Quadra Island Kayaking

Quadra Island, covering 27,600 hectares (68,200 acres) with a full-time population of around 3,800 residents, was named after the 18th-century explorer Don Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra. Notably, Captain George Vancouver once referred to Vancouver Island as “the Island of Vancouver and Quadra” in recognition of their meeting. Until 1903, Quadra Island and two adjacent islands were known as the Valdez Islands—a name later changed to avoid confusion with Valdes Island near Ladysmith. Today, Quadra Island not only offers excellent hiking trails and interesting local stores but also provides a range of sheltered paddling places for self-guided expeditions as well as guided trips around its uninhabited north end.

Transportation to Quadra Island

Ferry Access: Quadra Island is accessible via a 3-km (1.9-mi) ferry ride from Campbell River. The island is approximately 270 km (168 mi) north of Victoria and 160 km (100 mi) north of Nanaimo.

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Launch Sites and Directions

General Launching: Depending on your planned paddling area, launch sites may vary. Local accommodations such as lodges, resorts, and B&Bs are available, and for further information, contact the Campbell River Visitor Information Centre at 866-830-1113 or visit www.quadraisland.ca.
Specific Launch Sites: For Granite Bay, Small Inlet, Kanish Bay, and Gowlland Harbour: Use the Campbell River tidal reference. For Heriot Bay, Hyacinthe Bay, Open Bay, Rebecca Spit, Breton Islands, and Village Bay: Follow guidelines based on Point Atkinson’s tidal tables.

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Tidal Reference Ports:

Campbell River is used for Granite Bay, Small Inlet, Kanish Bay, and Gowlland Harbour.
Point Atkinson is the reference for the southeast side (including Heriot Bay, Hyacinthe Bay, Open Bay, Rebecca Spit, Breton Islands, and Village Bay).

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Currents

Over 75 percent of Quadra Island’s shoreline is affected by strong tidal currents. As the tides rise in the Pacific, currents flood and flow in around both ends of Vancouver Island. The Discovery Islands receive daily tidal flows from both the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait, creating dynamic—and sometimes deadly—conditions.
Sutil Channel (between Quadra Island and Cortes Island) floods north and ebbs south with currents up to 2 knots and may have large, wind-generated waves.
Discovery Passage (between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island) floods south and ebbs north; flows can reach up to 4 knots north of Seymour Narrows, where currents below can reach 8 knots and, in Seymour Narrows itself, up to 16 knots.
Hoskyn Channel (between Quadra Island and Read Island) floods south and ebbs north with flows up to 2 knots; at its north end, Beazley Narrows (also called Surge Narrows) experiences currents up to 11.5 knots.
Okisollo Channel (between Quadra Island and Sonora Island) floods southeast and ebbs northwest with typical flows up to 2 knots; however, north of the Octopus Islands, flows increase dramatically, and at the Lower and Upper Rapids (where the channel is restricted at Quadra’s northeast corner), currents can reach 11 knots.
Very strong currents are present in most channels surrounding Quadra Island and near Cape Mudge, with whirlpools and rapids in the narrows reaching flows of up to 16 knots. Heriot Bay, Hyacinthe Bay, Open Bay, and Sutil Channel are exposed to southeast winds and wind-waves.

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Vancouver Island Activities

Camping in Loveland Bay Provincial Park Campground

Experience your imaginary camping vision in Loveland Bay Provincial Park Campground right on the shoreline of Campbell Lake. This beautiful campground will fully satisfy your desires for camping, comprising all the necessary facilities and boat launches. Not to mention that you would have the chance to experience fantastic water activities of all kinds.

Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground

By camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground, the freedom you feel is seductive. The sandy beaches are perfect for spending some time walking or lounging on enjoying the lake's beautiful view and forest. So, do not miss another day of your vacation and head to the Camping in Cumberland Lake Park Campground to fulfil your desires for adventure.

