Quadra Island
Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

Quadra Island is the biggest island of the Discovery Islands Group located off the east coast of Vancouver Island near the community of Campbell River in British Columbia, Canada. Quadra Island is centrally located along the Vancouver Island coastline and is part of a larger group of islands called the Gulf Islands.

Quadra Island is a recreation destination full of activities. There are tours, charters and guides operating on the island and from nearby Vancouver Island. Quadra Island is referred to as the "Gateway to Desolation Sound" - a very popular kayaking, sailing and boating marine destination.

Some of the more popular activities enjoyed when visiting Quadra Island include sea kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, sightseeing, beachcombing, picnicking, wildlife watching, cycling, wind surfing, mountain biking, canoeing and hiking.

The south side of Quadra Island is the commercial end of the island while the north side is mostly undeveloped with gravel roads leading to hiking trails and recreation adventures. On the developed side of the island - the south - there are three small villages - Quathiaski Cove, Cape Mudge and Heriot Bay.

Quathiaski Cove is home to some small shops, a marina and the BC Ferry Terminal connecting Quadra Island with the larger Vancouver Island. The village centre in Quathiaski Cove includes services important to travelers like a grocery store, ATM, restaurant, drug store and some unique gift shops. Moored in the marina are large commercial fishing boats, yachts and sailboats.

Heriot Bay is located on the east side of Quadra Island. The small village is home to a marina, some accommodations, a coffee shop, a general store and the BC Ferry Terminal connecting Quadra Island to Cortes Island . Heriot Bay is near the very popular Rebecca Spit Provincial Marine Park. The marina in Heriot Bay is busy with pleasure boats, kayaks, floatplanes, sailboats and yachts.

Cape Mudge on Quadra Island is located on the south end of Quadra Island and is home to the Kwagiulth First Nations people. The area is popular for the Cape Mudge Lighthouse and a long sandy beach. Throughout the island there are accommodations. Some accommodations are remote, some are near the villages and marinas.

There are some pretty cool hiking trails and parks on Quadra Island and a few more located just off the coast of Quadra Island. When boating or kayaking off the coast visit the Octopus Islands and Main Inlet Marine Parks. Closer to home on Quadra Island no visit is complete without visiting and hiking in the Rebecca Spit Provincial Marine Park.

Many of the hiking trails on the island lead to sandy beaches and/or mountain viewpoints. Most of the hikes are challenging and half day to full day hikes. Some of the more popular hiking trails include the Shellalligin Trail, Mount Seymour Trail, Maude Island Trail and the Beech Mountain Trail.