Drifter’s Cove is a privately owned, hand crafted, wilderness retreat on Denny Island, British Columbia, Canada. We are in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world. The property is currently “off-the-grid” with a large garden and rich local seafood sources making a self-sustaining green community possible.
Drifter’s History
Born in Langley British Columbia (BC), owner and entrepreneur Kevin Heneghan has worked in forestry, marine mechanics, construction and more recently tourism.
As a young man Kevin earned a diploma in Natural Resources and began his career in forestry within BC. He first worked in the Vancouver watersheds and later Bella Coola.
With the downturn in the forestry industry Kevin underwent a career shift and became a marine mechanic specializing in outboard motors. He moved to Shearwater on Denny Island in 2000 where he ran the local mechanics shop. Within two years he acquired 70 acres of land on Denny Island which is now known as Drifter’s Cove.
At the time of purchase the land was untouched. Kevin logged parts of the back of the property and developed a road which could be used for future development.
The more time Kevin spent on the property the more he fell in love with it. He began to envision a retreat designed to educate others about a self-sustaining lifestyle. Over the years he has been working to turn that dream into a reality.
The Early Years
During his early years at the cove Kevin lived in a 12-man logging float camp. He had no generator, no electricity and no infrastructure. Every time the Queen of the North passed by a wave of water flowed through his living room. By his second year onboard the float camp began to sink forcing Kevin to clear a part of the property and move to pioneer tent where he spent that winter.
Kevin spent the next summer hand-building a 12 x 12 foot trappers cabin with a loft using his chainsaw mill. He lived in that cabin for the next two years in fairly rough conditions with no running water, no toilet and shower. He showered outside using a long copper coil which he would run water through and heat with a fire near on the beach. When he was able, he built a laundry/shower shed.
The Kingfisher
Next on his list was a one-bedroom cabin with a loft near the front of the property. Digging the foundation by hand, and built mainly from beach combed wood, Kevin was able to erect the Kingfisher with the help of friends. Three-years after starting, as soon as there was a roof, Kevin was able to relocate to the new cabin.
Dock Space
After completing the first cabin Kevin focused his attention on building the main dock. The local community came out for a work party and they were able erect the dock’s main posts within a day. The 80-foot-long float and 50-foot-long ramp took 2-3 years to complete. The project would not have been possible without the help of friends, in particular, Rob Flemmings.
In 2008 a second dock was built closer to the front of the property. The main structure was completed that year but not put into use until it recently became a heli-pad.
The Whale Deck
One day, while building his wind generator shed, Kevin looked toward the water and a humpback-whale breached in front of him. He decided at that moment that it would be a great place for a deck and immediately started work on the project. The whale deck overlooking Lama Pass has made it possible for family members and guests to enjoy the many sights Kevin has seen from over his years from the property. The deck has since been transformed into Kevin’s private home and includes an outdoor kitchen and communal dining space.
The Orca Cabin
Before Kevin was able to complete his next cabin he was diagnosed with cancer. Travel to and from the city for chemotherapy and surgery became part of his regular routine. Whenever he returned to the cove he resumed construction on the cabin as it helped keep his mind of cancer. The Orca Cabin was completed just after Kevin turned 45 years old.
The Raven’s Nest
In May, 2017 Kevin resigned from his mechanics job in Shearwater to pursue his personal goals. He is now working full-time at building the wilderness retreat in his cove. Most recently he added more dock space, upgraded the solar power throughout the property, and added the Raven’s Nest and a Kayak shack.
