Quadra Island, BC

Know the town

About Quadra Island

Quadra Island is the largest of the Discovery Islands, a short ferry ride across Discovery Passage from Campbell River. Forested, hilly and dotted with lakes, it has a year-round community of a few thousand people, many of them artists, small-scale farmers and people who work on the water, and it is the closest island escape in the Campbell River region.

Cape Mudge and Nuyumbalees

The southern tip of the island is home to the We Wai Kai Nation at Cape Mudge. The Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre there holds a significant collection of potlatch regalia returned to the community, along with ancient petroglyphs, and it is a meaningful place to learn about Kwakwaka’wakw culture. The nearby Cape Mudge Lighthouse watches over the swirling currents of Discovery Passage.

Rebecca Spit and the east side

On the east side of the island, Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park is a long, narrow spit with beaches on both sides, popular for picnics, swimming and watching boats in the sheltered bay. Heriot Bay, nearby, has a small harbour and the ferry terminal for Cortes Island.

Trails and lakes

Quadra has an extensive network of hiking and mountain-biking trails, including routes up to rocky viewpoints over the islands and coastal mountains. Its lakes are warm enough for summer swims, and the waters around the island are a favourite for kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching.

Getting here

BC Ferries sails frequently from downtown Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove, a crossing of about ten minutes. Island services include a grocery store, cafés and local shops, and many visitors come for the day.

Quadra’s lodges, studios and island services are below; for markets and gatherings, see Campbell River area events.

For council, permits, garbage and recycling, parks bookings and other local services, visit Strathcona Regional District — Area C.