Canoe Island's surface is mostly forested with second-growth cedar, fir, hemlock, and madrona, with some old-growth trees, too.

Specifically, Canoe Island may have been part of the territory of the Lhaq'temish (Lummi), Tulalip, S'Klallam, and Samish Nations.

[5] Additional surveys by Captain George Henry in the 1850s and 1860s describe the channel surrounding Canoe Island as a safe passage with mild tides.

[7] Shortly thereafter, the U.S. government sent a team of Army Engineers under the command of General Nathaniel Michler to determine the most favorable sites for military fortifications within the San Juan Islands.

In 1898, I. J. Lichtenberg obtained the lease of Canoe Island for $1, with the stipulation that he be prepared to leave the reserve at any time the government deemed it necessary for military operations.

In 1913, Canoe Island briefly became the location of a manhunt that involved a criminal chase across multiple islands.The search began on Orcas, where two men arrived by skiff before boarding a ship for Bellingham.

When their boat was found adrift, a search turned up a pocketbook with several documents related to bank robberies and other crimes committed in Canada.

The authorities failed to capture the man despite a $1500 reward, though his camp on Shaw was found and it contained bloody bandages.

The sheriff and Canadian authorities eventually gave up after a two-week search, believing that the man was still hiding on Shaw and receiving help from local residents.

French language classes are offered, and campers participate in other activities including art, archery, fencing, kayaking, and theater.

Canoe Island French Camp seeks to give campers the tools they need to lead meaningful and successful lives resulting in positive impacts on their communities and the world.

[21] The fictional story follows a teenager growing of age using life experiences, including those drawn from a visit to Canoe Island.