Quadra, Cortes and Discovery Islands
Idyllic Seaside Escapes
The stunning archipelago known as the Discovery Islands is situated along the Inside Passage, positioned between Campbell River and the mainland of British Columbia. Among the Discovery Islands, Quadra Island and Cortes Island serve as the primary residences for the local population. The region’s temperate climate, breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, serene rural lifestyle, and incredible recreational activities make this area a must-visit year round.
An Island Chain of Natural Wonders
A Short Journey from Campbell River
Perfect for day trips or overnight adventures, Campbell River provides easy access to the Discovery Islands, which offer picturesque getaways for visitors and locals alike. Hop across to Quadra Island and explore Rebecca Spit, or go to Cortes to discover more secluded beaches.
If you want to stay longer, check out our Regional Accommodations on the Regions page for inspiration.
Quadra Island
A Playground Awaits the Whole Family
Getting to Quadra Island is as easy as a short ferry ride across Discovery Passage from downtown Campbell River. Passengers disembark on an idyllic island playground of beaches, lakes, and parks intermingled with luxury lodges, First Nations culture, artisan studios, and other interesting places that support the island’s perfect balance between trendy and traditional.
With its rich forests, varied terrain, and abundant wildlife, Quadra is a magnet for outdoor recreation enthusiasts looking for a mix of unique experiences in a concentrated region. Kayakers and canoeists can choose from a vast network of lakes and river systems. Mountain bikers and hikers will delight in the array of trails.
With all of the splendorous vistas, its laid-back but sophisticated lifestyle, its immensely artistic culture, and its combination of privacy and community, it is no wonder that Quadra Island is a sanctuary for everyone, including the rich and famous. You never know who you’ll see.
Explore a Place Full of History and Tradition
Quadra Island History
Spanish and English explorers sailed through the region in the late 1700s while trying to thread the maze of islands, dangerous currents, and channels that guarded the north end of Georgia Strait. Many thought one of these waterways would lead to the fabled Northwest Passage and a quick route from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. They met and traded with the local Salish and Kwagiulth First Nations, some of whose ancestors live at Cape Mudge on southern Quadra Island.
Today, visitors can experience First Nations artistry and the traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people at the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre in the Village of Cape Mudge. A collection of totem poles inspires many of the modern artists whose work is featured.
Connected by trail to the Village of Cape Mudge is the Cape Mudge Lighthouse. This historical gem is located just below the bluffs visited by Captain Vancouver in 1792. Petroglyphs from centuries ago can be found at extremely low tides just south of the lighthouse.
Colourful Characters and Postcard Perfect Scenery
Quadra Island Specialities
One of the best known of Quadra’s many beaches is Rebecca Spit Provincial Park near Heriot Bay. The sheltered bay is a picturesque anchorage for yachts exploring the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. The rich waters that surround Quadra are fed by large tidal exchanges and nourish abundant marine life. That makes for great fishing and excellent diving; considered one of the top dive locations in the world by the Jacques Cousteau Society, there’s even an artificial reef, the HMCS Columbia, just waiting to be explored.
Quadra Island is home to many well-known contemporary artists, writers, potters and other artisans, as well as growing community of Healing Arts practitioners. Visitors can get up-close and personal with the artists by taking a self-guided studio tour.
Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay, the main population centres, are postcard-perfect and round out the island’s offerings with all of their modern amenities of stores, galleries, banking, gas, gift shops, cafes and restaurants.
Cortes Island
Seclusion and Sensational Sights
Take another ferry off the far side of Quadra, and you’ve reached the centre of an alternate universe: Desolation Sound and some of the best sailing, kayaking, and marine adventure on the planet, sunny beaches right out of Mexico, and a welcoming community of artisans and independent islanders.
The island’s central location at the top of Georgia Straight puts it right in the middle of a naturally occurring rain shadow, which protects it from Pacific storms. The result is higher than average sunshine in a region usually known for rain, warmer air and water temperatures, and great summertime swimming at Hague Lake, Smelt Bay Provincial Park, or on the sweeping sand beaches of Marina Island that are uncovered at low tide.
The island is criss-crossed with hiking and biking trails, and the slower pace of life makes cycling on the island’s road system a perfect way to get around and discover the galleries, studios, roadside vegetable stands and restaurants that seem to pop up around every corner.
A Land of Richness Surrounded by Seas of Plenty
Cortes Island History
Historically, the Klahoose First Nation wintered in Squirrel Cove and then traveled by sea-going canoes into Toba Inlet and the surrounding territory during the spring and summer, sustained by the abundant salmon, edible plants and berries, and other wildlife. This maritime travel tradition continues today, with visitors from all over the world arriving in large luxury yachts, nimble kayaks, and every kind of vessel in between. Docks, marinas, boat launches and protected anchorages along the coastline make Cortes a perfect base of operations or a great destination.
Fishing from the shore, a dock, or a small boat, hunting for shellfish in designated areas, or just poking around in the tidal pools of a secluded bay like Manson’s Lagoon will keep kids or adults entertained for hours. If your family happens to visit during Cortes Days or the Sandcastle Competition, join in with the locals and become part of the fun.
Be Amazed and Inspired
Cortes Island Specialties
Cortes Island is centred between the spectacular snow-covered peaks of the mainland mountain range and the rugged spine of northern Vancouver Island. This special place is surrounded by water, covered by forest, blessed by sunshine and a temperate climate, and certainly one of the most unique and interesting spots to be found anywhere in North America.
Ride the ferry from Quadra to Cortes Island, and you might catch a glimpse of porpoises diving playfully through the wake. Boaters exploring Desolation Sound and seeking the protected sanctuary of Gorge Harbour feel something special when they pass under mysterious petroglyphs that ancient travellers carved into the rock walls of the narrow entrance. In the island’s centre is a freshwater lake surrounded by improbably white sandy beaches. Nearby are the medieval-inspired ramparts of the five-story-high Wolf Bluff Castle.
A range of accommodations is available, including provincial and private campgrounds, cabins, and motel units. There are several restaurants and cafés on the island, with grocery stores at Manson’s, Gorge Harbour and Squirrel Cove, which also has a liquor store and gas pumps. A Credit Union and bank machine is located behind Manson’s Hall.
Discovery Islands
Something For Everyone
Free exploration is the main attraction for the Discovery Islands and surrounding areas. Located on the waters between Campbell River and the mainland of British Columbia, the area is home to a rich history and opportunities to adventure.
Fishing lodges, logging camps and ancient villages complement the scenic beauty. Visitors will have ample opportunities to discover some of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural settings in the world. Activities available include camping and parks, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, diving, hiking and an endless list of outdoor adventures.
An Idyllic Locale Worth the Journey
Discovery Islands Adventures
Getting to the Discovery Islands is a relaxing and stress-free experience, thanks to the safe and reliable service from BC Ferries.
Reaching some of the outer islands requires private transportation through water taxis, kayaks, boats and floatplanes, each with their own sense of adventure and charm.
