Cortes Island is one of the series of Discovery Islands in British Columbia, Canada. Cortez Island is located roughly halfway between Powell River and Campbell River and is favourite getaway site for people. The island is 25 km long, 13 km wide, and 130 sq. km. in area. It has a population of 952 permanent residents (1996 census). It is named after Hernando Cortes, the Spanish conqueror of Mexico. It is accessed by ferry from Quadra Island which is itself accessed from Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Desolation Sound is off the east shore of the island.