Category Archives: Quadra Island

Hiking – Shellaligan Pass Loop – 7 Sept 2022

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Change of destination to Rebecca Spit due to wind.

Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Pass long loop
Date 7 Sept, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie Van Veen
Contact Info 250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca
Description A classic Quadra Island hike, we will take the long loop, weather permitting. We will stop early in the hike to look for whales from the rocky bluffs. We’ve been luck on every recent hike/kayak in Shellaligan.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Store parking lot or logging road turnoff on Valdes Road
Departure Time 10 am: meet at Heriot Bay store parking lot to carpool (see notes); 10:20 meet at turn off to logging road on Valdes Road
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must not run through group; must be under control; dogs and owners will go ahead of group.
Notes: About 3 hours. Dress for the weather, bring lunch, snacks.  MUST contact coordinator by Monday evening, Sept. 5.

Kayaking – Village Bay Beach – 31 Aug 2022

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Postponed.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Village Bay Beach
Date 31 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie Van Veen
Contact Info 250 285 2329 vvv@qisland.ca
Description Forecast warm day with light winds; high tide just around launch time (yay!), not a huge tidal change that day. We will meander to Village Bay, enjoying maybe the last of summer kayaking weather. Swim at VB if desired, then home. We can go by the lava tunnels at Valdes Beach if anyone hasn’t already seen them.
Meeting Place Len Road launch
Departure Time 9 am meet, on water by 9:40
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8 kayaks
Dogs? Experienced kayak dogs only
Notes: This is a pleasant paddle, usually seals, maybe the last of the orcas and humpies, migrating birds???
MUST confirm with organizer by Monday eve Aug 29.  Must comply with Club paddling guidelines and Coast Guard requirements.

Trip Report – Alternate Chinese Mountain Loop – 24 Aug 2022

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It was forecast to be another scorching hot day, so we moved the start time an hour earlier.  Instead of taking the usual hiking trail up South Chinese Mountain, the four of us took a climbers’ path, which goes steeply up to the base of the rock wall.  From there the path is less steep and goes up a swale between the south peak and a minor southeast bluff.  We took a side trail which goes up that bluff for excellent viewpoints, a rest and a snack.  We continued on the path back down to meet the main trail at the “mud hole”.  Coming back down the regular trail we took the new “scenic route” trail which avoids a badly eroded section of the original trail.  Then we took another scenic route, which avoids another part of the main trail which is more stream bed than trail.  The second scenic section is not marked or flagged, but it is a very nice alternative route.  It rejoins the main south bluff trail near a viewpoint.   3.4 km; 2½ hours; 220 m elevation gain.

Norris
 

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Hiking – Alternate Chinese Mtn Loop – 24 Aug 2022

Kayaking – QCove to Smiths Rd- 15 Sept 2022

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Activity Paddling
Destination QCove to Smiths Road Shore Access
Date 15 Sept, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459 text; or phone 250-285-2111.
Description End of Summer – around the Cape; This paddle will involve a shuttle which will require an earlier start in order to be ready for a 0930 put in. We will put in at the Q Cove boat launch and leave the Cove just before the current changes (slack) to ebb and enter the back eddy as we head south to the lighthouse. We will round Cape Mudge and head north along QI’s east coast as far as the Shore Access off Smiths Road.
Meeting Place QCove boat launch
Departure Time Meet at put in at 0800; Shuttle vehicles to take out; On the water by 0930
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate depending on the weather. Currents will be a factor.
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: The shuttle will be the first challenge of the day. Try to arrange your own shuttle if a spouse or friend is willing to help. Otherwise we will do something like this: All meet at QCove and unload kayaks. All cars will go to Smiths Road (I will stay with the kayaks and gear); As few cars as necessary will drive back to QCove with all paddlers. We should probably meet at 0800, unload, shuttle and plan to put in at 0900.
Be sure to read our paddling guidelines and make sure you are properly outfitted.