Hiking on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk

The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk makes it possible for you to hike in a paved path where nature is around you. It is easy to find wildlife for photography while hiking. Take your dog with you and choose between hiking, walking, running, and biking. As the trail is suitable for all ages and is close to Courtenay, it is one of the popular hiking trails in the area that gets crowded on sunny days.

Cottam Point Diving

Assign one page of your adventure book to the experience you would gain in the Cottam Point diving zone. Going north of Nanaimo, this fantastic diving location is famous for its mighty tides and incredible marine life. Therefore, you can enjoy both diving and exploring underwater life.

Ucluelet Kayaking

Imagine gliding across the serene waters of Ucluelet Inlet, enveloped by dense forests, with eagles soaring overhead and sea lions playfully breaking the surface nearby. Welcome to kayaking in Ucluelet—a breathtaking adventure on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast that blends tranquility with wild beauty. Whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned kayaker, this inlet offers an unforgettable escape into nature, complete with historic sites and abundant wildlife.

This guide is your roadmap to the perfect Ucluelet Inlet kayaking trip. From the best launch points and scenic highlights to safety tips and local insights, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to explore hidden coves, spot bears along the shore, and paddle through a landscape steeped in coastal charm—your next adventure awaits!

Cabin Point Whale Watching

You would better plan a visit to Cabin Point Coastline between April-September. It is the best time for those preparing for Sooke Whale Watching in one of the famous coastlines for it in the Salish sea. You are given adequate opportunity to gaze upon these marvellous sea creatures.

Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail

Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail is a rewarding experience that you reach a beautiful waterfall at the end after an easy hike that may consist of challenges. Enjoy the beauties of the park while passing the lovely well-marked trail with facilities, along the creek and through lush bits of the rainforest.

Oak Leaf Diving

Try to lead a life full of endless adventures, and to do so, you can consider Oak Leaf Diving as a means to that end. For those enthusiastic divers who want to explore a new and cozy location, the Oak Leaf Diving zone might be a suitable option to visit, with a magnificent environment and easy access.

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

Looking for a daring diving experience? Hop on and drive to Alcala Point in Porlier Pass diving site. There is a fantastic diving place where you may need a diving guide during winter due to enormous waves. Also, plenty of marine life is living there, so employing safety is mandatory.

Camping in Kwai Lake Campground

Once you got bitten by the travel bug, remember to stop by Kwai Lake. Its campground offers an excellent time camping with impressive views all around you. Paved road access, well-maintained trails make the campground a suitable place for campers. A backcountry campground nestled right in an area that is home to diverse flora and fauna. Campers can have an ideal walk-in, wilderness camping adventure.

Detailed Paddling Areas on Quadra Island

Gowlland Harbour

Description and Dimensions: Gowlland Harbour is approximately 4.5 km (2.8 mi) long and 1 km (0.6 mi) wide at its widest point, with over 14 km (8.7 mi) of shoreline available for exploration.
Difficulty: Rated as a novice paddling area; however, outside the harbour in Discovery Passage, conditions become advanced.
Travel Time: Paddling here typically takes a half day or longer.
Warnings: Despite being sheltered, wild water exists just outside the harbour. High levels of small boat traffic are common in the southern portion.
Launching: Launch from April Point Lodge is possible for a fee, or rent kayaks from the lodge. To get there from the ferry terminal at Quathiaski Cove, take Harper Road to the shopping area, then turn left at the stop sign onto Pidcock Road. Follow Pidcock Road to April Point Road; the lodge is at the end.

