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Quadra Island
Quadra Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River via BC Ferries. Quadra
is 35 km (21 miles)long and has an average width of 9 km, (6 miles) and most of its 2,500 full-time
residents live on the southern half of the island. The two main population centres are Quathiaski Cove
and Heriot Bay. Cycling is a wonderful way to travel island roads and trails, and visitors will find many
interesting sights within easy pedaling distance of Quathiaski Cove or Heriot Bay. The island also offers
excellent sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Provisions can be purchased at several markets and
antique, pottery studios, and galleries, feature many excellent choices for gifts or just browsing.
Quadra's annual summer garden tour and arts festival are two not-to-be-missed events. The garden tour
offers visitors the chance to view beautiful island gardens up close, and the arts festival showcases the
work of local visual and performance artists in a daytime exhibition and evening of entertainment.
Ancient stone drawings - petroglyphs - can be seen along the high-tide line at We-wai-kai Beach,
Petroglyph Road and Francisco Point. The Kwagiulth Museum at Cape Mudge displays a splendid
collection of Potlatch artifacts, mainly masks and ceremonial regalia which preserve the history and
traditions of the Kwagiulth people. Other historic sites include Quadra Island United Church at Cape
Mudge, Lucky Jim Mine, and the Haskins' Farm Trail.
Rebecca Spit Provincial Park is a popular spot for swiming and boating and Village Bay Lakes Chain
Provincial Park is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. One is likely to see small blacktailed deer, raccoon,
river otter, harbour seal and sea-lion. Watch for pods of killer whales in the surrounding waters.
Kingfishers and the great blue heron can be seen along the coves as well as cormorants, grebes, ducks,
scoters and mergansers. The more elusive peregrine falcon and snowy owl have been spotted on the
north part of the Island.
Known mainly for its fishing, many charter boats and guides are available for salmon fishing or fresh
water fishing and canoeing on Quadra Island lakes. Other popular activities include scuba diving and
snorkeling. The clear waters and diverse marine life off Quadra's shores make the area one of the best
destinations for scuba diving in the world. The HMCS Columbia was sunk off Quadra in 1996, creating
an artificial reef for marine life and a popular spot for divers.
There are a wide range of accomodations on Quadra Island as well as tent and RV Campgrounds
available. Talented musicians are a regular attraction at island restaurants and pubs offering excellent
cuisine.
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