters mirror more than the buildings—they reflect generations of memories. They remind me of summers spent with family, walking the boardwalk, watching the activity around the cove, and developing a lifelong love for this remarkable place. Since this painting was completed, a devastating fire destroyed several of the historic buildings at the end of the boardwalk. Rather than changing the character of Telegraph Cove, the owners thoughtfully rebuilt them in keeping with their original design, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere and rich history that make this community so special. Their commitment ensures that future generations will continue to experience the timeless charm that has welcomed visitors for decades. For me, A Passage Through Time is both a celebration of Telegraph Cove's beauty and a tribute to a community that honours its past while looking confidently toward its future.
"Some places don't simply preserve history—they invite us to become part of it."
The Old Saltery Pub
The Old Saltery Pub & The Killer Whale Café and Restaurant​
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Long before Telegraph Cove became known as one of the world's premier whale-watching destinations, it was a thriving working waterfront. One of the village's earliest industries was fish processing, and the saltery played an important role in preserving the catch before refrigeration became common. Salt-cured fish could be shipped to markets around the world, helping establish Telegraph Cove as an important coastal community. ​ In later years, the historic building was lovingly transformed into The Old Saltery Pub, while The Killer Whale Café and Restaurant became a favourite gathering place for both locals and visitors. Together, they welcomed travellers from around the world, where stories were shared, adventures were planned, and memories were made after a day on the water. ​ I painted this scene before the devastating fire of December 31, 2024, preserving the landmark as I had known it through decades of visiting Telegraph Cove. What began as a painting celebrating one of the village's iconic waterfront buildings has since become a record of an important piece of its history. ​ Although the original buildings were lost in the fire, the story did not end there. In July 2026, a faithful replica was completed, once again welcoming visitors to Telegraph Cove. The rebuilding reflects the resilience of the community and its commitment to preserving the history and spirit of this remarkable village.
"Though buildings may change, the memories created within them become part of a community forever."
Down on the Boardwalk
Down on the Boardwalk
One of Telegraph Cove's most distinctive features is its wooden boardwalk, where nearly every historic building stands on pilings above the water. ​ Built to accommodate the village's rugged shoreline, the boardwalk became the main street of the community, connecting homes, businesses, and the bustling waterfront.Today, walking these weathered planks is like stepping back in time. Many of the buildings remain much as they were decades ago, preserving the character and charm that make Telegraph Cove such a unique place. Every stroll along the boardwalk offers a glimpse into the village's rich maritime heritage and reminds me why it continues to inspire so many of my paintings.
"The best memories are often made one slow walk at a time."
The One Room Schoolhouse
In the early 1930s, life in the remote community of Telegraph Cove came with many challenges, including providing an education for the children who lived there. The provincial government would only fund a teacher's salary if the community could provide a school building, living quarters for the teacher, school supplies, and an enrollment of at least ten students. The residents met those requirements, and in 1934, the first Telegraph Cove Schoolhouse opened its doors. More than just a classroom, it became a symbol of the determination and commitment of the families who called this small waterfront community home. Today, the schoolhouse stands as a reminder of a time when Telegraph Cove was a thriving community built around the forest, the sawmill, and the waterfront. Although it no longer serves as a school, it remains one of the village's treasured historic landmarks, preserving an important chapter in Telegraph Cove's history.
One Room Schoolhouse
"Every community is built upon the lessons, dreams, and determination of those who came before us."
Enjoying Retirement
For decades, this weathered old pickup truck has quietly rested along Telegraph Cove's historic boardwalk. Once built for hard work, it now spends its days overlooking the waterfront, greeting visitors from around the world who often stop to admire it or capture a photograph. Like many of Telegraph Cove's historic buildings, the truck has become part of the village's unique character. Its faded paint, worn wood, and rusted metal tell a story of years spent serving a hardworking coastal community before settling into a slower pace of life. When I painted Enjoying Retirement, I wanted to celebrate one of Telegraph Cove's most beloved landmarks. It may no longer carry heavy loads or travel the logging roads, but it continues to remind visitors of the community's rich history and the generations of people who helped shape this remarkable place.