Granite Bay to Small Inlet

Granite Bay Overview: Located near the northwest corner of Quadra Island, Granite Bay opens into the larger Kanish Bay, where paddlers can explore the Chained Islands, view an eagle’s nest on an island, and listen to the distant roar of a hidden waterfall.
Hiking Connections: At the head of Small Inlet, an 800-m (0.5-mi) hike leads to Waiatt Bay on the eastern side of Quadra Island, providing a great view of the Octopus Islands.
A secondary trail forks toward Newton Lake—a 1.6-km (1-mi), fairly steep hike—reputed to be beautiful and offering an excellent swimming hole. Another trail connects Newton Lake back to Granite Bay.
Trip Details: Distance and Duration: The round-trip distance from Granite Bay to Small Inlet is approximately 13 km (8.1 mi), typically requiring a full day.
Launch Directions: From the ferry, travel up the hill past the shopping plaza; turn left on West Road (by the RCMP station) and follow it to the junction with Cramer (or Hyacinthe) Road. Continue for about 9.8 km (6.1 mi) along these roads to reach Granite Bay Road. Recommended launch is from the Village Bay Road turnoff: follow Granite Bay Road for 11 km (6.8 mi) and park along the road’s edge.
Alternate Launch: A side road on the right leads to a parking lot, small wharf, and launch site; note that this road is severely rutted and not recommended for vehicles.
Travel Notes : The journey by truck to Granite Bay sets the mood for an extraordinary day. Paul recounts an unusual encounter with a seagull that mimicked a Howard Hughes aircraft before flying off. After launching, the group paddled into Small Inlet and discovered an immense number of moon jellyfish at the entrance—initially dozens, later estimated in the hundreds of thousands. These jellyfish, 7 to 15 cm in diameter, have short tentacles that produce an ineffective sting on humans. The paddlers also encountered a wind-torn tree with an eagle’s nest and a distant waterfall. After exploring, the group made their way toward a small sandy beach and later to the Lucky Jim Mine.

Lucky Jim Mine Exploration:

Breton Islands from Rebecca Spit

Rebecca Spit, Drew Harbour, and Sutil Channel

Main Lakes Chain Provincial Park

Overview and Scope: Main Lakes Chain Provincial Park, created in 1996, encompasses over 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of land and 466 hectares (1,150 acres) of fresh water, making it the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf Islands.
Paddling Itinerary: The paddle begins near the south end of Village Bay Lake. Paddlers traverse the length of Village Bay Lake, pass through a long, narrow canal replete with abundant plant life, and then navigate among Main Lake islands (many of which are privately owned).
The journey continues into the lower part of Main Lake, also known as Mine Lake. Main Lake narrows then widens, and, if salmon are not spawning, paddlers can proceed from the west end into Little Main Lake. A clearly marked spawning channel is present and can be avoided. Trails and Points of Interest: From the northeast corner of Main Lake, a 1.2-km (0.7-mi) downhill trail leads to Yeatman Beach and the road to Surge Narrows—an excursion worth the hike.
Logistics: Difficulty Level: Novice.
Travel Time: Ranges from a full day to multiple days, depending on the chosen route.
Distances: From the Village Bay Lake launch site to the Yeatman trailhead campsite is approximately 6.4 km (4 mi); the distance from the launch to the far end of Little Main Lake is around 7 km (4.3 mi).
Warnings and Considerations: There is no fire protection available in the park. Use only BC Parks fire enclosures or avoid open fires. Some islands within the park are privately owned, and the east end of Little Main Lake is also private. Scouts maintain a camp on Mine Lake. Getting There: The Village Bay Lake launch site is approximately 16 km (10 mi) from Heriot Bay via Hyacinthe Bay Road (which becomes Village Bay Road at the Granite Bay junction).
Recommended Launch: Launch from either side of the Village Bay Road bridge near the south end of Village Bay Lake.
Alternate Launch: The Mine Lake picnic area on Surge Narrows Road (east end of Mine Lake) serves as another access point. After crossing a bridge past the Village Bay Lake launch, the road forks; choose the left fork (Surge Narrows Road) and proceed for about 2.4 km (1.5 mi) to reach the launch.
Travel Notes : Gary notes the refreshing change of a freshwater paddle compared to saltwater adventures. He recalls the abundance of aluminum skiffs at the launch site—these skiffs are essential for reaching the many cabins on Village Bay Lake. A sign at the launch site indicates a maximum 10-horsepower motor, though exceptions exist for long-standing landowners. Village Bay Lake itself is about 2 km (1.2 mi) long and narrow. As paddlers approach the north end, they pass the last cabin and enter the provincial park, marked only by a solitary sign for the salmon-spawning channel into Little Main Lake.
A shallow channel, known locally as “The Gut,” connects Village Bay Lake to Mine Lake. Originally dug out for logging, this channel is about a foot deep and filled with bullrushes, requiring single-file navigation.
After exploring the narrows and several camping sites (where families often share meals and experiences), Gary recalls the pristine conditions and vows to return to Main Lakes Chain for another freshwater paddling adventure.

