View of Breton Island from Rebecca Spit Click Picture to Enlarge

Quadra Island is part of the Discovery Islands group located at the north end of Georgia Strait, a large waterway that spans between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. Cortes Island, Quadra’s largest neighboring Island, resides alongside Desolation Sound, which is a renowned kayaking destination for kayakers from all around the world. Its protected Islands are home to some of the most spectacular coastal vistas in the world.

More than 3000 people call Quadra Island home year-round. While some Islanders commute daily to Campbell River others work and live on the Island, both enjoy the natural beauty of the Island everyday. The summer weather usually arrives in May and departs in October. During that time the Island is a vibrant and exciting place with a variety of things to do and a multitude of places to explore.

Hiking trail on Rebecca Spit Click Picture to Enlarge

Sightseeing

Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park is probably the most visited spot on the Island. Its long arm of land extends out into the sea and creates the protected waters of Drew Harbor. While the Park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges it is most popular as a picnic and swimming spot. A large grassy field and easy walking trails all add to the popularity of the ‘Spit’.

The Lighthouse at Cape Mudge is another popular spot. Built in 1898 after the loss of many lives due to the dangerous reefs and strong currents in the area. While now automated there is still a Lighthouse Keeper living on site and on foggy days its foghorn can be heard warning passing ships.

Main Lake Provincial Park is a recent addition to the Islands parks and is located in the middle of the north end of the Island. A popular swimming spot during the summer due to the warm waters of the lakes, the park also offers a wealth of camping sites most only accessible by water.

View of Breton Island from Rebecca Spit Click Picture to Enlarge

Outdoors Adventure

Hiking, biking, kayaking, saltwater and freshwater fishing, whale watching, wildlife watching are just a few of the activities you can enjoy on or around Quadra. Of particular note is the extensive network of trails that cover the Island, each leading to one of the hidden wonders of Quadra. Kayaking is awe-inspiring throughout the Discovery Islands, and a popular day destination is the Breton Islands, which sit between Quadra Island and Read Island. While the waters of the Discovery Islands are fairly sheltered and offer a relatively safe environment for beginners there are some areas where the tidal action creates amazing conditions that some have likened to river whitewater. Check out Coastal Spirits Kayaking or Out for Adventure for more information.

If you want to see marine wildlife (including Grizzly Bears) there are numerous boat trips offering excursions throughout the summer. Discovery Passage is a regular thoroughfare for pods of Killer Whales as they travel north or south. Check with the Island Adventure Centre for more information.

Great saltwater fishing abounds in the waters of Georgia Strait with some of the best just minutes from the Resort including the renowned Tyee pool. While there are many different guiding outfits in the area we recommend Quadra Guides, a group of local guides each with twenty odd years of experience fishing the waters around Quadra.

The waters around Quadra are well known for world class diving.  Abundant sea life and artificial reefs such as the H.M.C.S. Columbia offer a wide range of diving options.  Check with Abyssal Dive Charters for more information.

Rebecca Spit Park Click Picture to Enlarge

Dining

There are a number of dining experiences available to visitors of the Island. Year-round the “Landing Pub and Grill”, located at the entrance to our driveway, provides a varied menu and warm atmosphere. The “Heriot Bay Inn” also offers a pub menu throughout the year as well as having a dining room open on Friday and Saturday for dinner only during the winter. During the summer the dining room is open 7 days a week throughout the day. Also during the summer several of the larger Resorts offer fine dining in West Coast cuisine. Just a 10 minute walk from the Resort is the “Lovin Oven II” a family restaurant open 7 days a week during the summer but closed Sundays and Mondays in the winter

Island Shopping

There are two bustling commercial centers on Quadra, Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay. Both provide visitors with unique shopping experiences and a chance to sample fine local fare. Also interesting is the Farmers Market held every Saturday in Quathiaski Cove which offers an eclectic sampling of Island crafts. In addition many of the local artisans have their homes open to visitors who can view and purchase a myriad of arts and crafts including pottery, painting, and clothing.