Popular Discovery Islands, Canada

Where to stay: Discovery Islands Lodge is a rustic no frills home away from home on Quadra Islands featuring breakfast accommodation for 18 people and unbeatable sea kayaking adventures. At April Point Resort also on Quadra Island all 56 double rooms in the restored fishing lodge's main building have ocean views. For more space stay in one of the lodge' s two to four bedroom houses overlooking Gowlland Harbor. Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge is secluded on 1,100 forested Quadra Island acres despite being only a ten minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River. The First Nations Laichwiltach people designed and built the beachfront resort on their ancestral land at Cape Mudge which includes a wood Big House central gathering space and beachfront cottages with full kitchens.


Meet British Columbia' s best kept secret. Tucked between Vancouver Island and the mainland and unreachable by car or foot this untamed set of ten islands demands to be explored by kayak. Explains Carol Perry owner of Perrywinkle Cottage on Quadra island. The Discovery Islands are everything you imagine the west coast of Canada to be endless ocean lush fragrant forests driftwood strewn beaches and ever changing sunset colors with majestic mountains as their backdrop.
When to go: June through September Thanks to their location in the rain shadow of British Columbia's Coast Mountains the Discovery Islands escape most of the rain mist and fog that afflict the province' s coastline. The summer months offer plenty of sunshine and warm breezes and outdoor adventures such as salmon fishing Kayaking scuba diving orca watching and hiking.

How to get around: The archipelago is only accessible by watercraft or floatplane so budget savvy travelers should depart from the Campbell River ferry terminal on Vancouver Island. BC Ferries sail between Campbell River and Quadra Island daily. Once back on land explore the lush surroundings on foot or by car taxi or bicycle Island Cycle in Heriot Bay rents bikes for as little as $38 per day. Cortes is the only other isle reachable by ferry visitors can climb aboard at Heriot Bay. Local water taxis also connect Campbell River with not only Quadra and Cortes but also the smaller islands including Sonora Read and Rendezvous.

Tip of the day: Where to eat and drink: Quadra's Gowlland Harbour Resort showcases locally sourced ingredients to create a menu bursting with west coast flavor. Savor fresh herb grilled salmon or chicken breast stuffed with dried blueberries and hazelnuts. Another Quadra favorite the Kameleon Food & Drink which offers free Wi-Fi is often packed with locals dining on vegetarian and gluten free items including lemon ricotta stuffed French toast and huevos rancheros.