Category: Other

That Summer Feeling on Quadra Island

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Quadra Island, Drew Harbour and Rebecca Spit

Name a place that gives you “that summer feeling”.  Without hesitation, Quadra Island!

A quick 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River on Vancouver Island, Quadra Island is part of the Discovery Islands archipelago. It is located along the inside passage, between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. If you’ve cruised to Alaska through the inside passage, you would have sailed right past, with Quadra Island on your right-hand side and Vancouver Island on the left. It is one of the best known of the Discovery Islands, and the perfect summer outdoor destination.

Quathiaski Cove, Quadra Island

Stunning natural beauty abounds. Beaches, parks and endless outdoor recreation opportunities call out. One of those places you would like to keep secret. Yet, is too good not to share. I love nothing better than spending a summer day exploring the island. Better yet, escape for a few days, or more. A perfect summer getaway.

For me, it is filled with childhood memories of summer camping trips with family and friends. Vehicles loaded, boats hitched, and the convoy up island began. Adults, kids and dogs, ready for an epic adventure.

The dads dreamed of fishing and catching one of the giant “Pacific Salmon” the area is known for. Us kids couldn’t wait for swimming, raft building, and exploring. You know, all the fun stuff that camping brings. While the moms dreamed of peace and quiet, but may have gotten the short end of the stick. It was a lot of work looking after all of us. Despite this, I know they still looked forward to the yearly trip. How could you not, when presented with its stunning natural beauty.

The excitement grew once we were on the little ferry across to Quadra Island. Shortly thereafter, pulling into our campsite on the beach at We Wai Kai campground. The most beautiful of places bordering Rebecca Spit Provincial Park.

Drew Harbour towards end of Rebecca Spit

It was a summer spent creating memories for a lifetime.  Quality time with family and friends. No worries, no stress, just lots of outdoor fun. We all look back fondly now with smiles and laughter. Remembering the good times, and those friends that are sadly no longer with us.

The stories have grown, like any good fish story should. Memories have been passed on. New generations have been introduced to, and fallen in love with the island. Many of us still return whenever possible. The little island that is Quadra, will always hold a special place in our hearts. It is the perfect place to find “that summer feeling”.

Looking for something to do on the Island, below are just a few of my favourites.

  • Camp beside the ocean at We Wai Kai campsite. Stunning location with a protected harbour. Great for swimming and water activities.
  • Pack up a picnic and spend the day at Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park. A popular day-use park, it’s perfect for a day of summer fun. The Inside of the Spit overlooks sheltered Drew Harbour, and there are picnic tables nearby. Go for a swim, dip your toes or just enjoy the view. Don’t forget to bring your favourite outdoor games as there is a great grassy area in the middle for badminton, frisbee, bocce, or a soccer game.

    The outside of the spit is open water with amazing views across to the other islands. Not for swimming but you can’t beat exploring the huge amount of driftwood that washes up. It’s perfect for fort building, and hiding out. Keep your eyes peeled to the ocean as last time we were there we heard the humpback whales blowing, and then saw them swimming on by. Be sure to take a walk along the trail from the parking lot that leads to the very end of the spit. It is well worth the walk and beautiful scenery along the way.
  • Cape Mudge Lighthouse.  I have a thing about lighthouses, so this is always a favourite stop.  I love to look at them and wonder what perils they have seen. Standing tall and bright, as they guide ships through the narrow passages between the islands at night.

    The lighthouse is located on the southwestern-most coast of Quadra Island. It stands 12 metres (40 feet) tall and was constructed in 1916. The second lighthouse on this site, having replaced the original in 1898. It marks the southern entrance of the Discovery Passage. A wonderful place to sit and reflect, take pictures, and walk along the beach surrounding it. Be extra cautious around the water here, this is not a place for swimming.  The current can be very strong and dangerous through this area.

