Day to Day
Day One
People Power
Island Joy Rides offers both guided and self-guided tours of Quadra Island. If you choose your own adventure, your bike rentals comes fully-loaded with the following accessories:
- Helmet
- Handlebar bag (for wallet/phone)
- Rear rack gear bag (for jacket and larger items, etc.)
- Detailed route map (includes Island Joy Ride routes)
- Cue sheets (Notes highlighting their favourite stops)
- Use of an Island Joy Rides water bottle
All Aboard!
Living the island life means learning how to navigate the well-charted waters of a BC Ferries schedule. Each day of the week, the Island K’ulut’a and Island Nagalis vessels operate a return service from early morning until late at night. The crossing is ten minutes in duration, with views on every side. Please have a look at the ferry schedule here.
SLOOOOOOW DOOOOOOWN
Disembark on Quadra at Heriot Bay Road. A short pedal up from the ferry terminal will bring you to Island Farm to Table, a local organic grocery serving delicious meals and fresh baked goods. This charming cafe has partnered with some incredible local businesses and farms to provide you with the best goods available. Fuel up for your pedal to your B&B and take a moment to soak in the slower pace of island life.
Earth & Fire
From Heriot Bay Road, take a tiny detour down Harper Road and hang a left onto Plaza Road to uncover Earthlight Pottery. This peaceful studio and gallery is beloved by locals and visitors alike for hand-crafted plates, mugs, jugs, and more, which are artistically forged yet functional. Not sure which piece you want to take home? Catch them again at the Quadra Island Farmer’s Market, Saturdays beside the Credit Union from 10 am until 2 pm from May to September.
Your Cottage In The Country
Step back in time when you check-in at Island Bliss B&B on Cedar Drive. A twenty-minute pedal from the ferry terminal in Quathiaski Cove along Heriot Bay Road, this idyllic rural retreat features quaint cottages equipped with all of the mod-cons including full kitchen and bath.
Highlights of the property are an outdoor fire pit for stargazing and marshmallow roasting, resident Nigerian dwarf goats, fresh laid eggs, and an outdoor tub for forest-bathing in the woods. Your charming hosts will even provide cheese making and rural lifestyle workshops for small groups by request!
Farm To Fork
For your first evening on Quadra, arrange with your resident B&B hosts to provide the freshest farm-to-table meal imaginable. Dietary restrictions and delights can both be accommodated with ample advanced notice. Please make arrangements directly with Carol when you reserve your stay in order to make sure her bountiful table is set for you.
Day Two
Historical Sites
Strike out after a nourishing breakfast to take in a scenic tour of Quadra. Return to Heriot Bay Road, and follow it to Cape Mudge Road, where a bend at Joyce Road will point you in the direction of Lighthouse Road and the landmark of Cape Mudge Lighthouse. This iconic building is visible from Campbell River, and rests on the traditional territory of the Cape Mudge Band of the We Wai Kai Nation. Built in 1916, it is the second lighthouse on the site, having replaced the original lighthouse built in 1898
Kwa'kwa'ka'wa'kw Culture
Learn more about the Indigenous People who call this place home by visiting the nearby Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre.This museum is a well-designed showcase and interpretive centre for the Kwa’Kwa’Ka’Wa’Kw culture. Features include a potlatch collection, displays on the Hamat’sa ceremony, and a Carving and Artists Centre.
Vineyard & Distillery
After your cultural and historic excursion, you’re sure to have worked up a thirst! Follow Lighthouse Road and Joyce Road back to the intersection with Cape Mudge Road, and take a right onto Sutil Road, which leads to SouthEnd Farm Winery and the home of ClearCut Distilling Co.
The tasting room is open on weekends during the summer, also by appointment. Check their website for details and call ahead to arrange a special picnic on their property. This operation offers a true taste of Quadra Island, with wines which are naturally and lovingly made with little interference.
