Trip Report – Kay Dubois Loop – 30 July 2026

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Four hikers enjoyed a lovely early morning walk along the venerable Kay Dubois Trail on July 30. This is probably the first trail I hiked on Quadra, it has retained the wonderful essence of Quadra, forest and ocean . Recent improvements by the Trail Committee volunteers (especially Carrie and Stephen) are amazing, gone are the sketchy muddy swamp sections, replaced with culverts and sensible re-routings where needed. The wonderful old spruce is still there, a tour of Quadra’s magnificent old trees would be a fun winter outing. We had planned on walking to the end, return to the spruce and go uphill to Fox Road. However, thanks to the greatly improved trail we reached the end very quickly and opted to go uphill to Sutil Road, returning via the logging road, Fox, and downhill to our cars. In retrospect, we decided that we would have preferred to turn back on the logging road to the downhill trail to the spruce and then back to our cars to avoid the boring stretch along paved roads. With all the improvements, as an “out and back” on the flat, or a round trip with the uphill options, this is an a great trail for new hikers, visitors, and especially for families of all age… short, easy, in the forest and ocean access. Maybe even hear/see whales! We didn’t but a heron let us know he was there on the beach as we passed. About 2 hours, 5 km. A lovely early morning stretch with some uphill cardio.

Valerie van Veen
 
 
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Trip Report – Heriot & Hyacinthe Bays – 6 Aug 2026

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Four veteran paddlers put in at Esplanade Park in Heriot Bay on a beautiful summer evening. The tide change was minimal, the seas calm and the temperature ideal, so we had an easy put in (and take out 2 hours later) and a very relaxed paddle along the shoreline. We stayed in the shade and therefore closely followed the shoreline, scooting between boulders, and musing about the homes and cabins close on our port side. A partially exposed shipwreck near Heriot Island caught our interest for a few minutes, and then we passed the Len Rd area and headed for a beach on the east shore of Hyacinthe Bay in the small Regional District conservation area, for a stretch after our first hour of paddling.

Back on the water, we headed for the east shore of Heriot Island and then picked our way through the many moored boats, rafts and relics of Heriot Bay. With the sun settling below the trees, we made the take out at about 8:00 pm after a two hour outing. It was time to hit the HBI for a pint and conversation, which two of us did.

About 5.5 km; 2 hrs

Vic

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Kayaking – Heriot & Hyacinthe Bays – 6 Aug 2026

Kayaking – Heriot Bay & Hyacinthe Bay – 6 Aug 2026

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Heriot Bay and Hyacinthe Bay
Date: 6 Aug, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111 or 250-287-0459 (text)
Description We will take advantage of a high water day and put in at Esplanade Park for a sunset paddle. We will work our way out to Hyacinthe Bay and, depending on the group’s motivation, to Hyacinthe Pt, take a peak into Open Bay and then beeline back to Esplanade Park/Gov’t Dock. Once on shore and packed up, head to the HBI for beverages (and food if we make it before the kitchen closes at 9:00pm).
Meeting Place Esplanade Park (Antler Rd)
Departure Time 1800 ON THE WATER
Difficulty Easy if the weather is benign
Costs Parking?
Trip limits The more the merrier
Dogs? No
Notes: Have an early supper at home and/or bring a snack. The aim is to be on the water at 6:00 pm. Sunset is at 8:55 pm.
We will put in at low tide (3.5 m) which isn’t very low and take out on a rising tide. Shore access should be easier than a normal low tide.

Hiking – Maud Island – 11 Aug 2026

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This trip has been cancelled.

Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 11 Aug, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact info lhquadra@gmail.com or 250-285-2029
Description I am going to make this into a longer trip but with a car shuffle so as not to be too long. We will hike around Morte Lake on the north side and then take the old trail over to the Maude Island Trail. From there, we will take the lower route out to Maude Island and then on the way back if it does not get too warm go up over Mount Lolo. There will be a Max Flood of 14.1 at 2:03 PM that we will be trying to match and should be impressive. There will be a short break on the way out, but trying to get out there and have a long lunch watching the current. I think it will take about 3 1/2 – 4 hours to go out but will park the one vehicle where it should only be about two hours to come back. This is approximate, so be prepared for a longer hike of about 12 to 13 km.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No, as there are two places that are hard for dogs.
Notes Bring plenty of water, lunch and hiking poles if you use them. You must sign up by the evening of August 9 as I have to set up the car shuffle. I hope to have it done by the time everyone meets at Morte Lake parking lot.

Trip Report – Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay- 21 July 2026

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Due to unanticipated events, changes were made to the plans for the hike to Newton Lake, Small Inlet and Waiatt Bay.  The hike started about 9:45 and ended about 3:00. It was a beautiful hike for a hot, sunny day as it was shaded throughout. The rocks on the trail became increasingly wet as the hike proceeded, likely from condensation.

