Quadra Island BC Things to Do, Activities
Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canada

1. Sea Kayaking: Quadra Island BC is so close to Desolation Sound it is a natural launching point into the sound. To stay near to Quadra you can kayak the coastlines of Discovering Islands. The calm sheltered bays of the Discovery islands are great starting waters for beginners. There are of course, some challenging currents for the experienced kayaker also. There are many different launch points on Quadra Island. kayaking around Quadra Island there is opportunity to view wildlife, rugged coastlines, waterfalls and petroglyphs at low tide.
   
   
2. Lake Kayaking: Kayaking Main Lake Provincial Park is one of the more popular area for kayaking and bird watching because of the over 70 bird species and 200 plant species found at the park. Main Lake Provincial Park is a 2450 Hectare Park that draws people from around the world to kayak the multi-day trip exploring the Main Lake chain of interconnected lakes which forms the largest freshwater waterway in the Gulf and Discovery Islands. Access from Village Bay Road.
   
   
3. Biking and Cycling: The roads of Quadra take you to secluded points on the island when on a bike. There are many off road and road cycling opportunities satisfying both styles of biking. In Hyacinthe Bay, the West Road loop ride is ideal for road bikers passing fields and tunnels of forests. some bikers decide to wander down to Cape Mudge following the twisting roads. For the adrenaline junkie, the north Island is home to the mountain bikers as the north is mainly dirt roads with many trails wandering off into the wilderness taking mountain bikers on an adventure.
   
   
4. Hiking and Walking Trails: The trail system is very good on Quadra Island considering the size of the island. Some of the best hiking on any of the smaller islands if you are looking for a variety in scenery and levels of difficulty. The hiking and walking trails are mostly rugged but most have stunning views and amazing forest landscapes.
   
   
5. Bird Watching and Photography: Bird watching is exceptional on Quadra Island with the many marine parks in the area and the nature parks frequented by the marine birds visiting Quadra Island. There are over 70+ bird species found in Main Lake Provincial Park area. Often one can see Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Robins, Hawks and… well the list is endless and would take forever to list off.
   
   
6. Sailing and Boating: The sailboats and pleasure crafts cruising the oceans are constant around the Discovery Islands. Including Quadra Island, there are many islands to explore nearby like Read Island, Maurelle Island, Penn Islands, Sonora Islands, Rendezvous Islands, Breton Islands and the bays and inlets of Cortes Island. Sailboats often cruise out the numerous Marine Parks like Octopus Islands and Small Inlet.
   
   
7. Artists: The island of Quadra Island is filled with artists and roadside art galleries. The Kwagiulth Museum at Cape Mudge is a popular gallery displaying a splendid collection of Kwakwaka'wakw artifacts, totems and ceremonial regalia, Native American masks, blankets, and carvings rivals. Throughout the Island is many other Artists with studios to visit showcasing pottery, carving and paintings.
   
   
8. Petroglyphs: The Discovery Islands and the area around Quadra Islands has many petroglyphs to discover and decipher. The ancient stone carvings left behind by History can be seen on the high tide line at Wa Wa Kie Beach and Francisco Point.
   
   
9. Island Hopping: Because of the close proximity of the islands, Quadra Island, is the “Gateway to the Discovery Islands” and a popular place to depart for an adventure and some island hopping. Quadra Island is a good base camp to set out to explore the Outer Islands and Desolation Sound by boat, kayak or with any of the guiding tours. BC Ferries can access Cortes Island only.
   
   
10. Cape Mudge Lighthouse: One of the few lighthouses available to view on the islands is the Cape Mudge Lighthouse. On Quadra Island there is an easy walking trail that can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. A short trail takes you to beach. A turn towards the north leads you to the Cape Mudge Village and turning south takes you to the Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge. At the Cape Mudge Lighthouse there are many opportunities to view marine birds and some petroglyphs at low tide. Cape Mudge Lighthouse can be accessed from Lighthouse Road.
    
    
11. Fishing: The Discovery Islands is a natural for fishing since it is next door to the " Fishing Capital of the World", Campbell River, BC. There are many areas to fish around Quadra in particular Cape Mudge, Copper Bluffs and Quathiaski Cove and near Rebecca Spit Park. Trout is found inland at Village Bay and Main Lakes Provincial Park.