We enjoyed the great view from the deck overlooking Drew Harbour and Rebecca Spit. The planning meeting lasted an hour and was particularly productive for trip suggestions and possible new directions. We had 19 for the potluck dinner, which was delicious and very social. Thanks so much to the Squires for hosting.
(click on photos to enlarge)
| Activity | Walk and Social |
| Location | Haskin Farm, golf course and The Q |
| Date | 14 October 2025, Tuesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Norris Weimer & Debbie Quigg |
| Contact Info | dmquigg@gmail.com; 3710. It is essential that you RSVP by Thursday evening, 9 October, if you are having lunch at The Q |
| Description | The plan is to park near the Fir Crest gate, hike down through the residential lots, onto the crest trail into Haskin Farm trail system, making a loop, before returning along the eastern crest, up along the northern perimeter and back to the parking area. From there anyone who wants to will go to The Q restaurant for lunch. The Q closes for the season on the following day and the menu will be limited and based on availability as they use up what is in the cupboard. Be flexible. |
| Meeting Place | The parking lot near the Fir Crest entrance gate |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Dogs | No |
| Trip Limits | 10 or what The Q can accommodate |
| Cost | Lunch, if that is your choice |
| Notes: |
Nine people gathered at my place for a easy paddle and social on a sunny summer day. Because of the driveway, launching from here is a challenge and the tide was very low. Once in the water we paddled north to check out all the new toys at Camp Homewood. It seems they have acquired many new and different types of boats. Then on to Seascape, now called Jade Resort, to find that the sunken barge had finally been cleaned up. Unfortunately, at the taxpayers cost. On past Gowlland Resort we turned and went to the Vigilant Islets for a quick stop and to stretch our legs. On our return, there was a colony of seals on Wren Islet that were enjoying the warm sunny day. We then paddled between Fawn Islet and Stag Island to return to my home for cold beverages and appetizers provided by everyone. About 5 km and a 2 hour paddle.
Les
(click on photos to enlarge)
| Activity | Kayaking |
| Destination | Gowlland Harbour |
| Date: | 21 July 2025, Monday |
| Trip Coordinator | Les Hand |
| Contact Info | lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029 |
| Description | This will only be a one and a half to two 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. Depending on current and weather we may go around Gowland Island otherwise we will just stay around the southern part of Gowland Harbor. Because of this 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 | 12 |
| 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. |
What could go wrong? Well, first there were 13 people who registered to come on this trip, but only four were able to come and three of them live on Gowlland Harbour. The day was beautifully clear and a perfect temperature. We paddled over to Gowlland Harbour Resort, who very generously allowed us to launch from their property. There was a slight breeze from the northwest, which was just a bit of extra work. By the time the last person was in the water, however, it seemed as if the wind was sufficient to reconsider the planned route and so instead of paddling over to Gowlland Island, we went upwind into North Gowlland. We got out on a beach there for a short break, even though we had not paddled for very long. In the 15 minutes or so that we were there, the wind increased noticeably so the there were small white caps. So we once again changed our plan to explore the upper reaches of North Gowlland Harbour and instead crossed over to Vigilant Islet. The bay behind the island was very sheltered and the tide was rapidly ebbing so there was lots of foreshore. A few people rambled around the Island, admiring the flowers and the views before returning to the kayaks. We had a brisk paddle back over to the north shore of Quadra Island, but were then somewhat sheltered. We poked into the inlet east of Gowlland Harbour Resort before heading back to the launching beach. We had lunch on the rocks there, enjoying the sunshine, and the view. In our fairly short paddle we saw a mink, river otter, lots of Harbour Seals, a few porpoise or dolphin (which may have been Pacific White-sided Dolphin), deer, Bald Eagles, Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, and Great Blue Heron. It was a lovely day, but not the day we expected. (From east Gowlland Harbour 7.4 km; 4 hours with lunch and two stops)
Debbie
