Exploring Quadra Island
When we started planning a trip for my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday, we knew we wanted something special, a place where the whole family could relax, connect, and make memories together. Quadra Island ended up being the perfect choice. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and endless opportunities for adventure, it gave us everything we were hoping for and more.
About Quadra Island
The island is part of the traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai First Nations, members of the larger Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Their culture, art, and traditions are deeply rooted here, and you can still see and feel that presence across the island, from beautifully carved totem poles to the importance of potlatch ceremonies and the continuation of oral storytelling that passes wisdom through generations. The First Nations’ relationship with the land and sea is central to the identity of Quadra, and visiting the island is also an opportunity to honour and learn from that living heritage.
Quadra itself is named after Spanish navigator Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, who explored the Pacific Northwest in the late 1700s. Over the years, logging, fishing, and settlement shaped the island, but today it’s known as a place where culture, nature, and a strong sense of community come together.
Quadra’s history was shaped by industries like logging and fishing, which drew settlers to the area and remain a part of island life today. Old-growth forests were harvested, and salmon runs became central to both cultural traditions and the local economy. Small communities developed, blending settler influence with the enduring presence of the First Nations who continue to steward the land and waters.
Today, Quadra is known as a place where culture, nature, and community come together. It has become a hub for artists, with galleries and studios scattered across the island, often drawing inspiration from the surrounding wilderness and Indigenous traditions. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and community gatherings reflect the island’s spirit.
Things to Do on Quadra Island
There’s no shortage of things to do here, whether you’re coming for a weekend or a longer stay.
Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park - A must-visit with sandy beaches, tide pools, driftwood, and stunning views. We loved wandering here as a family, letting our daughter run along the shoreline.
Kayaking and boating - The sheltered waters around Quadra are perfect for exploring by kayak or boat. We also brought our paddle boards which was so much fun!
Fishing and crabbing - A way of life on Quadra, and a fun hands-on activity if you want to try your luck (we didn’t seem to have that luck this trip).
Hiking - From the short trails around Morte Lake to the panoramic views on Chinese Mountains, there’s something for all levels.
Local arts and culture - Quadra has a vibrant creative community with galleries, artisan shops, and seasonal markets.
Our Family Adventures
We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb on the island that turned out to be absolutely perfect for our group. The cabin sat nestled in the forest but opened right onto the beach, giving us the best of both worlds. Our host Hilary was such a wonderful woman! We met with her to receive the keys and some important information regarding the house. She left us a gift basket of goodies and a poem to welcome us to their home. It was all such a wonderful experience.
From the deck, we watched humpback whales passing by in the distance and a great blue heron landing right on the shoreline. The deer wandered the property like they owned the place, the doe and her two young deer were aware of us but kept on nibbling on the bushes around the property.
One of our biggest adventures was heading out on the family boat to explore Quadra and the neighbouring islands. We took our trip all the way up to Toba Inlet, where the scenery was nothing short of breathtaking, fjord-like mountains rising from the ocean, waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, and the kind of peaceful quiet you only find in remote places. Once the sun broke through, the water came alive with the most stunning blue-green hues, coloured by glacial runoff. It instantly reminded me of the jewel-toned waters of Lake Louise.
The wildlife encounters were unforgettable. While we were visiting, the Northern Resident Orcas were confirmed to be located around Quadra island. With a little research we discovered that the A25 matriline was in the area, and we were lucky enough to spot them! We saw Surge (A61), Codero (A85), and her young son Twilight (A121).
Seeing whales in the wild is awe-inspiring, but it’s also important to give them space. In British Columbia, boats are required to stay at least 200 metres away from killer whales in most coastal waters. However, in southern B.C. waters, including the area around Quadra Island, there’s a stricter rule: vessels must keep a minimum distance of 400 metres from all killer whales, whether they are Northern Residents, Southern Residents, or other ecotypes. If whales approach your boat, the best thing to do is place the engine in neutral and wait quietly until they pass. This protects the whales and ensures you’re observing responsibly.
Whales are incredibly intelligent animals. They communicate with each other using complex calls, work cooperatively to hunt, and even show signs of culture passed down through generations. When we first stumbled upon the whales during our boating excursion, they appeared to be sleeping. We quietly observed them from a safe distance while trying our best to zoom with out cameras and photos - they are beautiful animals! One fascinating fact we learned is that whales sleep by resting one half of their brain at a time. This allows them to keep swimming and come up for air even while they rest, a reminder of how perfectly adapted they are to life in the ocean.
We stopped at a waterfall for a picnic lunch, soaking in the view and the sound of rushing water. Later, we even saw a grizzly bear foraging along the shoreline while we watched safely from the boat.
What makes Quadra so special is the balance it offers: peaceful, grounding moments alongside thrilling adventures. It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee while watching the tide roll in, then set out for a day of exploring that leaves you in awe of the natural world.
For us, celebrating my mother-in-law’s milestone birthday here was the perfect fit. We were able to gather as a family, unplug from the busyness of everyday life, and create memories that will stay with us forever.
Tips for Visiting Quadra Island
If you’re planning your own trip, here are a few things we learned along the way:
Getting there: Quadra is an easy ferry ride from Campbell River - seriously! It only took 10 mins to boat across!
When to go: Summer and early fall are ideal for boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds.
Where to stay: We loved our Airbnb, forest, beach, and wildlife all at your doorstep. Perfect for families or groups. There is also the We Wai Kai campground located near Rebecca Spit.
Bring binoculars and a camera: You never know what wildlife you’ll see, from whales to deer to herons.
Be mindful of the land and wildlife: Respect local ecosystems and remember you’re visiting lands with deep cultural significance.
Quadra Island has a way of pulling you into the moment. Between its rich history, welcoming community, and incredible wildlife, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate life. For our family, it was the perfect backdrop for celebrating a milestone and making memories we’ll treasure forever.
If you’ve been to Quadra, I’d love to hear your favourite spots or memories. And if you haven’t yet, add it to your list. You won’t regret it!