Quadra Island, BC

Renamed "Quadra Island" in 1903 for the Spanish explorer Bodega Y Quadra after originally being called Valdes Island.

Logging Quadra Island
Logging began for Quadra in the late 1880's giving employment to local lumber jacks and settlers. Logging work brought money to the area and by 1901 Island boasted two hotels and two stores. Today two main economic centers capture the islands shoppers, one in Heriot Bay and the other larger center being located in Quathiaski Cove. The car ferry that enables access to this picturesque island lands in Quathiaski Cove which is likely the reason for it being the main centre of commerce. There has been a car ferry since 1960 allowing the residents and visitor relatively easy access to Campbell River and the greater Vancouver Island. Only a twelve minute ferry ride between Quadra and Campbell River makes it an attractive destination for day trippers exploring the region.

Quadra Island Mining Operation
Quathiaski Cove was home to the local cannery from 1904 to 1941, which burned down in recent years leaving just one building and some pilings. The local cannery is now located farther up the island and provides work to some Quadra Island residents.

Mining had its crack at the island with the most famous being the Lucky Jim Mine that operated from about 1910 to 1925. Some remnants of this mine still exists, including log buildings, an old mine shaft and some machinery parts all covered with moss and slowly returning to the forest floor.

Occasionally we see Killer Whales off Quadra Island's convoluted shoreline. Bald Eagles, Seals and Porpoises are common.

Quadra Island - Paradise among jewels

Quadra Island Becomes An Adventure Jump Off Point
Quadra Island has emerged in recent years with a new "face" as the Adventure Jump Off Point to the outlying areas. Sea kayaking has swept the country possibly the world in the past ten years and Quadra Island has captured the attention of many kayakers in the process. Quadra is easy to access, has all of the amenities and offers sea kayakers, canoeists and adventurer's of all walks a perfect place to begin an adventure holiday. Kayak rentals, canoe rentals and all associated equipment are available at Quadra Island Outfitters enabling people to come from around the world to enjoy what the area has to offer. A tremendous amount of vacationers choose to take Quadra Island guided adventure trips. A professionally organized adventure vacation is many times the safest way to spend your vacation dollars. A good quality Adventure company will ensure that you see the sights and are able to explore in the safety of experienced guides.

Flocking to Quadra
Birders are also flocking to Quadra for glimpses of water fowl that use this island as a  major stopover area in the Pacific Flyway. It only takes a pair of binoculars and some patients to be witness to some incredible birding sites.

Local Natural Interpretation Guide Trainer Rod Burns gives an outdoor lecture for a group of Out For Adventure guides near Rebecca Spit Provincial Park, Quadra Island.

Quadra Island Guides
The interest in our natural environment continues to grow and as such adventure travelers are demanding more from their guides. Training in natural and cultural history is very important to quality adventure guides and one of the first Eco interpreter training programs began with Rod Burns at the Bold Point Farm Stay here on Quadra Island. Rod now trains adventure guides to be better at interpreting natural and cultural history to clients.

Surrounded by Ocean, filled with wonder - Quadra Island, British Columbia.