A Path Less Travelled
If your cycling skills are up to snuff, take the Kay Dubois Trail back to Island Bliss Farm. This unpaved trail is gently maintained by BC Parks and features a bumpy single-track through wooded groves and along rocky West Coast shoreline. If you prefer a path more travelled by, backtrack along Sutil Road to Cape Mudge and Hariot Bay Road to Cedar Drive.
Blissed Out
What better way to end your day than soaking up the serenity of Island Bliss Farm and enjoying a bottle of your favourite brew from South End Farm & Vineyards? Pre-plan a delicious crab feast, a specialty of your B&B hosts. Inquire directly to make arrangements.
Day Three
From Wheels To Seals
No experience necessary! Your day begins at 10:00 am with a thorough kayaking lesson. Quadra Island Kayaks‘ certified guides will make sure that everyone feels comfortable and confident before you get out on the water!
Several different route options are available for the 6 hour tour including: Open Bay’s white sand beach, an open water crossing to the Breton Islands to visit the seal colony, or following the shoreline to Hyacinthe Bay to learn about a first nations village site and view an active salmon stream. Stop on a beach or remote island for your lunch break to rest, swim, stretch, beachcomb, relax, and refresh.
Wildlife along the way may include eagles, Oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls, ducks, geese, harbour seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and sometimes even whales! This trip is a must while visiting Quadra Island.
Paddle To Pedal
Get your land legs back under you with a leisurely post-paddle pedal down the scenic Rebecca Spit. This protected Provincial Park is a popular walking path for locals, and will afford you views of Drew Harbour.
Dine Al Fresco
Tuck in to a well-earned supper at the nearby Heron’s Restaurant at the Heriot Bay Inn. This hub of casual seaside dining is an oasis of comfort and island hospitality. Heron’s offers a cozy fireside lounge, dining room, and a fabulous deck when the weather is fine, offering spectacular views overlooking Heriot Bay.
Departure Day
The Clove
Want to take a piece of Quadra Island back to the mainland with you? Stop in to The Clove before you hop on the ferry for their famous woodfire pizza. They’re located on Plaza Road near the Quathiaski Cove ferry terminal.
Bc Ferries Schedule
Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove (10 minute sailing)
Note: boarding is based on order of arrival at the terminal. Check-in and ticket sales close three minutes prior to the scheduled sailing for foot passengers and vehicles. The return cost of the voyage for a foot passenger is a little more than $10. There is no fee for your bicycle.
Additional Resources
Quadra Island Farmer’s Market:
Saturdays beside the Credit Union from 10 am until 2 pm from May to September. More info here.
Learn more about the history and architecture of Cape Mudge Lighthouse here.
Kate Dubois Trail Map
Quadra Island Map
Important Considerations
Quadra Island Kayak Tour
Lunch is included: enjoy a healthy “Yak Shack Power Bowl” with quinoa, chicken, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, feta and a house-made greek-style dressing. Homemade hummus, veggies and kettle chips cookies and juice for a snack.
What to bring: water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy sandals, swimsuit (if you plan to swim at lunch), a spare change of clothes (just in case you get wet!) and your camera. Waterproof dry bags are available to borrow.
Language Lesson
Island K’ulut’a
The Island K’ulut’a provides regular ferry service between Campbell River and Quadra Island. In both Kwak̓wala and Lik̓wala, two of the Kwakwaka’wakw dialects, k’ulut’a means porpoise.
Island Nagalis
The Island Nagalis is the sister ship to the Island K’ulut’a.In both Kwak̓wala and Lik̓wala,nagalis means dawn on the land.
Highlighted Local Providers
Island Joy Rides
islandjoyrides.com
Island Farm to Table
islandfarmtotable.ca
Earthlight Pottery
facebook.com/Earthlight-Pottery-166151523552462
Quadra Island Farmers Market
facebook.com/quadramarket
Island Bliss Farm B&B
islandbliss.ca
Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre
wewaikai.com
SouthEnd Farm & Vineyards
southend.ca
Quadra Island Kayaks
quadraislandkayaks.com
Heron’s Restaurant @ Heriot Bay Inn
heriotbayinn.com
The Clove
facebook.com/TheCloveInTheCove
