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Quadra Island is one of many incredible islands you won’t believe are right here in B.C., and it’s well worth the trip during the summer months. Situated in the Discovery Islands, Quadra Island is home to stunning beaches, parks, and endless outdoor adventures. All that’s left to do is pick out your favourite below and start building your weekend itinerary.
Comprised of three main villages (Cape Mudge/Yaculta, Quathiaski Cove, and Heriot Bay), the breathtaking island is known for its sportfishing opportunities, its growing arts community, and “adventure recreation,” according to the island’s official website.
“Adventure recreation” includes diving, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and wildlife viewing, which extends from the centre of the island to its shoreline. Along the water, visitors will find a mix of sandy beaches, sheltered coves, protected channels, and islets. As large tidal exchanges feed the waters, the area houses abundant marine life, making it a surreal place to see for yourself.
In terms of hiking, there are over 200 km of trails meandering through rolling forested hills to explore. According to the island’s website, the nearby inlets provide visitors access to the Coast Range – AKA one of the world’s greatest mountain wilderness areas!
Looking for specific places to visit on the island? Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park earns the title of one of the most beautiful beaches on the South Coast.
The largest provincial park on the island, however, is Main Lake Park, which protects a large chain of freshwater lakes and the surrounding regenerating forest.
Note that bikes, canoes, kayaks, power boats, and scooters can all be rented locally on the island.
Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic of the scenic lighthouse at Cape Mudge!
Visitors can access the island via ferry from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove. Those who want to extend the trip by hopping to Cortes Island can catch a ferry from Heriot Bay.
So there you have it, island lovers.
How to get there: Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, to Nanaimo and drive one hour and 35 minutes to Campbell River via BC-19 N. Take another ferry from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island.
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