Category Archives: Quadra Island

Trip Report – Heron Pt. and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

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Six of us took advantage of the superb weather to hike to a couple of excellent viewpoints.  The first viewpoint, Heron Point, is a short, easy walk over moss covered bluffs.  The next bit, up to the top of Mt. Sweat, starts with a walk through an old forest, then the trail winds up bluffs and moss covered ledges.  In some places the path is steep.  On top, the air was cool and crisp with excellent visibility and the sun was warm, so we lingered there over a long lunch.  The way down was a flagged route, again on moss covered ridges, easy walking.  Finally, a walk back on a gravel road, to complete the loop to the vehicles.  Thanks to Heather Kellerhals for letting the Outdoor Club use the Chauntaluf farm trails to make this loop.  3.9 km, 3¼ hours, with multiple long stops at viewpoints.

Norris
 

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Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

Trip Report – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

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Five of us walked these lovely and varied trails on the We Wai Kai land.  The trails were well maintained after winter storms and well used.  We started on the forest loop, enjoying the old and interesting Big Leaf Maples and the deep ravine before coming out on the bluff overlooking Willby Shoals.  We continued on past the lighthouse and campground, joining a trail along Discovery Passage, heading north toward Yaculta.  This section has good views and some big Douglas fir trees.  On the return, we stopped for a bite at a picnic table in the campground.  The rain held off for us and it was a gentle day, good for a walk.  A few of the group met up at Quathiaski Cove cafés after the hike for hot drinks and treats.  7.4 km; 2½ hours without the snacks.

Debbie
 
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Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 Mar 2022

Paddling/Hiking – Main Lakes Provincial Park – 22 April 2022

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Activity Paddling/Hiking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 22 April, Friday  Earth Day
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description We will combine a paddle and hike on this one. Paddle Mine and Main Lakes to the Clear Lake Creek. Hike along the creek and visit a Douglas fir and and Red Cedar which may be Quadra’s biggest trees.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch
Departure Time 8:30 meet up; 9:00 am on the water
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate depending on weather
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: Kayak or canoe but must meet club and coast guard guidelines for safety. Be prepared for a full day – lunch, snacks and appropriate clothing for changeable spring weather and a two activity day.

Hiking – Heron Point and Mt. Sweat – 9 Mar 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Heron Pt and Mt. Sweat loop
Date 9 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description This is a short hike starting on Kolker Main. We will briefly follow a logging road, a short connector and a mossy bluff to Heron Point for great views of Hyacinthe Bay and the Chinese Mtn area.  From there we will take a cairned route through forest trails and rocky bluffs to Mt. Sweat. We descend to Kolker Main and return to the vehicles on the logging road.  This is a view hike and will not be done in poor weather.  About 4 km; 2½ hours.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay store parking lot.  We will drive out in a group.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Most easy, but some interesting places on Mt. Sweat.  If there are sufficient participants, a second, more level option is possible.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No.
Notes: Some of this trip is on private property and we thank Heather Kellerhals for allowing our visit to Chauntaluf Farm.  Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as lunch.

Trip Report – Upper Gowlland Bike Trails – 16 Feb 2022

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This hike explored some of the lesser used trails accessed via the Missing Links FSR road off Upper Gowlland Harbour Road. From the parking area we went north-east on Bite the Bullet, past the remains of an old rifle range. We crossed the road to Sam’s Shorty on Marlow’s woodlot and then crossed over again to climb Cash Only, then west on Back Door. Our lunch stop was at the high point of the trail on a mossy bluff. From there we began the descent on Silk Stockings through the tailings of an abandoned copper mining operation with old rails and ore carts still visible. Along the way we found other possible scenic rest points with views of a lake and the Vancouver Island mountains. Our group of four walked the 6.8 km in 2.5 hours plus a half lunch stop with lots of good conversation and laughter.

Rob
 
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Hiking – Upper Gowlland Trails – 16 Feb 2022

Hiking – Upper Gowlland Harbour Trails – 16 Feb 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Upper Gowlland Harbour trails
Date 16 February, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Rob McKerracher
Contact Info 250 285 3204;  mckerr@gicable.com
Description Well-used trails on the north side of Gowlland Harbour Road – rolling terrain with open bluffs, forest and a lake.   Distance 6.9 km   Elevation gain 200 m.   2.5 hours walking time plus lunch stop
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Dress for the weather – bring a lunch.

Hiking – Cape Mudge Trails – 2 March 2022

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Activity Hiking
Destination Cape Mudge trails
Date 2 March, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710  Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will hike the forest and bluff trail from the lodge.  There are a few wet places in the forest.  From there will will continue to the lighthouse.  Depending on the group and the weather we can walk to the village and back.  There is also an option to make this a hot chocolate walk by stopping at Aroma Cafe or Farm to Table after the hike.
Meeting Place Tsa-Kwa-Luten parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs?
Notes: Bring gear appropriate for the weather and trail conditions, as well as lunch or a snack.

Trip Report – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

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Nine of us walked this short “new” loop between Village Bay Lakes and Vic’s Marsh.  Some of it is on a gated logging road, some of it is on an old, maintained trail that we’ve recently rediscovered.  It passes through a very nice forest.  Perhaps the loop was a riding trail when Vic had horses at the marsh.  In the eighties?  Then the trail connects to the Vic’s Marsh trail, returning to the cars along the marsh and passing by the remains of Vic’s barn.  Despite a poor weather forecast, it did not rain or snow on us and this loop was mostly clear of snow while other trails in the area are still covered.  Back at the vehicles, the groups shared some yummy snacks before departing.   4.2 km, 1⅓ hours

Norris
 

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Hiking – Village Bay Lakes Loop – 2 Feb 2022

Trip Report – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

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On a cool, foggy day we set out for a casual hike. The Haskin Farm Trail had been recently cleared of fallen trees and widened out very nicely after all the bad weather. Thanks to all that may have participated.
Fir Crest was in good condition with the occasional peek out through the fog to the ocean. The golf course was in great condition considering all the snow that we have had. All the green grass made you feel as if spring was coming. We returned to the vehicles through the wood lot. 6.5 km and 1¾ hours

Les

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Hiking – Haskin Farm-Fir Crest Loop – 25 Jan 2022

Kayaking – Bays, Bretons, and Beyond – 23 March 2022

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Postponed due to weather.

Activity Paddling
Destination Bays, Bretons, and Beyond
Date 23 Mar, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description The first paddle of spring could be short or long depending on the weather and the group! A calm day could allow us to aim for Dunsterville Islet, then Breton Islands and back. An iffier day could see us meander through Hyacinthe, Open and Moulds before a lunch break at Breton Island then return.
Meeting Place Len Road Shore Access
Departure Time 9:30 am on the water
Difficulty
 Easy to moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? Only very strong swimmers!
Notes: Please contact the trip coordinator 48 hours before the trip to confirm your attendance. A go/no go decision that reflects the weather forecast will be made by noon the day preceding the trip date.
Must have equipment that meets club and coast guard regulations. Bring lunch and gear for the weather.