Tragic Fire at Telegraph Cove: Rebuilding with Hope

On December 31, 2024, a devastating fire ravaged a significant portion of the historic boardwalk in Telegraph Cove, resulting in the loss of the Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC) and its invaluable collection of marine mammal skeletons and educational resources.

However, the unwavering support from the board of directors, local communities, and well-wishers around the world has reignited hope and determination. Together, we’re committed to rebuilding the WIC and the community of Telegraph Cove.

Thank you to everyone who has offered support and stands with us. Every contribution, regardless of size, will directly fund the rebuilding process. Your generosity will help us create a new WIC in the coming year.

Click here to visit the fundraising page.

Catherine, a pilot in training at Sealand Aviation in Campbell River has made a name for herself with a recent accomplishment. She is the first student pilot in Canada to take a solo flight (without an instructor) while flying an electric airplane in a Velis Electro.

A cedar waxwing brings a gift of a dragonfly for its partner (summer photo) in British Columbia.

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Snow is expected to start Friday evening and continue into Saturday, with more snow coming.

• Ensure you have chains that fit your vehicle, know how to use them, and plan to use them.
• Chains may be required both up and down the access road. Vehicles without chains will be denied access.
• Make sure your chains are the right size and in good condition.
• Tire chains are often required for all vehicles, including 4x4s with good snow tires.
• Unprepared drivers put everyone at risk.
• Bring a shovel in case you need to dig out.

Telegraph Cove Resort, a cherished destination on the northeast corner of Vancouver Island, faced a devastating structural fire in the early hours of December 31, 2024. The fire left parts of the resort smouldering, marking a tragic end to the year. Key areas affected included a portion of the boardwalk, the Old Saltery Pub, Killer Whale Café, Wastell Manor heritage house, Whale Interpretive Centre, Prince of Whales offices, and staff housing.

The resort has deep roots in the community, tracing back to Gordie and Marilyn Graham’s acquisition in 1979. Initially a campground and marina, it became a formal resort in the early 1980s, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond. Its picturesque setting and historic charm have made it a cornerstone of Telegraph Cove.

The impact of the fire has resonated deeply with the Graham family, the local community, seasonal staff, and businesses reliant on the resort’s operations. “This resort isn’t just a business to us—it is our home, our history, and our legacy,” said Gordie Graham. “As my wife and I near retirement, we are heartbroken to see our life’s work, built with my own hands, go up in flames. While we are grateful no one was harmed, we are living through one of our worst nightmares.”

The fire’s cause is under investigation by local authorities. While the financial losses are significant, the emotional toll is immeasurable.

Demonstrating resilience, the family acknowledges the need for time and support to rebuild. “Telegraph Cove has always been a place of connection and renewal. Today, we mourn, but we also look to the future with hope. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and concern from our community,” said Marilyn Graham. “Every message is deeply appreciated.”

Image and video credit to the Alert Bay Fire Department.

The Telegraph Cove Resort website is posting updates.

As the holiday season approaches, Vancouver Island is expected to experience several rounds of precipitation. However, unless you’re heading to the mountains, a white Christmas is unlikely.

Matt Loney, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, explained that the likelihood of snow is “very low to minimal, or even zero.”

Meteorologists have run models consistently over the past few days, and the results have remained unchanged. “The models are showing a consistent response, which reinforces the idea that low-level snow is unlikely for Vancouver Island,” Loney said. “It’s very unlikely we’ll see any Arctic air before Christmas.”

So, whether you’re celebrating a winter holiday or not, it seems Vancouver Island will be snow-free this Christmas.

Rain, however, is expected around several key dates: the Winter Solstice on December 21, Christmas Day, the start of Hanukkah on December 25, and Kwanzaa starting on December 26.

For those planning to visit higher elevations, such as Mount Washington or Mount Cain, snow conditions should be favorable. “The snow and freezing levels will be enough to create a good snowpack at Mount Washington for Christmas,” Loney noted.

While snow is unlikely for most of Vancouver Island, heavy rainfall is much more probable. Forecast models show incoming disturbances, with the mid-Island region likely to see the heaviest rainfall.

“There’s still some uncertainty in the models,” Loney said, “but stormy weather is definitely on the way.”