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As promised, it was a brisk walk around Rebecca Spit for four hardy souls as we celebrated the Chinese New Year, Quadra Island style, at our January 29 Hot Chocolate Social. Though we didn’t see any snakes (appropriately it is the year of the Wood Snake), we did see, or hear, several species of sea birds and tree birds. (Ask Vic for the list). A delicious, eclectic, celebratory feast was enjoyed by all while being warmed by a very welcome campfire. Maybe an annual tradition, mark Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to celebrate the year of the Fire Horse. (about 4 km; 1 hour walking)
Valerie van Veen
| Activity | Walk and Hot Chocolate Social |
| Location | Rebecca Spit |
| Date | 29 January 2025, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Valerie van Veen |
| Contact Info | vvv@qisland.ca, text 778 242 5774, call 250 285 2329 |
| Description | CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR … with a brisk walk around Rebecca Spit and share goodies (hopefully some real Chinese goodies) at the picnic spot (most southerly, beside the campground) afterwards. Bring your own hot chocolate or whatever else you want to toast the Chinese New Year) and any goodies you might have to share….Christmas cake, cookies? ( NOT required though) |
| Meeting Place | First parking lot in park on EAST side (Sasquatch parking). If unsure wait at entrance gate for my dirty whitish Subaru |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Dogs | Yes, if under control |
| Trip Limits | None |
| Cost | None |
| Notes: | We already have a great outing on Monday, but I thought it would be fun to toast the YEAR OF THE SNAKE together as we plunge into another weird year |
Beautiful weather, wonderful company, and delicious treats all made for a delightful picnic social at Big Beach, Open Bay, enjoyed by eight club members and three enthusiastic guests. Ten participants arrived by car, and one paddled in from Heriot Bay … maybe something to consider next time? High tide kept us confined to the foreshore on the east side of the creek, but there were plenty of comfortable logs for those who didn’t pack in their beach chairs. A few gulls, a couple of paddle boarders, and a few other beach-goers were also enjoying the very peaceful West Coast evening. One member, and our guests, braved the cool waters for an evening swim.
Definitely an event worth including repeating on our Summer Schedule.
(2.5 hours, 200 feet distance, some altitude change)
Valerie van Veen
Of Interest: the following day at Open Bay two swimmers and one kayaker were joined by a pair of curious porpoises who swam with the humans for about 10 minutes.
Click on photos to enlarge
| Activity | Social Picnic |
| Destination | Big Beach, Open Bay |
| Date | 30 Aug, Friday |
| Trip Coordinator | Valerie van Veen |
| Contact Info | vvv@qisland.ca, 778 242 5774 (cell) |
| Description | End of summer sunset social, bring your picnic dinner, beach blanket, join the seals and eagles of Open Bay to celebrate a great summer season for QIOC. No campfires, but marshmallows do toast quite well over a portable camp stove. We will meet at parking area end of Marina, then schlep down the trail to the beach. Swimsuit and towel for the keeners. Note..may need to wade across the small stream. |
| Meeting Place | End of Marina Rd, Open Bay |
| Departure Time | 5 pm |
| Difficulty | Easy, but short steep path down to beach |
| Costs | None |
| Trip limits | None |
| Dogs? | No |
| Notes: | Sunset at 8 pm Aug 30. Trip cancelled if rain, windy, cold. I will notify all registered participants by 10 am Friday morning if cancelled. Thursday Aug 29 8 pm sign-up deadline. |
| Activity | Happy Hour Paddle |
| Destination | Quathiaski Cove |
| Date | 9 Aug, Friday |
| Trip Coordinator | Vic Gladish |
| Contact Info | vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-0459 |
| Description | This will be an easy, evening paddle to explore the nooks and crannies of Q Cove and Unkak Cove. It will be about a 90-minute paddle as the tide rises and the sun sets. The happy hour part will follow at the Gladish residence at 590 Green Rd. Bring a post paddle snack and a favourite beverage. Don’t bring a chair as we have plenty around our imaginary campfire. |
| Meeting Place | Quathiaski Cove harbour/ boat launch |
| Departure Time | 1830 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Costs | Parking and launching. Bring 4 toonies. |
| Trip limits | 8 |
| Dogs? | No |
| Notes: | This will be a chance to check out your paddling gear in preparation for our two night Kanish Bay trip. Have an early dinner and be ready to paddle. Looks like the heat wave will still be here. |
Quadra Island Outdoor Club 