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Island in British Columbia, Canada
Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Quadra Island is the largest island in and the gateway to the Discovery Islands off the coast of British Columbia. The waters surrounding here are popular with boaters and kayakers, and viewing/kayaking with orcas has become a popular attraction. On land, there are hiking and biking trails and First Nations history to explore.
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Museum and cultural center with photos, videos and exhibits that tell the history and culture of the local Kwak'wala, Laich-Kwil-Tach and K'omoks peoples. The centre holds an important collection of art from earlier times, items that were repatriated after many years from museums elsewhere. The highlight is the Sacred Potlatch Collection. The adjacent House of Eagles Carving and Education Centre has a photo collection, totem poles, as well as periodic cultural performances. There are also gardens and a gift shop with First Nations themed books, souvenirs and original artwork.
Picturesque spot at the southern end of Quadra Island, which also marks the entrance to Discovery Passage. The original lighthouse, now used as a house, was built in 1898. The current lighthouse was built in 1916 and is one of the few lighthouses in Canada that is still staffed. Please note there is no entry to the lighthouse and no tours.
There are a number of petroglyphs — figures or pictures engraved on rocks — on Quadra Island. Some can be viewed at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre. Another easily accessible spot is on the beach south of Cape Mudge Lighthouse and near the Tsa-kwa-luten Lodge. The rocks with the petroglyphs require some hunting and are only visible at low tide. Visitors are asked to show respect and not disturb the petroglyphs or take rubbings. If you want a rubbing of a petroglyph as a souvenir, it can be arranged through the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre.
A popular hiking and rock climbing area. There are three peaks (North Peak, South Peak and Beeches Mtn) with some great views of the Discovery Islands and across to the Coast Mountains on the mainland and the ranges on Vancouver Island. The North and South Peaks are closest to the parking lot; the South Peak is shorter but steeper, while the North Peak is a bit longer but more gradual. All three peaks can be done in a 5 km loop. Overall hike difficulty is considered moderate (the peaks range from 305-460 m above sea level).
Day use park near Heriot Bay. There are sandy beaches, picnic areas, a playing field and boat launch. A fairly easy hiking trail follows the edge of the spit and provides very nice views of Discovery Passage, nearby islands and Drew Harbour (a popular anchorage). Swimming is possible at the beaches although there is no lifeguard on duty.
Spirit of the West Adventures offers kayaking tours to see the killer whales in Johnstone Strait. 4- to 6-day adventures including a base camp trip suited for first-time kayakers.
Wildcoast offers kayaking expeditions and kayak trips to Johnstone Strait to see orcas (killer whales). Kayak and paddleboard rentals and day tours are also available at the storefront.
Breakfast, lunch and coffee, with a variety of wraps and freshly baked goods. Breakfast is served from 8AM-11AM and lunch from noon-2PM. There's brunch on Sunday (including eggs benedict) from 9AM-noon.
Breakfast, dinner and pub fare. Seating options include a lounge with fireplace, dining room and deck overlooking Heriot Bay.
Hotel on the water overlooking Gowlland Harbour. There are a variety of room choices, ranging from single rooms with two queen beds to suites with jacuzzi tubs to three houses with 2/3/4 bedrooms, decks and a full kitchen. The resort offers a number of tours and activities (for extra charge) including wildlife viewing, grizzly bear viewing and fishing. Kayaks and bikes can be rented as well.
Lodge that focuses on kayaking with a location on the water away from the main part of the island. It's kind of like a B&B and a bit like a hostel (although not as cheap). Breakfast is provided and there are communal kitchen facilities for other meals. Bathrooms are shared — there are four in the lodge — as well as two shared showers. There are kayak rentals and guided daytrips to nearby Surge Narrows Provincial Park, as well as kayak lessons for both flat water and tidal rapids kayaking. Multi-day trips can be arranged through Coast Mountain Expeditions.
Hotel on the harbour. The building has long roots in the community, with the first building dating to 1895. The current building was built in 1912 as a hotel and has been renovated several times since. There are 10 rooms in the inn — a bit on the smallish side, but they are cozy and nicely furnished — as well as three cabins (one 1BR and two 2BR) with full kitchens, a BBQ and patio. The grounds also include a campground with over 40 spots for RVs and tents. Facilities include showers and a laundromat, and some sites have hookups. The hotel will also organize wildlife viewing, fishing and kayak tours, and kayak rentals. There's a pub and restaurant on site.
Accommodation types include beach houses, cabins, RV sites with service, camp sites, and marina moorage. Amenities include tennis courts, basketball, bocce ball, bikes, canoes, kayaks, hot-tub, game room. Numerous activities including cooking classes, hiking and fishing. Pet Friendly.
Set in woodland and overlooking Gowland Harbour, this upscale hotel is 8 km from both the ferry to Campbell River and Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park. The 9 lodge rooms feature Wi-Fi, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers, plus access to a shared balcony with harbour views. Additional private suites and houses add a private terrace with a BBQ, a kitchen, a living room as well as boat moorage and parking. There's a fine-dining restaurant and a patio open by schedule. Check our website for dining dates. Other amenities include a putting green and sauna.
Thousands of books in all categories. Their specialty is British Columbia Coastal books (including First Nations).
There are two vehicle ferry routes to Quadra Island at separate ferry terminals.
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