British Columbia’s west coast offers endless places to explore by boat. From the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and the Broughton’s, to Nootka Sound and Quatsino Sound, there are endless options for your boating adventures! Amongst all these fantastic options is lesser known Hesquiat Harbour in Clayoquot Sound, the home of Cougar Annie’s garden.
Hesquiat Harbour was the home of Ada Annie Rae-Arthur, better know as Cougar Annie (June 19, 1888 to April 28, 1985). Cougar Annie was a pioneer who settled on a remote homestead in Clayoquot Sound. Over the years Cougar Annie killed around 62 cougars and 80 black bears, defending her garden, goats and chickens. Cougar Annie’s garden is one of British Columbia’s oldest rural gardens that dates back over 100 years.
Upon Cougar Annie’s death, a good friend, Peter Buckland, purchased the property from her estate and worked at restoring her garden. In 1995, he established Boat Basin Foundation to manage the property going forward.
Cougar Annie’s homestead is a tribute to the pioneer woman she was. Now, with apparently two kilometres of interconnected trails that meander around the garden, Cougar Annie’s garden is a great stop on your west coast cruise. Take a walk in the garden, envisioning Cougar Annie’s life and appreciating the life of our pioneers and a little piece of history. Cougar Annie’s homestead is just another great place to add to your cruising bucket list!
Go to the Boat Basin Foundation for more information about Cougar Annie’s garden.
sounds very exciting 🙂
I wish there are photos of the place. It sounds interesting. I hope I could visit someday