Island Hopping BC: Quadra Island

*Quadra Island surprised us - Beaches, beach toys, beach fun, and beach friends!*

We felt the pull to divert from the mainland of Vancouver Island. We had been talking prior to our trip about hopping over and exploring one of the many islands of British Columbia. This one happened to fall perfectly in our laps. Back when we were in Port Townsend, Washington spending time at a small, local public library we ran into a woman named Wendy. She had overheard we were visiting and casually asked us where we were from. One thing led to another and after sharing that we were on a 10-week road trip she quickly began offering ideas and must-sees (which we love to accept). She also happily put us in contact with a family (and another thing we love to accept!) that lives on the small island of Quadra, found along the famous Inside Passage. We immediately got in touch with the family to learn more about them and this island.

Fast forward a couple weeks later, and we were on our ten minute ferry ride from Campbell River to Quadra Island about to meet the family, Sheldon, Amy, Emilio (7), Rosa (3) who would be welcoming us to the island and hosting us on their property for a few nights.

*Can you spot me…and Loaf? :) On the ferry over to Quadra Island.*

We were so excited to be on an island with a breathtakingly beautiful coast, a small “island vibe”, and a welcoming community. Although Quadra is the most populous and largest of the Discovery Islands, it only has a population of 2,700 year round residents. While our soon-to-be friends were finishing up their day at work, we buzzed over to Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park.

What a surprise! Rebecca Spit, a narrow hook of land on the east side of Quadra Island was the perfect place to relax and explore. The boys jumped in their wetsuits and out of Loaf and proceeded to make driftwood boats while Chip and I each took turns going for a run along the spit. The small trail zigzagged back and forth between the water and forest, I felt happy and at ease! Sometimes a run can put me in the best of moods.

After we got our fill of beach time, we drove to the picturesque hub of Quadra Island called Heriot Bay. Here sits a ferry terminal, campground, and a small historic Inn and restaurant right along the water’s edge facing dramatic views of mainland Vancouver Island. It had a relaxed local vibe to it so Chip and I decided to grab a happy hour drink while the boys played giant chess.

*The FASHUN is incredible - Reid with a wetsuit on. Bennett with backwards shirt and pants on. Classic.*

Let’s Have Some More Island Fun

A text from Amy and Sheldon alerting us that they were home meant we could head over to their property to meet them. We were excited, and also anxious to know if we would all get along! Who knows. Perhaps they would be pointing us right back in the direction of the Heriot Bay campground.

Well, it was safe to say we immediately clicked with Sheldon, Amy, Emilio, and Rosa. They toured us around their property complete with fruit trees, bike paths, and a perfectly flat spot for Loaf. Over the next couple days we had the most incredible time mountain biking to a chilly yet swimmable lake called Morte Lake, spending time on their property, and hiking in to a scenic spot along the ocean for a sunset dinner picnic. I will never forget how much fun the kids were having together at the lake catching crabs during our sunset dinner. The imaginative/creative play is indescribable and these moments of meeting new friends and discovering things on our own makes the trip well worth it to me.

*Mountain biking views…en route to a hidden lake!*

*Lake found! Freezing but refreshing after our bike ride.*

*It was so fun watching these kids bond and play!*

*The most amazing picnic spot - thank you, Sheldon, Amy, and family!*

Last But Not Least…Happy Birthday, Chip!

What a way to spend your 38th birthday - an incredible weekend making new friends, memories, and discovering new places (islands!) in Canada. We will never forget it! A huge thanks to our Quadra Island friends - Amy, Sheldon, Rosa, and Emilio. We would have never had the experience on Quadra Island without you.

Wait until you see what is Next…But First This Camp Spot…

Next up, Loaf safely delivers us back to mainland Vancouver Island for our next GIANT adventure. One we had been planning for a year in advance and a highlight of the entire ten weeks, our ferry ride from Vancouver Island through the inside passage to Bella Coola, Canada!

But first, check out this insanely gorgeous free campsite we found a night before the ferry ride. It was foggy and rainy and one of my absolute favorites!!