Do I need a car on Quadra Island?

You need a vehicle or a bicycle. The community has no public transit system to get between the ferry terminal and the provincial parks.

Where can I catch the ferry to Cortes Island?

The Cortes Island ferry terminal sits on the eastern shore in Heriot Bay.

What is there to do at Cape Mudge?

The southern tip includes the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, a working lighthouse, and rocky beaches known for ancient Indigenous petroglyphs.

Where are the best places to kayak?

Paddlers usually launch at Rebecca Spit for sheltered waters, or head north to paddle through Main Lake Provincial Park and the Octopus Islands.

Are there places to camp on the island?

Campers can set up at the We-Wai-Kai Camp Site, Tsa-Kwa-Luten RV Park, or within the boundaries of Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park.

Can I buy groceries on the island?

Tru Value Foods in Quathiaski Cove carries a full selection of groceries. You can also buy direct from growers like Fruition Farm.

Quadra Island, BC: 2026 Community Guide

THE REGION · QUADRA ISLAND, BC

A short 10-minute ferry ride drops you onto the largest of the Discovery Islands, where forested coves shelter artists and kayakers.

45 places · Updated October 2026Community Guide · Campbell River Guide

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

The local roads lack public transit, making a car or bicycle essential for reaching the scattered farm stands and pottery studios. Anglers come for the salmon runs in the surrounding straits, while paddlers stick to the protected eastern inlets.

Region: Discovery Islands
Getting there: 10-minute BC Ferries crossing from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove
Known for: Kayaking, salmon fishing, artists and potters, farms
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers

02THE STORY

Ten minutes by ferry, a different pace of life.

The largest of the Discovery Islands has forest coves, long beaches, artists and some of the best fishing on the coast.

The ferry lands at Quathiaski Cove, home to the Quadra Island Harbour Authority docks and Boonie Charters.

Head across the island to Rebecca Spit to camp at We-Wai-Kai Camp Site, or take a boat trip with Wildcoast Adventures.

North, Surge Narrows Provincial Park has some of the fastest tidal rapids on the coast, and Discovery Islands Lodge is a remote base for exploring them.

Open Quadra Island on the map

•ON THE MAP

Quadra Island, pinned.

All 45 places in our Quadra Island guide on one live map. Zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

45: Places
5: Regions

Open Quadra Island on the map Browse the full list

01Find Your Corner

The corners of Quadra Island.

Quadra Island has no neighbourhoods, just 5 distinct corners, each with its own feel. Tap one for the best-loved place there.

Ferry landing

Quathiaski Cove

Quadra Island

The southern tip

Cape Mudge

Quadra Island

The east side

Heriot Bay

Quadra Island

Marine park

Rebecca Spit

Quadra Island

Lakes & backcountry

North Quadra

Quadra Island

Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.

•Refresh & Refuel

Where Quadra Island eats.

Island cafés, the pub by the water and the markets locals stock up at.

See them all on the map

Loading refresh & refuel…

•Things To Do

Get out on Quadra Island.

Parks, beaches, trails, galleries and the island’s cultural sites.

See them all on the map

Loading things to do…

•On The Water

Paddle, fish & explore.

Kayak tours, charters and the outfitters who know these channels.

See them all on the map

Loading on the water…

•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Inside the Largest Discovery Island

Getting off the ferry means adjusting to a slower pace. The community here relies on the tides, the ferry schedules, and a deep connection to the coastal forest.

The short answer

Begin your trip at Quathiaski Cove to grab supplies at Tru Value Foods before driving south to Cape Mudge. The Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre shares a grounding history of the We Wai Kai Nation before you head off to hike the provincial parks.

01Getting off the ferry

Arrival and Supplies

The BC Ferries vessel unloads directly into the commercial centre. This small stretch of road is your best bet for stocking up, with Tru Value Foods selling groceries and Java Bay Cafe pouring coffee for early risers.

You need your own wheels to get around. If you want to get straight onto the ocean, head down to the Quadra Island Harbour Authority. You can also arrange a guided trip on the water with Boonie Charters.

Local tips

Fill your gas tank and buy snacks here before driving to the quieter coastal corners.
Grab a meal at Coveside Seafood Eatery or sit down for dinner at The Clove.

Tru Value Foods Java Bay Cafe Quadra Island Harbour Authority Boonie Charters Coveside Seafood Eatery The Clove

02Indigenous history

Southern Tip Heritage

The southern end of the landmass belongs to the We Wai Kai Nation. The Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre holds a vast collection of historical artifacts, while the nearby beaches hide ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.

Walk down to see the Cape Mudge Lighthouse guiding ships through the strait. Campers can pitch a tent right by the ocean at the Tsa-Kwa-Luten RV Park or the We-Wai-Kai Camp Site.

Local tips

Tread lightly on the shoreline to protect the petroglyphs from erosion.
Reserve a room at April Point Resort for direct views of the passing cruise ships and marine traffic.

Cape Mudge Lighthouse Tsa-Kwa-Luten RV Park We-Wai-Kai Camp Site April Point Resort

03Eastern shores

Marine Parks and Pubs

The eastern coastline operates as the departure point for the Cortes Island ferry. Locals spend their afternoons walking the narrow gravel beaches at Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park, a long strip of land that shields the bay from rough weather.

After a walk, warm up inside the Heriot Bay Inn or order a pint next door at the Heriot Bay Inn Pub. To see the shoreline from the water, rent gear from Quadra Island Kayaks.

Local tips

Pack a lunch for the picnic tables scattered along the spit.
Check in at Taku Resort and Marina for a quiet night near the docks.

Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park Heriot Bay Inn Heriot Bay Inn Pub Quadra Island Kayaks Taku Resort and Marina

04Northern woods

Remote Lakes and Local Art

The upper half of the landmass is mostly undeveloped forest. Paddlers cross the fresh water at Main Lake Provincial Park or head out to the coastal channels of Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park and Small Inlet Marine Provincial Park. You can join a group paddle with Spirit of the West Adventures or Wildcoast Adventures.

The backroads hide a tight-knit agricultural and creative community. Look for the signs pointing to James Pottery and Earthlight Pottery. You can also pick up local wine at SouthEnd Farm Winery and fresh produce from Fruition Farm.

Local tips

The northern marine reserves require proper map skills and tide awareness.
Keep a physical map in your car, as cell service drops off quickly past the main settlements.