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Vanislander / Activities / Kayaking / Quadra Island Kayaking

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 Ford's Cove Marina

Camping in Ford's Cove Marina

Looking for a place on Hornby Island to stay the night while enjoying yourselves? You would better stop by camping in Ford's Cove Marina and camp with your RV or tent. This campground has cute oceanic views and glorious sunsets with gorgeous mountains. The Ford's Cove Marina Campground sites are charming, well-maintained, and spacious, with a pleasant grassy and treed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Located in the Strathcona Provincial Park near Bedwell Lake, camping is possible in a nice backcountry campground on Baby Bedwell Lake, set in the lush forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Beautiful alpine forest, perfect swimming, breathtaking view of the trail, small ponds and lakes surrounded by glacial mountain peaks are some of the area's attractions. They are enough to fascinate visitors and campers.

Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

Camping in Cape Lazo RV & Campground

Are you seeking privacy and seclusion from busy towns? Plan to go to the Cape Lazo RV Campground this weekend. The impressive Comox Valley is beautiful at any time of the year, offering recreational opportunities besides exploring miles of scenic shoreline. There you are provided with a great environment and a panoramic view of the Strait of Georgia. Not to mention that all campsites are equipped for the convenience of the visitors.

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

Camping in the Alder Bay RV Park & Marina

While exploring the northern parts of Vancouver Island, why not relax a day or two in a fantastic campground? Alder Bay RV Park & Marina offers undeniable RV camping with ocean views that can touch your soul. The great ocean-atmosphere, incredible marine life and gorgeous sunsets add up to the reasons why you should camp in this campground.

Hiking on the Quinsam River Hatchery Trail

Hiking on the Quinsam River Hatchery Trail

Have a nice easy hike in the forest with lots of river access points while you have chances for watching wildlife in Quinsam River Hatchery Trail. It is known as one of the most spectacular hiking trails in the area of Campbell River city. Fishing, nature trips, walking, and bird watching are other options for hiking along the river.

Camping in Fillongley Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Fillongley Provincial Park Campground

If you got a few days free and you plan to spend it on Vancouver Island, pay a visit to Fillongely Provincial Park to experience every possible way of camping. Nestled amongst lush green deciduous trees, visitors would enjoy excellent hiking trails with picturesque sights. This quiet, clean, and grassy park provides you with exciting activities and a gorgeous ocean and forest view.

Alcala Point in Porlier Pass Diving

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.

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Victoria Harbour Ferry Whale Watching

Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.

Island View Beach Kiteboarding

Island View Beach Kiteboarding

Meet your inner kiteboarder while you are on Island View Beach. A beautiful sandy beach, offering undeniable opportunities for adventure. Kiteboarding facilities provided for you will fulfill your expectations. Moreover, abundant birds are observable, and you can enjoy several outdoor activities offered for you on this cute sandy beach.

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point Storm Watching

Cattle Point is a part of Uplands Park in Victoria, runs along the coastline of Oak Bay. During falls and winters, especially November through March, the Cattle Point Storm Watching is an exhilarating experience. Watch storms smashing from spectacular vantage points as dark clouds blanket the sky, rains whipping, gusts of winds making barreling high waves.

Detailed Paddling Areas on Quadra Island

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

 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.
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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

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