“Who Cooks for You?” and Other Quirky Finds on Cortes Island: Owls, Odd Radio, and a Free Store That Says “Steal Me”
Ah, Cortes Island. Just when I thought I knew the quirks of the Discovery Islands, along comes this eccentric, magical little speck on the map to remind me that British Columbia still has secrets. I recently spent a few days exploring the island, uncovering “Who Cooks for You?” and other quirky finds. What did I find? Three delightfully oddball treasures that made my inner curious cruiser do a happy little jig.
From owls that speak in riddles, to a radio station that feels like it belongs in a ’90s dramedy, to a store where theft isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged—Cortes offered up surprises in the best way possible, including the delightful question, “Who Cooks for You?”
1. Who Cooks for You? The Owl That Speaks in Questions
First up, the owl. Not just any owl—this was a barred owl, and apparently, they moonlight as chefs or existential philosophers.
I had just finished dinner, the sun was setting, and off in the distance, I heard, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” It was such a distinct phrase, it took me a minute to realize it wasn’t a bush-dwelling chef trying to offer dinner—it was a bird.
Barred owls are known for this unique call, which truly sounds like someone demanding to know who’s doing the cooking tonight. A local told me they’re common on Cortes and have even been known to swoop down with a dramatic flair when you least expect it.
And because this is Cortes, where even the wildlife gets poetic, the barred owl’s call felt like a prompt. A reminder to check in. “Who’s feeding your soul these days?” “Who’s setting your course?” Or maybe just a nudge to stop eating Miss Vickie’s and actually make dinner.
2. CKTZ 89.5 FM – Northern Exposure, West Coast Remix
I was told about Cortes Island Radio—CKTZ 89.5 FM—by a fellow boater. What I found was pure West Coast gold.
Imagine: One moment you’re grooving to vintage Van Morrison, the next you’re being read Rilke by a guy who sounds like he owns a pottery studio and possibly time-travels. It was giving serious Northern Exposure vibes—remember that show? John Corbett as Chris Stevens, the ponytailed philosopher DJ who’d drop Nietzsche between tracks and somehow make it sound sexy?
CKTZ is like that, but real. Their tagline is Live and Local. Some segments are slick, others sound like someone hit “record” in their converted school bus. And I mean that as the highest compliment.
You’ll hear poetry, musings about the ocean, interviews with organic kale farmers, and then suddenly—someone’s cousin on the fiddle. It’s the island’s pulse in audio form. I’ve started streaming it from the boat just to feel more Cortes-ish. It’s a vibe.
3. The Free Store Where “Shoplifting is Encouraged”
Tucked near the recycling depot is a place that defies explanation but totally deserves one: The Free Store.
Now, I’ve seen plenty of take-one-leave-one book boxes and donation bins, but this place takes the concept and flips it inside out. For starters, there’s a hand-painted sign that says “Shoplifting Encouraged.” Which, I mean—how could I not go in?
Inside, you’ll find everything from mismatched cutlery to Halloween wigs, opera CDs, garden gnomes, art supplies, fishing tackle, and a truly alarming number of 1980s motivational tapes. Total cost: zero dollars and zero cents.
Locals say it’s a bit of a community institution. A place where castoffs find new life, and where you’ll often bump into someone who swears the blender they picked up there changed their life. Honestly, it’s less a store and more a treasure hunt curated by woodland fairies with a sense of humour.
So Many Quirks, So Little Time
Cortes Island, you oddball beauty. For a cruiser like me, constantly on the lookout for hidden gems and real-deal character, this place delivered in spades. It’s easy to get caught up in “getting to the next destination”, but stops like this? They remind me why I do it.
I boat for experiences, and this was that. A place where owls heckle you from the trees, where radio isn’t just background noise but a soul-sparking soundtrack, and where “shopping” means poking through weird treasures at no cost.
If you’re cruising this way and want something delightfully offbeat, detour to Cortes. Bring a sense of wonder, an open mind, and maybe a tote bag for your free store finds.
Visit their amazing website, where you can post for a ride into town! https://www.cortesisland.com/cgi-bin/tideline/show_home.cgi
