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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

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Discover your windsurfing spirit while you are in the Deep Bay area. Waterfowl in the winter months have made these protected waters a hot spot for windsurfing. Due to Deep Bay's proximity to Baynes Sound, visitors can enjoy several other outdoor adventures. Also, more recreational opportunities are provided in the park and the golf club nearby.

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Hiking on Westwood Lake Trail

Westwood Lake Trail is not super challenging, but it is a lovely well maintained and well-marked hiking trail around Westwood Lake with beautiful viewpoints and greenery. The forest and lake are full-on herons, eagles and deer with lots of opportunities to have a great time, so bringing your family with you is a decision you will not regret!

West Coast Hikes

West Coast Hikes

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along Vancouver Island's West Coast, where some of Canada’s most iconic hiking trails beckon outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From the rugged splendor of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail to the legendary West Coast Trail, this region boasts a stunning array of hikes that highlight breathtaking coastal vistas, ancient rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re craving a challenging multi-day trek or a scenic day hike, trails like the Hesquiat Peninsula and Cape Scott Provincial Park offer unique landscapes steeped in rich history. With paths winding through lush forests, along pristine beaches, and past dramatic cliffs, Vancouver Island hiking delivers an immersive experience in nature’s raw beauty. Discover why this hiker’s paradise is a top destination for adventurers worldwide in this guide to the best West Coast trails.

Victoria Storm Watching

Victoria Storm Watching

If you happen to visit Victoria during fall and winter, do not hesitate to go storm-watching. It is a perfect place for brave souls seeking some exciting moments, watching the high waves making up in the distance, rolling into the coast, crashing against the rocks while rain's whipping. Protecting this natural phenomenon of nature is one of the most popular recreations at Victoria and exposed west beaches of Vancouver Island.

Dolphin Beach Diving

Dolphin Beach Diving

Nanaimo is saturated with diving zones, but to name a decent one, Dolphin Beach is a location that allows everyone to explore marine life and enjoy diving. Both armature and advanced divers can have the chance to dive in these waters along with a glorious environment enclosing the zone, which would fascinate your eyes.

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria Kayaking and Canoeing

Victoria offers endless kayaking and canoeing opportunities, whether you have the expertise or not. It is the gateway to world-class paddling in which various wildlife and birdlife exist. But the adventure doesn't stop there; you can do any activity you imagine, and consequently, Victoria is the paradise of paddles for those who enjoy having more exciting excursions besides kayaking and canoeing.

Camping in French Beach Provincial Park Campground

Camping in French Beach Provincial Park Campground

Within the territory of T'sou-ke first nation, French Beach Provincial Park Campground is a beautiful heavenly campground that allows you to record unforgettable memories. Call your dreams of camping a plane while camping in this campground; while it has ample facilities and incredible scenery, you cannot get enough of it.

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

Shawnigan Lake Kayaking and Canoeing

If you are a paddling enthusiast and happen to visit Vancouver Island during summer times, put Shawnigan Lake on top of your list. The lake is enclosed with fabulous parks in which you are provided with tons of recreational activities. Lakeside cabins, several beaches and a spectacular shoreline make Shawnigan Lake a fantastic hot spot for kayaking and canoeing.

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Choose wisely to make your stay on Vancouver Island unforgettable. Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site can give you the chance to have a retreat from daily bustles in a perfect and clean with a quiet atmosphere. It has a lovely swimming area surrounded by log booms in which you can bathe and relax for unnoticeable hours.

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.

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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