"After a lifetime of hard work, some legends earn the perfect place to rest."
Enjoying Retirement
Window Reflections
Window Reflections
Some of the most beautiful views in Telegraph Cove aren't found by looking out across the water—they're discovered in the reflections of its historic buildings. This painting captures the windows of the former General Store and Post Office, once a central gathering place in the community. Rather than painting the building itself, I was drawn to what the windows reflected: the calm waters of Johnstone Strait, the distant Coastal Mountains, and the ever-changing sky beyond. For generations, these windows have overlooked life in Telegraph Cove. They have reflected passing boats, changing tides, summer visitors, and the quiet beauty that has made this place so memorable to so many. As I painted, I couldn't help but think that the windows had witnessed decades of history while quietly mirroring the landscape outside. The reflections became a reminder that even familiar places can reveal something entirely different when viewed from a new perspective. Today, the building remains an important part of Telegraph Cove's heritage, and I hope this painting invites viewers to pause, look a little closer, and discover the beauty reflected in both the windows and the history they have quietly observed.
"Every window offers a different view, but the most meaningful ones invite us to look a little closer."
Now and Then
Telegraph Cove has changed dramatically over the years, but if you know where to look, traces of its working past can still be found. This painting was inspired by the old sawmill site, where only a few reminders of the once-bustling operation remain. Standing there today, it's difficult to imagine the activity that once filled the cove. Through the opening between the historic buildings, I chose to paint the sawmill as it once stood—bringing the past into the present and creating a glimpse of then within now. As a young girl visiting my aunt and uncle, I remember the unmistakable scent of freshly cut lumber drifting through the air, mingling with the fresh ocean breeze. My uncle worked at the sawmill, and I remember it as a busy place where logs arrived, lumber was milled, and hardworking people supported not only Telegraph Cove but many of the surrounding coastal communities. Today, the machinery has fallen silent, but the stories remain. I wanted this painting to honour the people who built their lives around the mill and to preserve a piece of Telegraph Cove's industrial heritage before it fades into memory. For me, Now and Then is a reminder that every historic place holds two landscapes—the one we see today and the one remembered by those who were fortunate enough to experience it.
"History doesn't disappear—it quietly lives on in the places we remember."
Now and Then
The Story of the Gikumi
​ Before becoming British Columbia's first whale-watching vessel, the Gikumi worked as a freight boat serving Telegraph Cove's sawmill. I still remember watching her tied alongside the dock as she was loaded with lumber—a memory that stayed with me for decades and eventually inspired this painting. The Gikumi's remarkable journey mirrors Telegraph Cove's own transformation from a working waterfront community to one of the world's most celebrated whale-watching destinations.
"Sometimes the greatest journeys begin only after the first chapter has ended."
The Gikumi
Up on Stilts
The distinctive stilted homes of Telegraph Cove are among the community's most recognizable landmarks. Built above the shoreline to accommodate the changing tides, they have become enduring symbols of a place shaped by both the sea and the people who made their lives here. This home, built in the 1930s by Jim Sharpe, tells the story of one of those remarkable individuals. A skilled craftsman and millwright, Jim played an important role in the early years of Telegraph Cove's sawmill. In an isolated coastal community where replacement parts could take weeks to arrive by boat, ingenuity was essential. Through his mechanical skills and resourcefulness, he helped keep the mill operating during a time when every piece of equipment was vital to the community's livelihood. As I painted this home, I found myself thinking about the generations of families who lived and worked along this waterfront. Behind every historic building is a story of perseverance, craftsmanship, and neighbours working together to build a thriving coastal community. These homes are more than beautiful examples of early architecture—they are reminders of the people whose dedication helped shape Telegraph Cove into the place it is today. Standing quietly above the tide after nearly a century, this home continues to watch over the historic boardwalk, preserving a small but important chapter in Telegraph Cove's remarkable history.
