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Quadra
Island
Quadra Island is located across from Campbell
River in Discovery Passage on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Quadra Island is the largest of the Discovery Islands, a large group
of islands situated between the mainland coast of British Columbia
and Vancouver Island.
Enjoy
the Lifestyle
Quadra Island has a population of 3,000 - 4,000 inhabitants depending
upon the season, especially during the summer when the outdoor recreation
is incredible. Also there has been a large group of residents who
enjoy the lifestyle of owning different properties and spend only
part of their time on Quadra Island.
Travelling
to Quadra Island
To get to Quadra Island by vehicle you have to drive on Hwy 19 or
Hwy 19A to Campbell River. From here you take a regularly scheduled
BC Ferries from the Campbell River terminal to Quathiaski Cove on
Quadra Island. The ferry crossing usually takes around 10 minutes.
Quathiaski
Cove
Once at Quathiaski Cove you'll find the commercial centre of Quadra
Island which has a small settlement with a tourist info centre available
during the summer months, restaurants, grocery store, post office,
small shops and the Landing Neighbourhood Pub.
Cape
Mudge
From Quathiaski Cove you can either travel to the central and northern
parts of the Quadra Island or to the southern tip at Cape Mudge.
At Cape Mudge you can find lots of wildlife viewing including soaring
bald eagles and migrating orca whales performing in the swirling
tidal waters.
Ancient
Tribal Petroglyphs
You can also found along the waters' edge etched into the rock some
petroglyphs and ancient tribal drawings from the very artistic Kwakwak'awakw
First Nation.
We
Wai Kai First Nation
Cape Mudge Village (Yucalta) is the traditional home of the Kwakwak'awakw
First Nation Wei Wai Kai band. The We Wai Kai culture can be seen
at the Kwagiulth Museum and Artists and Carving Centre. Please inquire
locally at Cape Mudge Village (Yucalta) for operating hours to view
this wonderful showcase of the Kwak'wala speaking Laichwiltach people.
Rebecca Spit Provincial Park
Heading from Quathiaski Cove, you can also go to the east side of
the island where Rebecca
Spit Provincial Park is located. Take the Heriot Bay Road from
Quathiaski Cove to get to Rebecca Spit Provincial Park.
We
Wai Kai Campground
At the south end of the park you can camp at the We Wai Kai Campsite
and beachcomb on a beautiful spit that gives you beautiful views
of Heriot Bay to the west or Sutil Channel to the east. Telephone
(250) 285-3111 for camping information.
Heriot
Bay Inn
Heriot Bay, located on Quadra Island's east side, is also home to
one of the oldest inns of British Columbia's inside coast. Established
in 1895 by Hosea Arminis Bull, the Heriot Bay Inn has been the main
destination point and recreation headquarters for travellers cruising
BC's Discovery Passage.
Famous
Pub
Today the Heriot Bay Inn has been transformed with a major renovation
and additions project that was completed in 2005. The Inn boasts
a full-service marina, adventure centre, eco-tourism guiding, a
full-service inn including oceanside cabins and, of course, the
famous Heriot Bay Pub which features an excellent selection of food.
Main
Lake Provincial Park
Main
Lake Provincial Park located towards the east side of Quadra
Island about in the middle point near Village Bay. The park is made
up of a chain of six lakes with little or no road access. Main Lake
Provincial Park offers wilderness camping and hiking in an area
with a very diverse freshwater eco-system.
Village
Bay Lake
To access the Main Lake Provincial Park from Heriot Bay, take Hyacinthe
Bay Road to where it joins Village Bay Road. Look for the parking
lot for the park near Village Bay Lake. From here you have to either
hike in or take a kayak or canoe into the chain of lakes. Powerboats
are permitted but are required to have a 9.9 maximum horsepower
rating.
Surge
Narrows Provincial Park
The ocean kayaking is also exceptional around Quadra Island especially
around Surge Narrows Provincial Park. Just remember, if you are
not as experienced or don't know the area, the dangers posed at
Surge Narrows with the changing of the tides and dangerous tidal
rapids can be quite hazardous.
Hiking
and Mountainbiking
Quadra Island also has some great hiking and mountain bike areas
for you and your family. For the kids there is the bike circuit
located right near Quathiaski Cove and for hikes there are plenty
of well-marked trails.
Morte
Lake
A favourite hike or mountain bike ride is around Morte Lake. To
get here take Hyacinthe Bay Road from Heriot Bay to Walcan Road
where the parking lot is located. Morte Lake features trails around
a beautiful lake where you can find a very nice sandy beach and
some great swimming opportunities.
April
Point Resort and Marina
If you are boating in the Discovery Passage area, make sure you
stop off at the full-service marina and resort at April Point. Besides
the excellent marina, April Point also boasts a health spa that
features their proven Aveda Signature Treatment. The resort also
provides a water taxi service that goes directly to April Point
from Campbell River.
Cortes
Island
Cortes Island is another Discovery
Island in the immediate area towards the east from Quadra Island.
To get here by vehicle you have to take a 40-minute ferry trip that
connects you from Heriot Bay to the west side of Cortes Island at
Whaletown. Cortes Island is perhaps British Columbia's most beautiful
northern gulf island and is well worth the visit.
Information
on Quadra Island
Accommodations
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