Overview:
This adventure
begins from our home base “the Yak Shack” on beautiful
Quadra Island. We start by going over basic kayaking lessons,
safety procedures and learning the art of packing an expedition
kayak for our 5 day tour. Once on the water we will begin
with an introductory paddle. Spirit of the West likes to make
sure everyone is comfortable every step of the way. Our destination
is the tranquil Octopus Islands with an over night on the
way there and back. As with all our tours, each day’s
itineraries are shaped by nature; by tidal currents, by the
wind, and what the groups desires are.
Day Prior: If
you are unable to check in at our office on Quadra Island, please call
us the day before to confirm the exact departure time and location, and
if there are any last minute details.
Itinerary
Day
1: Meet at the Yak Shack on Quadra Island’s east
side, where we will familiarize ourselves with our kayaks
and with the rest of the group while packing. Following kayak
orientation and safety procedures we venture out towards the
archipelago of the Breton Islands, where we experience up
close encounters with a harbour seal colony. Here we enjoy
a hearty lunch while absorbing the magnificent views of the
Coast Mountain Range. The afternoon takes us along the meandering
rocky shores of Quadra and Read Island paddling by coastal
homesteads, and small islets to our campsite.
Day
2: Paddle through the islands of Surge Narrows, famous
for it's swift currents and rich inter tidal life. We will
pass through this area during slack tide to allow safe passage.
Keep a look out for porpoises that frequent this area. We
continue to follow Quadra's shoreline to the enchanting Octopus
Islands Marine Park, where the feeling of solitude sets in.
We find ourselves camp for the night, where we often listen
to the call of the loon, and possibly hear the howl of the
wolves in the calm of the night.
Day
3: This day we may decide to hike the forested trail up
to Newton Lake for a refreshing swim, or head over to Maurelle
Island to where we can hike up through some old growth forest
to the 1500ft lookout point. Also an interesting pastime is
to watch the ever changing tidal waters of the narrow 'Hole
in the Wall' passage.
Day
4: Our departure time will depend on the tides as we will
be passing through the 'Hole in the Wall'. Skirt Maurelles
shore to our camp at a Rendevous Island homestead. Enjoy a
relaxing afternoon and evening meal served in the gazebo overlooking
the ocean.
Day
5: This is our final day in this beautiful area. We will
meander back to our base on Quadra Island.
Getting Here
For this tour you need
to get to Quadra Island, a 10 minute ferry ride from the town of
Campbell River on Vancouver Island. For detailed info on how to get here
see our getting here page.
Please note: For
detailed travel information, such as flights, ferries, buses, and car
rentals, see our brochure. You can also contact our local travel agency,
Uniglobe Travel if you need assistance with your travel arrangements.
They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at
wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com
Quadra Island Ferry:
Return ferry cost to Quadra is approximately $15.00 for driver and
vehicle. Additional person is $4.50. Ferries to Quadra Island leave
Campbell River every hour on the half our. Sun - Thurs, 6:30am -10:30pm.
Fri & Sat 6:30am-11:30pm. Exceptions are 6:40am, 5:25pm, 6:15pm.
Sunday there is no 7:30am ferry. Note Tuesday there is no 10:30am ferry
to Quadra and no 4:00pm ferry to Campbell River due to dangerous cargo
run. Ferries back to Campbell River leave on or around the hour.
Meeting Location -
Departure day
Our office on Quadra
Island
Meeting
time: 9:00am
Where:
at our base operations
Getting here:
If you are coming from Campbell River you will need to take the 8:30am
ferry from downtown, across from the Tyee Plaza shopping mall. Once on
Quadra Island, follow signs to Heriot Bay and Cortes Island ferry
driving on the main West Road. You will also see purple and yellow signs
(Kayak & Bike Rentals/Tours) en route to our location. Once in
Heriot Bay, turn R just past the Quadra Market onto Heriot Bay Rd. Drive
400 metres and you will find us on the left hand side.
Accommodations while
on tour
We provide
high quality expedition style tents. Generally we have enough
tents to accommodate both singles and doubles with their own.
We will do our best to match you up with a suitable partner
if we need to.
Quadra Island - accommodations
April Point
Resort
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with views over the town
of Campbell River.
Website:
www.obmg.com
Phone:
1 800 663 7090
Tsa Kwa Luten
Lodge
Beautiful West Coast Native Style constructed lodge, overlooking
Vancouver Island and mountains. Very peaceful in secluded location.
Excellent value for first class accommodations. Hot tub, fitness room,
sauna and dining room. Bookings made by Spirit of the West Note that
the lodge is a 15-20 minute drive south of our base operations. For
joining the pre trip meeting you will have to take a taxi to and from.