"Every old home holds more than memories—it carries the quiet strength of those who built a community."
Up On Stilts
Stilted Reflections
One of Telegraph Cove's most distinctive features is its collection of historic homes and buildings standing on wooden pilings above the shoreline. Built to accommodate the changing tides and the practical needs of a working waterfront, these stilted structures have become enduring symbols of the community's rich coastal heritage. This painting celebrates more than the buildings themselves. The still waters below create reflections that seem to connect the past with the present, doubling the beauty of the historic waterfront. On calm days, it becomes difficult to tell where the buildings end and their reflections begin, reminding us that Telegraph Cove's history continues to shape the community we see today. Over the years, these homes have sheltered generations of families whose lives revolved around the rhythm of the tides, the sawmill, fishing boats, and the close-knit spirit of a small coastal village. Though their purpose has evolved, the buildings remain an important reminder of the resilience, craftsmanship, and determination that built Telegraph Cove. As I painted this scene, I was drawn to the quiet simplicity of the moment. There were no crowds, no rushing boats—only still water, weathered buildings, and reflections that seemed to hold decades of stories. It is this peaceful atmosphere that continues to make Telegraph Cove such a special place to visit. Today, these historic homes remain among the most photographed landmarks in Telegraph Cove, preserving the character and charm that have captivated visitors for generations.
"Sometimes the calmest waters reveal the deepest reflections."
Stilted Reflections
Window of Opportunity
Some windows allow us to look outside. Others invite us to look beyond. Painted from the historic Whale Interpretive Centre before the 2024 fire, this window frames one of Telegraph Cove's most inspiring views. Reflected in the glass are the waters of Johnstone Strait, the distant Coastal Mountains, and the ever-changing sky that has welcomed visitors to this remarkable place for generations. For me, this window represents more than a beautiful view. It is an invitation to discover everything that makes Telegraph Cove so unforgettable. Beyond the glass lies a world of adventure—whale watching in the waters of Blackfish Sound and Johnstone Strait, kayaking along quiet shorelines, world-class fishing, and unforgettable encounters with the wildlife that call this coast home. The Whale Interpretive Centre has long inspired visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for the marine life and natural history of our coast. Although the original building was lost to fire, the Centre has been thoughtfully rebuilt and is reopening in August 2026, continuing its important role in educating and inspiring future generations. As I painted this window, I realized it symbolized something much greater than the view itself. Every visitor who looks through it sees an opportunity—whether it's the chance to learn, to explore, to experience nature, or simply to pause and appreciate the extraordinary beauty of Northern Vancouver Island.
"Every great adventure begins with the courage to look beyond the window before you."
A Window of Opportunity
Island Allure
Island Allure
From across the harbour, Telegraph Cove reveals itself as a community nestled between the forest and the sea. The historic buildings stretch gracefully along the shoreline, framed by towering evergreens and reflected in the calm waters that have defined life here for generations. This panoramic painting captures the village as a whole, celebrating the unique relationship between nature and history that makes Telegraph Cove so special. While the buildings speak of its pioneering past, the surrounding wilderness reminds us that this remarkable community has always existed in harmony with the rugged beauty of Northern Vancouver Island. When I stand back and take in this view, I'm reminded that Telegraph Cove has never been about a single building or landmark. It is the feeling of the entire place that leaves a lasting impression—the quiet harbour, the weathered boardwalk, the forested hillsides, and the timeless rhythm of life on the water. Together they create an atmosphere that continues to draw visitors from around the world. After completing this painting, I noticed something I hadn't intended. The shape created by the village and its reflection resembles a fish, almost as if the harbour itself was quietly acknowledging the generations of fishermen, marine life, and coastal traditions that have always been part of Telegraph Cove. It was an unexpected discovery, and one that has become one of my favourite details in the painting.
"Some places capture our attention. Others quietly capture our hearts."