Accommodations and Camping on Quadra Island

Lodging Options:

Quadra Island offers a variety of lodges, resorts, and B&Bs. For instance, the Heriot Bay Inn & Marina is located 8 km (5 mi) from Quathiaski Cove and offers cottages, RV and tent sites, and full hookups (contact: 250-285-3322).

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We Wai Kai Campsite:

A waterfront campground on the south end of Drew Harbour, renowned for its excellent management (phone: 250-285-3111).

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Main Lakes Chain Provincial Park:

This park provides multiple user-defined wooded campsites, some with outhouses, primarily located north of Heriot Bay on Cramer Road.

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What you Can Expect to See Near Quadra Island

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

Best Time to Kayak Quadra Island on Vancouver Island

This table is designed to help you plan your kayaking adventure around Quadra Island by considering seasonal weather patterns, water accessibility, and local tidal influences for a safe and memorable paddling experience.

Month	Weather Conditions	Trail Accessibility	Considerations
May	Variable weather; cooler temperatures with increasing rainfall.	Sheltered bays such as Heriot Bay and Hyacinthe Bay are generally accessible, but exposed channels may be rough due to strong tidal currents.	Fewer paddlers on the water; monitor tidal charts closely and be prepared for variable winds and gusts.
June	Mild temperatures with moderate rainfall.	Inlets offer relatively calm waters while major channels (e.g., Discovery Passage, Sutil Channel) still feature strong flows.	Ideal for paddlers planning route segments that favor sheltered conditions; longer daylight aids planning.
July	Warm and dry conditions.	Optimal water levels in sheltered inlets; however, exposed channels can have very strong currents and dynamic tidal flows.	Peak season with increased paddler traffic; advanced skills recommended for open water; plan for high demand.
August	Warm with minimal rainfall.	Consistent water levels in protected areas; open channels remain challenging due to strong tidal flows from both the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait.	High demand season; advanced route planning is essential; book permits and accommodations well in advance.
September	Cooling temperatures with occasional rain.	Water levels begin to fluctuate; sheltered bays remain generally accessible, but open channels become more unpredictable.	Less crowded overall; extra care is needed to monitor changing tides and weather patterns; plan for variable conditions.

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable weather; cooler temperatures with increasing rainfall.

Sheltered bays such as Heriot Bay and Hyacinthe Bay are generally accessible, but exposed channels may be rough due to strong tidal currents.

Fewer paddlers on the water; monitor tidal charts closely and be prepared for variable winds and gusts.

June

Mild temperatures with moderate rainfall.

Inlets offer relatively calm waters while major channels (e.g., Discovery Passage, Sutil Channel) still feature strong flows.

Ideal for paddlers planning route segments that favor sheltered conditions; longer daylight aids planning.

July

Warm and dry conditions.

Optimal water levels in sheltered inlets; however, exposed channels can have very strong currents and dynamic tidal flows.

Peak season with increased paddler traffic; advanced skills recommended for open water; plan for high demand.

August

Warm with minimal rainfall.

Consistent water levels in protected areas; open channels remain challenging due to strong tidal flows from both the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait.

High demand season; advanced route planning is essential; book permits and accommodations well in advance.

September

Cooling temperatures with occasional rain.

Water levels begin to fluctuate; sheltered bays remain generally accessible, but open channels become more unpredictable.

Less crowded overall; extra care is needed to monitor changing tides and weather patterns; plan for variable conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to kayak around Quadra Island?

The ideal months are from June through August when the weather is warm and dry, and water conditions in sheltered bays are optimal. However, May and September can also offer good conditions if you’re prepared for variable weather and stronger tidal currents in the open channels.