Community Mourns Loss of Tourism Hub and Educational Center

Telegraph Cove Resort Devastated by Fire

The Telegraph Cove Resort, a thriving ecotourism hub on northeast Vancouver Island, was severely damaged in a massive fire on Tuesday morning. The blaze consumed the resort's waterfront boardwalk and reduced its centrepiece attractions to charred rubble.

Founded in 1979 by Gordie and Marilyn Graham, the resort was more than just a business to them. "It is our home, our history, and our legacy," Gordie Graham said in a statement. "My wife and I are nearing retirement. We are devastated to witness our life’s work, which I milled and built with my own hands, go up in flames."

The fire destroyed several key buildings, including the Old Saltery Pub, the Killer Whale Cafe, Wastell Manor heritage house, offices for the Prince of Whales whale-watching business, and staff housing. The Whale Interpretive Centre, a museum housing numerous specimens including a 20-metre fin whale skeleton, was also lost.

Fire crews from Alert Bay, Hyde Creek, and Port Hardy worked to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The loss of the resort is a major blow to the North Island community. "This is a devastating loss to the North Island," said David Summers, director of the Mount Waddington Regional District. "That whale museum, I mean, it was spectacular. It had the skeletons of every kind of whale and sea mammal and sea lion people come from all over the world to go there."

Telegraph Cove Resort was closed for the season and no guests were on site at the time of the fire. The resort is asking the public to stay away from the property for safety reasons.

"We deeply appreciate the efforts of the first responders and the ongoing support of our community during this challenging time," the resort said in a statement. "Telegraph Cove has always been a place of connection and renewal. While today we mourn, we also look to the future with hope.