Category Archives: easy

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 – 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 – Gowlland Harbour – 2 July 2026

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Ten adventures souls had signed up for a paddle that had to be cancelled because of torrential rains. Quadra needed the water though so we could hardly complain. Instead, we followed through with the social at my house, only later in the afternoon and nine people were able to change their schedules to accommodate. I provided hotdogs and potato salad and everyone else brought a variety of appetizers, fruit, and desserts. It was a great time of reminiscing about old hikes and paddles, as well as planning for some new ones in the future. Sorry, no pictures were taken.

Les

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 July 2026

Trip Report – Open Bay Social Picnic – 17 June 2026

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The wind blew gustily, the sun shone brightly, and the ocean continued its gentle retreat down the sandy beach as five members, one guest, and two furry friends enjoyed a very pleasant luncheon social at Big Beach, Open Bay, on June 17.

After trying to set up shelter with no success, we decided to explore the western rocky shoreline exposed by the very low tide. We were pleased to find a few healthy ochre seastars but the big surprise were the two fascinating clumps of squid eggs. We retreated back to the driftwood to enjoy our lunches and social time.

Our intrepid spy undertook the mission to find out what the only other beachgoers there were doing out at the tideline. He reported that they were digging up clams to see if a commercial clam dig at Big Beach would be viable, which was probably negative. So the tiny clams luxuriating in the outfall from the houses above are safe, for now.

All in all a very pleasant outing with good company.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie for the photos
 

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Social Picnic at Open Bay – 17 June 2026

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 July 2026

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date: 2 July 2026, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 250-285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description This will only be a 2-3 hour paddle followed by a social hour on the deck at my house. I will provide hot dogs so the barbecue will be on. Please bring your favorite beverage and a small appetizer for the group. We will be staying in Gowland Harbor. Please bring a spray skirt and all necessary equipment mandated by the Coast Guard.
If it is more than showers the date will be changed.
Meeting Place 1157 West Rd.
Departure Time Arrive at 9:00; on the water by 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Only one vehicle at a time can come down the hill so be on time. I have permission to park vehicles at the landlord’s house. From there it is a steep concrete driveway with a switch back involved. You will need to be able to back up with your mirrors to get down close to the water. Otherwise you will park up above and we will use two people to carry the kayaks down. When you sign up I will explain more as it will not be that hard.

Social Picnic – Open Bay Beach – 17 June 2026

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Activity Picnic Social intertidal exploration
Destination Open Bay Beach
Date 17 June, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, cell 778 242 5774; home 250 285 2329
Description June 17 is predicted to be in the middle of a heat wave, 33c. For me, too hot to hike or kayak. However, it will be a low tide around noon in Open Bay, perfect for intertidal exploration and a beach picnic.
Meeting Place End of Marina Rd, Open Bay
Departure Time 11:00 am
Difficulty Access to the beach is by a short, steep trail.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? Under control, please
Notes: Be prepared for strong, hot sun ….sunscreen, umbrellas, etc. bring a beach blanket, picnic lunch and WATER (or substitute). Must contact organizer by Tuesday June 16 evening. May be cancelled if temps soar towards 40c.

Trip Report – Mine & Main Lakes – 21 May 2026

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Seven paddlers met at Mine Lake boat launch for a paddle and a small hike on a beautiful spring day. There was supposed to be light winds, but the wind dropped off so we had flat water after coming onto Main Lake. On such a beautiful day, we were surprised to only see one single camper at one site and a small group at the far end. We landed there and then walked over to Yeatman Bay. We hiked the trail in the woods out toward the small island and the tide was low enough that we could cross over to it. Here we had a nice relaxed stop to enjoy the sun and sights.
After we hiked back to the kayaks and had lunch here before launching back onto Main Lake. At the head of the bay, we ran into some stronger winds with light chop. This continued until we reached the channel and then became lighter as we returned down Mine Lake to our vehicles.
About 4½ hours for a 5½ km paddle and a 2½ km hike

Les

Thanks to Les and Louise for the photos

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Kayaking – Mine and Main Lakes – 21 May 2026

Kayaking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 21 May 2026

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 21 May, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will meet at Mine Lake boat launch at about 9:30 to get ready to leave at 10. We will paddle out to from Mine Lake to Main Lake and to the far campground. Then walk across to Yeatman Bay to stretch our legs and have lunch. After lunch, we will walk back to the kayaks and make a decision if we just go back to Mine or paddle a bit farther. The route may depend on wind conditions.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch
Departure Time Leave at 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy; depending on wind.
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring full paddling gear, lunch, and clothes for changing weather.