Every account we read of Elfin Cove describes it as a charming “edge of the world” type boardwalk settlement. They are not wrong and it lives up to its hyperbole.

Visitor berthing is available on either side of a long well  maintained pontoon in the outer harbour. The Navionics charts show obstructions on the east side of the pontoon but the local fishermen say both sides are clear and we tied up on the eastern side without problem.

There is no harbour master (or berthing fees!) and berthing is on a first come first served basis. This is primarily a fishing harbour and if the wharf is busy you should expect to have small trolling fishing boats rafting up with you. There is no water or electricity on the pontoons, although fuel and propane can be obtained from the jetty just to the south west of the main pontoon. The latter is only accessible to deep draught vessels at high water. 

Whilst anchoring in the approach fairway would be theoretically possible, it is used by float planes as their runway 4 or 5 times a day in summer so it would be dangerous to do so. The inner harbour basin has private berths and it would be unadvisable to enter the narrow channel into it without local advice and guidance. 

Ashore there is a charming pub serving a small range of remarkably good no nonsense food, a post office and a shop. The 6 or 7 luxury sports fishing lodges do not appear to offer any facilities for casual walk in guests. 

Elfin Cove supports a small but vibrant community of trolling fishing boats in the summer, most of whom seem to live on their boats. However it is understood that the number of permanent residents living in the settlement year round has dwindled to 6 or 7. The majority of inhabitants in the summer are transients from the  sports fishing camps.