Surrounded by snow-capped mountains that rise from emerald waters, Quadra Island is one of the idyllic Northern Gulf Islands located just a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River and is located on the central east coast of Vancouver Island. Covered by forests and blessed with sandy beaches, this island gem offers visitors an outdoor paradise where the list of things to do is plentiful.

Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, wildlife tours, beachcombing, or just want to settle into a four-star resort, a cozy Bed & Breakfast, or a beachfront campsite, Quadra has it all. The Island is home to an eclectic tight-knit community of people who enjoy a rural lifestyle and the diversity of professions and lifestyles make it a great place to visit, especially during the summer months when locals and visitors mingle at the island’s lodges, inns, and eateries.

WHERE TO STAY

The historic Heriot Bay Inn has stood in various forms for over one hundred years and continues it rich tradition of good times and helping bond the community. Located in the picturesque hub on the east side of Quadra Island, The Heriot Bay Inn & Resort is on five and a half acres of glorious west coast waterfront and provides a wide range of accommodations, from rustic suites to secluded cabins, as well as a campground and RV site. If you can picture yourself waking up in a room with views of a colourful garden and an ocean with a back drop of rugged mountains, then the Heriot is a great place to call home when you are visiting.

Other amenities at the Inn include Herons Dining Room, which has a lovely deck overlooking the marina. Live music and dancing is a weekly occurrence in the pub – a popular gathering spot for locals. In fact it is a group of local visionaries who have taken on the challenge of preserving the historical inn, while at the same time keeping it alive and prosperous for the community. In 2008 Community Custodian Concepts purchased the Inn. The group is made up of 22 business-minded folks all with peace-loving attitudes.  The group is interested in building and running a business which is successful financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The “custodians” provide economic and analytical diversity similar to Quadra Island as a whole, allowing them to cooperatively implement their vision.

In the words of general manager and custodian Lois Taylor, “Because there is a larger force than us in the history of the property, we understand this part of our community needs to be cared for, not through a sense of ownership, but rather like that of an heirloom to future generations.”

Taylor describes the Inn as lively and admits that when tourists come they need to know there is a pub and they can expect happy noises, not a quiet retreat. “We are an authentic working community and we don’t alienate our locals. The Island loves this place. It is the core of the Island. We can be crazy, but we are polite and we offer something for all walks of life and everything in between.”

TAKE A TOUR

Sport fishing has been and remains one of the prime attractions on the Island and the waters around Quadra have yielded some of the largest salmon ever caught on BC’s west coast. During your stay at the Heriot Bay Inn & Resort, talk to the knowledgeable folks at The Island Adventure Centre. They can arrange a choice of outdoor adventures that include orca whale watching, grizzly bear viewing, salmon fishing charters, tidal rapids tours and wildlife eco tours, guided sea kayaking day tours, kayak rentals, bike rentals and Island hiking tours. These tours are a great way for you and your family to enjoy the scenery and wildlife in the Discovery Islands.

For those who prefer to explore more of Quadra Island on the water, a four-hour Marine Wildlife/Tidal Rapids Tour with Discovery Marine Safaris will reward you with a voyage of discovery, natural beauty , and awe.

During the tour, guests may see three species of dolphins,  and also porpoises, whales, bears, seals, sea lions, eagles, and migratory seabirds. Guests can also view tidal rapids, snow-capped mountains, green glacial water, magnificent forests, as well as hear some cultural history with an experienced luxury tour boat in Campbell River with Discovery Marine Safaris.

If you prefer to enjoy the charm of Heriot Bay from a cozy chair, check out the fine hospitality at the Inn and the variety of entertainment and events throughout the year which brings life to the Inn at all times for all people. You can mingle with the locals and enjoy the live music in the pub or kick back on the sunny deck and watch the action out on the water.

KNOW THE HISTORY

The Heriot Bay Inn was established in 1895 by Hosea Arminius Bull and has stood in various forms over the years. This building burned down and was subsequently rebuilt in 1912. In addition to its 19 sleeping rooms, the newly-built hotel boasted a large office where travellers gathered around the fireplace to socialize and tell stories, an upstairs dance hall, and an aviary containing rare canaries.