Website:
www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Phone:
1 800 307-3982
Email:
spirit1@oberon.ark.com
Harbour House B&B
Beautiful home above the ocean with the best island and Mountain View
around! Close to beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack. Hot tub.
Hearty breakfast served. Accommodates up to 10. A great place to meet
fellow kayakers.
Website:
www.harbourhouse.bc.ca
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email:
susan.wilson@sd72.bc.ca
Taku Resort
Quiet ocean
side resort nestled in mature trees. Dramatic views of the Coast
Mountains. Self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Hot tub,
tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently
located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website:
www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or
Email:
info@takuresort.com
Otter House Beach Chalet
Beautiful 2 level luxury cabin, tucked amongst the cedars as close to
the beach as it gets. Awesome mountain views. Private, sauna and minutes
from amenities.
Phone: 1
250 285 3939
Email:
bicycle@oberon.ark.com
Heron House B&B and
Boat House
Self contained suite. Ocean views, quiet location. Boat house
is a simple rustic cabin right at the beach. Spectacular views of Coast
Mountains.
Website:
www.quadraislandretreats.com
Phone:1 250 285-3874
Email: theinrigs@connected.bc.ca
Campbell River
- accommodations
Coast Hotels - Discovery
Inn
Located right in the town centre across the street from marina, and
Quadra Island ferry terminal. Next to shopping. Restaurant, Pub, Health
Room.
Website: www.coasthotels.com
Phone: 1 800 663 1144
Email:
coastd@vquest.com
Best Western Austrian
Chalet
Fully serviced hotel across the road from the beach. Ocean and
mountain views. With or without kitchenette. Restaurant, Pub, indoor
pool/hot tub/sauna, small putting green, table tennis. 15 min. walking
to town.
Website:
www.vquest.com/austrian/
Phone: 1 800 667 7207
Email:
austrian@vquest.com
Super 8 Motel
Good value,
clean, friendly place located along the highway with ocean view.. Indoor
pool and hot tub. 15 minutes walking to town.
Phone: 1 800 800 8000
Above Tide Motel
Good
value. Located on ocean side of highway . All ocean view rooms.
Kitchenettes. Walking distance from town.
Phone: 1 250 286 0290
Silkies B&B
Fantastic
setting on the ocean, overlooking world famous Seymour Narrows - 15
minutes drive north of Campbell River. Beautiful home that offers a
relaxing ambiance and gourmet meals. The perfect quiet getaway.
Website:
http://www.silky.bb.com/
Phone: 1 877 603 2942
Email:
stay@silky-bb.com
Pier House B&B
Conveniently located downtown. Large charming antique filled heritage
home across the highway from ocean fishing pier and marina.
Website: www.island.net/pierhse/index.html
Phone: 1 250 287 2943
Haig Brown House B&B
Restored heritage home of well known local writer/conservationist,
located in beautiful 9 acre gardens along the river. Educational
seminars offered. 25 minutes walk to town.
Phone: 1 250 286-6694
Email: haig-brownhouse@haigbrown.bc.ca
River Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high above the river in
quiet residential area.
Website:
www.riverhaven.bc.ca
Phone: 1 877 286 8370
Camping
Quadra Island
- Camping
We Wai Kai Campsite
Spectacular setting and location. Situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit
Provincial Park this ocean side campground has sites along the ocean or
in the mature forest. Showers but no hook ups. 25 minute walk to stores.
Phone:
1 250 285 3111
Taku Resort
Quiet ocean
side resort. Sites are nestled in mature trees up behind main
accommodations. Hook up, showers, laundry, hot tub, tennis, basketball,
bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to
Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258
Email: info@takuresort.com
Heriot Bay Inn
Hook up,
showers, laundry, restaurant, pub, gift shop, and marina. Centrally
located in the community of Heriot Bay.
Website: www.heriotbayinn.com
Phone: 1 250 285-3322
Email: info@heriotbayinn.com
Campbell River - Camping
Salmon Point RV Resort
Fully service RV sites or tenting in tranquil oceanfront setting.
Spectacular mountain views. Marina, store, laundry, showers, playground,
gamesroom, near restaurant and pub.
Website: www.bctravel.com/salmonpoint
Phone:1 250 923 6605
Holiday Shores RV Park
Full service RV sites along the oceanside. Sunny location-no trees, near
seaplane landing. Recreation room, laundry, showers, washrooms, small
store. Phone: 1 888 611 2142
Elk Falls Provincial Park
and Campground
Nestled in beautiful forest along the Quinsam River.
Walking trails, small playground, dry and flush toilets.
Website: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Phone: 1 800 689 9025