    I’ve recently learned that you can stay at the Lighthouse Cottage on the grounds at Cape Mudge lighthouse which I think would be amazing. It is part of the accommodation which can be booked through Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge (Cape Mudge Resorts).
  • Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge. Last summer we had the pleasure of having lunch with friends at this secluded ocean front resort. It is truly beautiful and inviting. The lodge features “authentic Pacific Coast native architecture, art and culture based on traditional Kwagiulth historical values”. If you’re here for lunch, be sure to have a wander through to look at the beautiful artwork in the main lobby.

    We had lunch on their impressive sundeck with views across the ocean to Campbell River. It was a delightful meal and nice way to spend the afternoon with friends. I could have spent more time just enjoying the view with a drink in hand.
  • Heriot Bay is a picturesque hub on the east coast of Quadra Island with dramatic views of the mainland coast. Here you can catch the ferry across to Cortes Island, find various services for locals and visitors alike, and visit the historic Heriot Bay Inn. Enjoy the views from the Inn, have a meal, check out the marina, go kayaking or whatever “floats your boat”.
  • Check out the local artists on the Island. Do a Quadra Island Studio Tour.
  • Support local. Check out the little shops and eating places that you see along the way.

These are just a few of my favourite activities on Quadra Island. It is a beautiful place to explore. An outdoor enthusiasts delight. You can take your pick from so many activities, do as much or as little as you like. Hiking, biking, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, fishing, beachcombing, camping, canoeing, sea kayaking, sailing, diving, snorkelling, and so much more. Be as active or as inactive as you like. Plenty of places to just sit and take in the scenery, read a book, or meditate in the serene surroundings. It’s your choice!

Now you can see just a little of why, Quadra Island has “That Summer Feeling.”

  • Cape Mudge Lighthouse
  • Rebecca Spit
  • Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge/Cape Mudge
  • Sundeck at Tsa Kwa Luten looking towards Campbell River
  • Picnic at Rebecca Spit,
  • View from Tsa Kwa Luten
  • Trail out to tip of Rebecca Spit
  • Looking out from eastern side of Rebecca Spit
  • Drew Harbour
  • Cortes ferry off tip of Rebecca Spit
  • Heriot Bay Marina

Lighthouses of British Columbia: Shining their Way through the Darkness

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Lighthouses of British Columbia, Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet
Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail, Amphitrite Point, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

I love lighthouses. No matter where I am in the world, they appeal to my sense of adventure. Beckoning to be explored. Stories to be told. They give off an air of mystery. I wonder what they have seen, perched high on their craggy lookouts. The lighthouses of British Columbia have provided a guiding light to many a mariner.

They make for wonderful photography subjects, no matter the weather. Sunshine or storm, giving you a different perspective each time. Intriguing to me, their history and the stories they hold within. Lighting a path through the night to keep ships away from danger. What have they seen? The perils and dangers of the sea – lives lost and lives saved. A beacon of hope and light in the darkness.

Then there are the lighthouse keepers. What must their lives have been like? A solitary, lonely life, in which they tended and cared for their lighthouse amid all weather.  Pounded by violent windstorms, lost in a sea of fog, pelted by rain, or basking in a moment of sunshine. No matter the weather, they had a job to do.

Lighthouses of British Columbia, Race Rocks, Southwest of Victoria.
Race Rocks Lighthouse, Southwest of Victoria. Eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

It would take a certain type of person to want to do this job. Strong minded and able to deal with the loneliness and isolation. Happy with their own company and able to withstand the storm. Yet, there is still a part of me that thinks what an awesome job this would be. The beauty of these remote places. Strength of the ocean in its full glory. I would watch all day in awe.

The appeal of being away from the chaos and noise of city living would be a definite bonus. No traffic or crowds of people, just the beauty of your surrounds. Perhaps, just wishful thinking. Reality being, an extremely hard life and not for everyone. Forget about friends stopping in for a quick chat or drink. No grocery stores in sight. Supplies flown in for remote locations. I think we are all struggling enough with the isolation of Covid restrictions. This would be a whole other level.