There were numerous groups of hikers on the trail from Waiatt Bay to Newton for a swim. We snacked at Waiatt at noon upon arrival. To suggest it was muggy would be an understatement. There was mist in the trees during multiple parts of the hike. It was surprisingly pleasant feeling for 30 degrees out, but there was much moisture in the air and on the hikers. Short breaks and a casual pace throughout made for a very nice hike in weather that could have humbled us if overly ambitious. (12.8 km, 4 hrs 41 minutes)

Jim

Hiking – Newton Lake-Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 22 July 2026

Hiking – Newton Lake – Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 6 Aug 2026

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This trip will be postponed and something else will likely be scheduled!

Activity Hike and swim
Destination Newton Lake with Small Inlet and/or Waiatt Bay
Date 6 Aug 2026, Thursday, rescheduled
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111 or 250-287-0459 (text)
Description We will hike up to Newton Lake, down to Small Inlet, take the portage trail to Waiatt Bay and then back to the Newton Lake. Distance about 15 kilometres – will take approximately 4-5 hours (including lunch and short swim stops at Newton Lake.
If there is consensus to do so, we will break into two groups at the trail junction, one going on to Waiatt Bay, and the other returning to the lake. We will then rendezvous at Newton Lake.
Meeting Place Quadra Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 A rocky, rutty initial kilometer, and a steep section at Small Inlet, plus overall distance makes this a moderate – not easy – hike.
Costs Share fuel costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Limit 2 and on leash. Owners must have a signed “Dog-Owner Acknowledgement Statement” on file with the Club.
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.
The trip is best on a good summer’s day so will be postponed if the forecast is for rain.

Hiking – Kay Dubois Trail – 30 July 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Kay Dubois Trail
Date 30 July, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, 250-285-2329, 778-242-5774
Description We will walk Kay Dubois trail from trailhead to the end, return via Fox Road. This will be a moderately paced hike for a bit of morning exercise.
Meeting Place Kay Dubois trailhead, north end
Departure Time 09:30
Difficulty
 Easy, one hill
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs As per Club guidelines, must have a signed FMCBC form on record, contact coordinator for details if needed.
Notes: We are meeting at KDB trailhead … if anyone wants to carpool from the Community Centre contact the coordinator. Participants must register with coordinator by Wednesday evening, July 29.

Trip Report – Morte Lake Classic Loop – 16 July 2026

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Seven of us got an early start to get ahead of the heat that was forecast. We hiked into the Lake on the classic old logging road, meeting a few other people on the trail and at the east end sandy beaches. We continued up the switch-backed trail to the bluffs and paused to enjoy the view and indentify the mountains. We made our way back down to the lake and stopped at the picnic table for an early lunch and for those that wanted to swim. The water level was low and the water was relatively warm. We carried on along the fast trail on the west shore, stopping at the old logging access point with the canoe and stopping again at the white sand beach at the south end of the lake. There was no one on any of these beaches, which was surprising given the heat. We continued on the classic loop, rejoining the old logging road and then chosing to take Lower Deadfish for the return to the parking lot. By the end of our hike it was fairly overcast, warm and humid. This was a lovely, relaxed walk with great natural highlights and opportunities for socializing. (10.3 km, 4½ hours total, 290m elevation gain)

Debbie

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Hiking – Morte Lake Classic Loop – 16July2026

Trip Report – Nugedzi Lakes – 9 July 2026

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Well, the day didn’t go as planned as the weather was uncooperative. Five hikers met up, but we were trying to second-guess the rain that had already started. Two decided not to go, but the other three had hopes that the rain would only be temporary. As it turned out, it rained during the whole trip sometimes heavy, sometimes light. On the bright side, it was quite mild and even though we got very wet, we stayed warm due to the long uphill climb to Nugedzi Lake. The rain did add a whole different feel to the trip as your view was confined to a much shorter distance, and you were very aware of your close surroundings. The moss and vegetation seemed considerably greener. As we neared the lake the temperature dropped a bit, and the fog settled in. This changed the whole feeling of your surroundings again and was actually quite eerie but beautiful as you can see in the pictures that were taken.

At this point, we decided not to go out to the viewpoint as you wouldn’t have been able to see anything anyway. Instead, we headed back down the trail toward the Cedar Grove Canyon. There we took a connector trail back to the trail going up to Mt. Seymour, which is quite steep in some areas. This is a newer flagged trail that goes through some magnificent large trees and open mossy landscape. Back on the Seymour Trail, it was downhill all the way to the vehicles. (7 km, 320m ascent and 3 hours)

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

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Hiking – Nugedzi Lakes and Views – 9 July 2026

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 16 July 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake Loop
Date 16 July, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description We will hike the classic loop counter-clockwise. We will find a beach for lunch and swimming will be possible for those who are interested. At this time, it is expected to be very warm.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00, or earlier to avoid the heat
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Yes, if under control and with a “Dog-Owner Acknowledgement Statement”
Notes Bring lunch and swimming gear if interested. Stay in touch with the coordinator about a possible change to the start time.