Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 14 May 2025

Posted on May 14, 2025 by qioutdoorclub

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

(click on photos to enlarge)

: The launch site

: Heading out in perfect conditions

: Short beach break

: Vigilant Islet and Mt. Alexandra

: Vigilant Islet

: View into North Gowlland Harbour

: Sea Blush

: Steep Passage and Mt. Alexandra

: Arnica

: View from Vigilant into Gowlland Hbr

: Inlet east of Gowlland Habour Resort

: Vultures and Geese on the beach at low tide

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 14 May 2025

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

Posted on July 14, 2024 by qioutdoorclub

Ten people gathered on a beautiful, calm, sunny day for a paddle and social. The Stuart’s place is a bit difficult to launch from as there is a steep driveway with a switch back and only one vehicle can come down at a time. Then you have to pack the kayak around the pond. This was made easier by the fact that I live here, two members paddled over from their place, and another member brought his kayak in by boat to the dock. All in all it worked out well and we managed to leave a little ahead of schedule. We paddled south around the south end of Gowlland Harbour to start. After passing the old sunken barge, we stopped where the two abandoned boats have sunk to talk about how bad the government is managing abandoned boats on our coastline. We then paddled on flat water up the east side of Gowlland Island and stopped to stretch our legs on the north end. As we proceeded toward Gowlland Resort there was a colony of seals on some of the small islets. At Seascape Resort, now called Jade Resort, we stopped to look and discuss the falling apart of the old barge hotel. This is a total disaster of waste and garbage being emptied into our beautiful harbour because of the inability of government and courts to deal with a problem.
We then had an easy paddle back to our entry point. Here we had a great social on the deck, complete with chips and salsa, smoked oysters and meats with cheese and crackers, veggie platter, and Smokies and buns from the barbecue. Plus drinks and desserts. (7 km; 2 hour paddle)

Les

(click on photos to enlarge)

: Canada Geese

: Old barge wreck

: Recent sunken small boat

: Hollow metal wreck

: Toward Vigilant Island

: Harbour seals

: Sunken float-lodge

: Around Stag Island

: On Les’ deck

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 July 2024

Trip Report – South End, QCove Trails and Social – 10 April 2024

Posted on April 14, 2024 by qioutdoorclub

There was a lot of interest (13 but 2 no shows) in our planned morning of easier walks on the south island – perhaps because of the group lunch in a cozy local restaurant rather than on a rainy, chilly, rocky outcrop. Good thing we were a flexible group as our first hike was to be through the Tsa’kwa’luten trails at the southern tip of Quadra and we found the trail closed. The Lodge is now a treatment centre and has recently closed the trails to public access. After a few minutes of planning an alternate hike, we set off on the short walk through the campground and along the trail to Cape Mudge Village and back to the Lighthouse. The trail is in good shape and offered up a pretty good showing of spring wildflowers – fawn lilies, flowering currant, salmonberries, skunk cabbage, nettles, mosses. (3.6 km; 1 hour)

The group then took to their cars/bikes and reassembled at the QCove Plaza. We then headed into the trails south of the library and connected to the Nole To Noble right of way. This maze of well-maintained trails is always a delightful outing complete with the carved faces scavenger hunt. At least a couple of our group were newly introduced to this little known “system” of trails. (1.8 km; 35 minutes)

We arrived at the Kameleon restaurant just ahead of the rush (which was mostly us!) and enjoyed a good lunch with good companions.

Vic

Click on photos to enlarge

: Through the campground

: Along the shore

: Salmonberry

: Pink fawn lily

: Big Leaf Maple flowers

: Wild current

: QCove trail system

: The big Cottonwood tree

: Bridge over Pidcock

: One of many masks

Hiking – South End, Tsa’Kwa’Luten Trails – 10 April 2024

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.

Activity	Ramble
Location	Rebecca Spit, Heriot Bay
Date	11 Mar 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Valerie van Veen
Contact Info	vvv@qisland.ca, cell 778 242 5774, 250 285 2329
Description	This will be a Hot Chocolate Ramble for exercise, fresh air and friendship. Given the variable weather, this trip can be easily altered, and ramblers can do as much or as little as they wish. We will meet at the boat launch parking lot in Rebecca Spit Park, walk to the end of the Spit and back, and then out of the Park, cross over Heriot Bay Road and take the “Hooleyville trails” coming our onto Heriot Bay Road. A short walk along the road, then up Pilot, down Schooner, along West Road to Java Bay Cafe for Hot Chocolate, or ??? We can then either head back down Heriot Bay Road or take the longer route retracing some or all of our steps.
Meeting Place	Rebecca Spit boat ramp parking lot
Departure Time	10:00
Difficulty	Easy
Dogs	On leash in the park and on roads
Trip Limits	None, but will be single file on Heriot Bay Road
Cost	None, unless you buy hot chocolate
Notes:	MUST CONTACT VAL TUESDAY NIGHT (tonight) IF INTERESTED FOR TRIP TO GO AHEAD. If there is no interest, the trip will be cancelled.

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.

Activity	Kayaking and social
Destination	Gowlland Harbour
Date:	10 July 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator	Les Hand
Contact Info	lhquadra@gmail.com or 250-285-2029
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 appetizers. 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	Meet at 10:00; Leave at 10:30
Difficulty	Moderate
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 landlords 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.