Best of Both Worlds: Kayaking and Hiking in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia

The Trip

Enjoy the best of both worlds on this trip that combines kayaking and hiking.  Our home base for most of the trip will be a tranquil and cozy waterfront lodge, located in an area known for its stunning scenery.  From there we will set out for kayaking and hiking adventures among the magical beauty of the Discovery Islands.  

The Discovery Islands archipelago is located in Discovery Passage, which lies between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia.  Quadra, the largest island in this group, boasts three Marine Parks and two Provincial Parks, all within 120 square miles. Our group will explore this spectacular area in kayaks and on foot, paddling pristine waters and hiking inland and coastal trails. 

We will travel first from Victoria Airport to the outdoorsy town of Cumberland BC, with stops along the way to stretch our legs on easy trails. The next five nights of the trip will be spent on Quadra Island at a charming off-grid lodge, where expert guides will lead us on kayaking ventures right from the lodge’s dock.  These kayaking day trips will allow us to explore the distinct Inside Passage coastal environment, which is comprised of narrow channels, deep fjords, and rocky beaches.  When we aren’t paddling, we can put our legs to work on some of the island’s several hiking trails.  The available hiking routes vary from challenging to relaxing, and provide opportunities to climb to panoramic views, seek out giant old-growth trees and freshwater lakes, or amble along driftwood-covered shorelines. We will always be on the lookout for glimpses of whales, otters, bears, eagles, and other wildlife that live in this area.

All past and present Sierra Club domestic and Canadian trips are conducted on lands originally populated by First Nation peoples. Quadra Island is part of the traditional territories of the Laichkwiltach peoples, which includes the We Wai Kai band, also known as the Cape Mudge First Nation.  Cape Mudge is one of the three main villages on Quadra Island, and the We Wai Kai people operate a resort, RV Park, and the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre there.  Sierra Club Outings has committed to acknowledging the colonial history of these lands in our brochures and continues to embrace the traditional native values of honoring and protecting our planet.

Day 1: Trip participants will be picked up at a hotel near the Victoria International Airport at 8:00 AM.  From there we will travel to Cumberland BC.  The trip includes approximately 3 hours of driving, with stops for lunch and for one or two easy scenic hikes. We may also visit a Raptor Center.

Day 2: After breakfast, we will pack lunches and take them along for a morning hike.  Following the hike, we complete the journey to the lodge, where we will settle in and meet our kayak guides.  An afternoon paddle will give everyone a chance to learn new skills and to practice how we will kayak together as a group.  After a delicious lodge dinner, we will review route options for the following day.

Day 3: We will have an early breakfast before heading down to our kayaks on the dock.  If conditions are right, today’s paddle will include a trip to Surge Narrows Marine Park, where multiple channels among rocky islets make for a wonderful kayaking experience.  Along the way, our guides will help us learn about the amazing ecosystem we are traveling through.  In the afternoon we will learn more about the fascinating tidal rapids that occur in this area, and possibly hike to a viewpoint where we can see the phenomenon in action.

Day 4: Today will be similar to Day 3.  We will set out from the lodge for a full day of kayaking, taking our picnic lunch to enjoy on a small island or in a sheltered cove.  In the evening we can relax on the deck, and those who wish to can take advantage of the floating sauna. After dinner, there may be an option for a sunset paddle.

Day 5: After breakfast, we will have a chance for one last paddle before we have to say goodbye to our kayak guides.  In the afternoon we will load into the vans and make our way to a trailhead for a hike.  The exact hiking plan will be determined based on weather, timing, and group interest.  Later in the evening, we will gather in the lodge’s common area for a presentation on local conservation issues.

Day 6: Today we will pack lunches and venture out for a full-day hike.  The Nugedzi Lakes trail ascends moderately to three lakes surrounded by old-growth forests and moss-covered rocks. There is a boardwalk along the marsh edge of one lake, and a viewpoint that looks out across Discovery Passage.  The length is about 6.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. Adventurous souls may choose to swim in the lakes!  

Day 7: Following breakfast at the lodge, we will load the vans and begin our return trip to the City of Victoria, BC.  A ferry crossing will break up the drive, along with a stop for lunch.   Accommodations on this night must be arranged separately by trip participants. Trip leaders will provide a list of lodgings that have airport shuttle services.  An optional group farewell dinner will be planned for a restaurant near Victoria (this meal is not included in the trip cost).  Return flights should be scheduled for the following day or later.

Getting There

The trip will begin and end at a hotel (to be determined) near the Victoria International Airport (YYJ).  Participants flying in should plan to arrive the day before the trip's start date.  Those traveling from outside of Canada must bring their passports.  Trip leaders will drive participants from the city of Victoria, BC, first to the town of Cumberland and then to Quadra Island.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

All trip meals from day one lunch to day seven lunch will be provided.  At both accommodations, we will rent out the entire lodge.  At the ocean-front lodge, there is a wood-fired sauna on the dock.  Room assignments will be determined based on the order of sign-up and the overall make-up of the group.  Some single rooms will be available.  For shared rooms, there will never be more than 2 people in a room.  

Trip Difficulty

Some experience paddling a kayak is recommended, but not required.  An ability to swim and comfort with the ocean environment is necessary.  Participants must be agile enough to get in and out of kayaks on uneven terrain.  Hikes will be moderately strenuous, and participants should follow a regular fitness program that includes hiking with some degree of hill climbing. Exercises to support upper body strength and flexibility should also be included, to prepare for the kayaking portions of the trip.  Participants must be able to paddle at a moderate pace for up to 3 hours at a time.  There will be an option each day to choose between single or double kayaks.

Equipment and Clothing

For kayaking, sturdy water shoes are required.  For hiking, bring a good day pack, quality broken-in hiking shoes or boots, hiking poles (if you use them), rain gear, and clothing that can be layered to maintain your comfort.  The leaders will provide a detailed equipment list to registered trip members.

References

• Taylor, Jeanette, The Quadra Story: A History of Quadra Island

• Kurlansky, Mark, Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate

• Read, Nicholas, and McAllister, Ian, The Great Bear Sea: Exploring the Marine Life of a Pacific Paradise

Conservation

Wild Salmon are a foundation species in the Pacific Northwest, providing a crucial food source for grizzly bears and orcas, and supporting the ecosystem as a whole.  This important fish faces many threats, and some populations are on the verge of extinction.  These threats include climate change, overfishing, forest fires, infrastructure expansion, and diseases spread from fish farms.  Unsustainable clear-cut logging practices, an environmental concern of its own, intersects with the salmon decline because the removal of trees damages the stream ecosystem.  We will discuss these challenges, the work being done to try to protect the salmon, and what we can do to support that work.