There are stories of historical lighthouse keepers, being driven to madness or suicide from the isolation. They suffered from mercury and lead poisoning, fires in the lighthouses, the perils of rescues on their own, lack of sleep, and the wild weather. Thankfully, present-day keepers have a little more help. Automation has brought about changes.

British Columbia has a group of 54 lighthouse keepers working across 27 manned lighthouses. Keepers work in pairs to cover an entire day. There are approximately 40 surviving lighthouses along the coastline of British Columbia, stretching from the southern tip of Vancouver Island up to near the Alaska border. I admire the men and women that do this job. Do they love their job, is it what they always dreamed of doing? Only they can tell.

Lighthouses of British Columbia, Cape Mudge, Quadra Island
Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Quadra Island

It is on my bucket list to stay in a lighthouse. There are many places around the world where you can do this. I have seen listings for the East Coast of Canada, United States, and the United Kingdom. The UK has a network of them overseen by the National Trust. I want to stay in a lighthouse in England or Ireland. Enjoy the amazing views, wake up to the sound of the waves, and take photos to my hearts content. An ocean lover and photographer’s dream.

I won’t forget about the Coast of British Columbia. There are many lighthouses to explore. I have only seen a small fraction of the 40. Not all are accessible. There is no shortage of adventure to be had on Vancouver Island!

Vancouver Island

Below is a map of the Lighthouses of British Columbia. You can click on the lighthouse symbols for more information on each. This map was compiled by Lighthouse Friends, and they have wonderful lighthouse information on their site.

British Columbia Lighthouses

Travel Gives Us Memories to Last a Lifetime

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

Travel is a passion, a desire like no other. A never-ending yearning to see more of the world around us. It allows us to learn and grow and become more sensitive to what lies outside our own little world. Eyes wide open to new places, people, and cultures; we would not have otherwise experienced.

It becomes an addiction of sorts, constantly seeking out the next adventure. Once bitten by the travel bug, it is impossible to resist its urge. An escape from reality, an opportunity to leave behind the pressures of everyday life. Perhaps, at times, but it is so much more than that! It is an avenue of self discovery, an opportunity to open your eyes to the world around you, and a chance to re-create, or find yourself in a new place. New adventures, new people, new experiences.

“We Travel Not to Escape Life but for Life Not to Escape Us” – Anonymous

Not so much an escape from reality but a wake-up call, realization that we have so much to be thankful and happy for. And yet why aren’t we always satisfied with that? Some of the happiest people I have met are those living in other countries. When judged by our standards, they appear to have less, but do they really? Is it fair to place our standard of living on them and our continual want for more?  As long as they are able to provide the basic necessities for their family, they seem to be happy. Their life is more about family, celebration, love, and laughter. Watching them interact, it’s impossible to miss the smiles and wonder whether we are really living our best life.

Travel has given me so much and memories to last a lifetime. Things to remember when life gets you down. It has given me what I like to call “bucket moments”. Different from a bucket list item, in that it is a once in a lifetime experience that can’t be repeated no matter how hard you try. It is not scheduled or planned, it just happens within your travels or perhaps while you are on your bucket list vacation. A moment you look back on and think “was that real”.  A whole feeling or emotion in itself and re-creating it in another time or place just wouldn’t be the same. An experience within your vacation that has a whole different feel, something you will always remember.

Bucket moments are very personal, a surreal feeling. Travel has given me many, so I started writing them down in a journal. Recording those special moments within a trip that bring that special feeling. Moments I can look back on. Not that each trip and adventure isn’t worth remembering but sometimes individual moments stand out more. They give the trip an extra special feel. Below are just a couple of mine.