Trip Report – Kanish Bay Paddle – 17 Aug 2022

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Six paddlers got an early start – 9:15 – from the Granite Bay boat launch on a beautiful summer day, with the forecasted northwesterly looking very manageable. Taking a counter clockwise route this time we headed to Orchard Bay for a quick pit stop and a stretch. We headed along the north side of Kanish Bay for a couple of kilometers and then decided it was time to head across to the Chained Islands in case the wind got any stronger. We encountered some chop coming nearly broadside and then some interesting waves as we got close to the second last island. Circling this island we arrived at the campsite in a sheltered bay and had a leisurely lunch in the shade. As the day was getting much warmer a couple of us attempted a swim in the very chilly water.

Getting back on the water we cruised in the shelter of the islands along the south side of Kanish Bay. Several salmon were spotted jumping and a flock of mergansers were working hard to keep ahead of us. With the day getting much hotter it was a good time to head to the take out and go in search of cold beverages.  12.0 km; 4 hours.

Vic Gladish

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Kayaking – Granite Bay and Beyond – 17 Aug 2022

Trip Report – Happy Hour to Morte Lake – 7 Aug 2022

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A few of us made the very short walk up the old logging access to Morte Lake in the late afternoon for the Club’s first ever “happy hour hike.” This area is now protected as part of the Quadra Conservancy Land.  The weather was warm, sunny and breezy.  Recognizing that the social aspect of this event was more important than the exercise, we brought our folding chairs, and whatever drink and appie we wanted.  Sitting on the shore, we relaxed, caught up on recent events, and some swam in the lake.  It being a warm Sunday afternoon, a few others stopped by to swim or to return via paddle board.  Everyone was very cheerful and friendly.  We didn’t stay long, but had a good time.

Debbie

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Happy Hour Hike – Morte Lake– 7 Aug 2022

Hiking – Alternate Chinese Mtn Loop – 24 Aug 2022

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Change of start time due to hot weather.

Activity Hiking
Destination Alternate South Chinese Mtn Loop
Date 24 Aug, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description Using climbing access trails, hiking trails, open forest and bluffs, we will hike a loop on South Chinese Mountain with maximize fantastic viewpoints, but does not go to the traditional lookout.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.
Departure Time 9:00  10:00, or earlier if it is hot
Difficulty
 Moderate, quite short but steep in sections.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No.
Notes: Bring la snack.  Poles are recommended if you use them.

Happy Hour Hike – Morte Lake – 7 Aug 2022

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Activity Happy Hour Hike
Destination Morte Lake conservancy from the logging road
Date 7 Aug, Sunday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Friday evening.
Description We will drive to the gate for the Morte Lake conservancy and take the short walk up to the lake.  There are a few sites we can choose for a social happy hour, a great view and possibly a swim.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 15:45
Difficulty Easy
Costs none
Trip limits
Dogs?
Notes: Bring whatever you want.  Here are some possibilities: a snack, something to drink, a portable chair, a bathing suit.

Trip Report – Chauntaluf Farm to Open Bay – 28 July 2022

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Four of us started fairly early to avoid the hottest part of the afternoon.  We strolled through the Chauntaluf farm taking time to appreciate the setting, views, animals and trees.  We then followed their Open Bay Rd over to Kolker Main.  We were met by Marianne who accompanied us down the private road to her home on Open Bay. As we had not met Marianne before, we took time to get acquainted before having lunch in the shade at the beach.  It was a very low tide and we walked on the sand to the shore and to Open Bay Creek before heading back.  It was warm ascending the road before we crossed back into the forest of Chauntaluf Farm.  We stopped at the pond for a cool swim before returning to the car.  This outing involved visits to two private properties and we are very appreciative for the invitations from Heather and Marianne.   7.4 km; 4 hours

Debbie
 

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Hiking – Chauntaluf Farm to Open Bay– 28 July 2022

Trip Report – Manzanita Bluff – 27 July 2022

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Six of us set out for Manzanita Bluff on one of the hottest days of the year, so far – about 34° C.  The view at the top is worth it, and the hike up is in the shade of an open forest with some fine Douglas fir trees.  We hiked up the 250 metres in 1½ hours and had lunch enjoying the great view from the bluff.  We descended quickly and took the side trip to Darkwater Lake for a well deserved swim in this excellent lake.  5.3 km; 4¼ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Manzanita Bluff – 27 July 2022