Today, you’ll still find much of the original historic 1912 structure of Hosea Bull’s original Inn. The warm wood panelling, fireplace and single-pane windows found in the office and lounge are a few of the clues to the Inn’s historic roots. The lounge and certain rooms may also be home to some restless lingering spirits. According to Taylor there have been many chilling accounts of a female ghost who resides in the lounge knitting while waiting for her husband to return. “Apparently we have two ghosts. There have been a lot of sightings. It definitely has its history,” she says.

TAKE A HIKE

Quadra Island’s history of logging has left a legacy of old roads and rail beds that have provided a superb network of over 200 kilometres of hiking trails that range from an easy shoreline stroll out to the end of Rebecca Spit to the strenuous climb up to Nugedzi Lake, one of the last remaining old growth areas of the Island. Local volunteers under the guidance of the Quadra Island Trails Committee maintain the trails providing hikers with an opportunity to meander an extensive trail system that winds through the rain forest offering incredible view points to some of the most spectacular corners of the Island.

OUT ON THE OCEAN

With kayak rentals and tours for people of all ages, ocean lovers can explore the island’s intricate coastline which is dotted with beaches, sheltered coves, protected channels and islets. The dramatic coastal scenery is a paddler’s dream come true. Just ask Jane West, one of the operators of Quadra Island Kayaks.
Located on the water in Drew Harbour across from Rebecca Spit provincial park, the company has been offering sea kayaking tours from the beautiful east side of Quadra Island for over 15 years. According to West, sea kayaking is an activity that is accessible to everyone and Quadra Island Kayaks specializes in taking out first-time kayakers.

“Everyone can do it. It is low impact and you don’t have to be incredibly fit,” she says. The kayaks are designed for beginners and participants feel comfortable from the get go because each trip they offer includes a thorough kayaking lesson, she adds. “It is surprising to people how stable they are once they get in the kayak.”
There are different kayak tours to choose from. It depends on how much time you have to spend on the water, but West says each adventure includes a stop at the beach and a snack. She says once you are out on the water there is never a dull moment. “We see a lot of wildlife. There is a colony of Pacific Harbour seals that are playful and follow us. Sometimes we get lucky and se porpoises and dolphins.”

The vibrant inter tidal life includes sea urchins, sea stars, and other creatures. West says with two high and two low tides a day, it makes for good viewing. She adds that the protective waters are calm, and you don’t have to worry about the tides or currents. “It’s like being in a fish bowl,” she says.

Divers also appreciate the rich waters fed by large tidal exchanges which nourish the abundant marine life. HMCS Columbia was sunk off Quadra’s shoreline in 1996, creating an artificial reef for underwater life. Named one of the top locations for diving in the world by the Jacques Cousteau Society, Quadra offers a variety of dives for people of all ability levels.

LOCAL ARTISTRY

Quadra has many resident artists living and practicing their crafts to various degrees. With all the natural beauty surrounding the island it isn’t surprising that so many islanders are inspired to create. The natural beauty and wonder of the ocean and forest eco-systems are revealed in much of the art work and the surprising mix of artisans reflects the culture of the Island.

While many of the Island’s artists are immersed in their art, they welcome visits to their studios and galleries. If you want to tickle your creative bone, the I Blew It Glass Studio is just the place. Owner, Cherie Hemmingsen, welcomes all visitors to her shop where you can come and create your own one-of-a-kind paperweight. There is no experience necessary but you must be at least 12 years old, wear only cotton clothing, and have a group of three or more.

Hemmingsen grew up on Vancouver Island surrounded by artisans. Her mother was a famous quilter and Hemmingsen dabbled in fabric art but she didn’t pursue her glass blowing passion until after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“I wanted to be a glass blower since I was 20. But I had kids and I couldn’t,” she explains. After the onset of her illness, she decided to get on with the rest of her life and blow glass. “Glass blowing is good therapy for me. I have fun and I donate the proceeds to MS.”

It’s easy to spot the beautiful coloured glass art work Hemmingsen has created at various locations on Quadra Island. Her specialty is fish and her aquarium seascapes are a colourful showcase of her spirited creations.

For a full list of Quadra Island’s artisans, pick up a studio tour map from the ferry. For a current calendar of coming events, visit www.discoveryislander.ca for all the local news and events. 

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