Quite a few years back, I was travelling in Australia and decided on a whim to get my scuba diving license. Since childhood I’d always been fascinated by everything to do with the ocean and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. On successful completion of the course, was a 3-day catamaran diving tour on the Great Barrier Reef. The first night out it was quite rough, the waves were rolling, along with a few stomachs. No one could sleep so a group of us climbed up to the open top deck which was the helicopter pad. We sat down on the deck in the complete dark, with the waves crashing below us, and the starlit sky above us. The stars alone were mesmerizing but then one of the guys took out his guitar and started playing and singing the song, “American Pie”. We all joined in, singing our hearts out, without a care in the world and just being in the moment. It wasn’t the song that made the experience but the whole surreal feeling of everything around me. Hearing the song now though will bring me back to it. Nothing was planned or booked ahead, it just happened. A moment within my travels that I will always remember.

Another such “bucket moment” was on a trip to Huatulco, Mexico. A small group of us decided to hire a local boat to take us on a daytrip of sightseeing around the bays. It was the perfect weather and seas to be soaking up the sun and beautiful scenery. We were all excited to spend the day out on the boat, celebrating a birthday, and hoping to see some sea life. As we know though, there are no guarantees as to when or even if they will show up. We spent the day exploring the bays, found our sea turtles to our great excitement, but there were no dolphins to be seen anywhere.

It had been an amazing day, so we hid our slight disappointment and started to head in. The dolphins would have to wait for another time. Suddenly we hear, “dolphins ahead”, and we find ourselves in the midst of a pod of 250 plus dolphins.  It was pure joy. Dolphins as far as the eye could see. Leaping and surfing alongside and under the boat. Moving through the water like silver bullets at amazing speed. Their grace and beauty holding us in this pure awe-inspiring moment. It was purely majestical. Their spiritual energy surrounded us, a “bucket moment” like no other.

COVID-19 has changed things. Travel has been brought to a halt. The ability to just get up and go, a thing of the past. Change is difficult but it has made me realize how lucky I have been. I have my “bucket moments” and memories that will carry me through until it is safe to travel again.

Memories for a lifetime. Adventures to make me smile. Photos to look back on. Stories to tell.

Vancouver Island, that One Special Place

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

I genuinely believe that we all have that one special place in our heart that feels like home. It may not always be the place we were born but more the place we feel we belong. That one place that no matter where we are in the world, the second we set foot back in that place, we know we are home. Embracing us like a warm hug, welcoming us back.

To me, that place is Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Yes, I was born here but spent more years away than here, only returning to stay in the last few years. I used to say on each and every visit that as soon as that ferry hit the island, I was home again. As a born mainlander, I do not think my husband ever fully understood it until he started to feel it himself. A few trips to the island were all it took. Washing away the stressors of chaotic city living for a short time.

Do not get me wrong, as a young adult I could not wait to get off the island. Big city living called my name. There were bigger and better things to see and do. I needed to discover, experience, and travel to find my way home. City living has its benefits, and beauty at times but it is hard to find yourself in a sea of so much chaos. I met my husband, we made a wonderful home and created memories, but the island still called.

Travel being a wonderful passion has also opened my eyes to so many new places. Places I have fallen in love with wholeheartedly, but more often than not, they are places that remind me of home. Give me a sandy beach, rugged coastline, spectacular mountain range or a forlorn lighthouse anywhere in the world, and I am at peace with myself.

So, this “Island Girl” is HOME but I should say, “we are home”. My husband has passed his probation to become a true islander. He drank the can of Lucky Lager. You must be a true Vancouver Islander to understand that one. I wouldn’t tell his buddies though as he considers himself a bit of a beer aficionado. I am sure he will be sharing some of his favourites with you in the future.

We cannot wait to share the beauty of Vancouver Island with you, and so much more. Our love of travel brings us to so many incredible places. Life is a little different now due to covid restrictions, but we will eventually see a return to a new normal. Until then, it gives us more time to support and promote local which we love to do.

Vancouver Island has so much to offer.  Amazing windswept shores, sandy beaches, stunning mountain ranges, old growth forest, and wonderful quirky little places to explore.

“A place your feet may leave but your heart will always be”.