While our friends were visiting/house hunting for a few weeks, we hiked some favourite trails with them. We had hiked Ammonite Falls shortly after moving here in 2019. Then, getting down to the bottom of the falls was a steep climb using ropes – the municipality has since built a large viewing platform and steps that lead down to the falls – much nicer.
For a little RnR, we all went camping for a few nights at WeWaiKai campground on Quadra Island. We had been wanting to check out this island for a couple years now. It is pricey and popular in the summer months – in May a little more affordable. The island is across from Campbell River and is a short 10 minute ferry ride to get there. We camped for 3 nights. When I called to reserve 2 sites they had nothing available side by side, but had a group site with 3 spots open, so although we had to pay for the 3rd spot as well, we were happy to do so and had a large space right on the water. Most of the sites have water and electric hook-up available. The campground offers sites overlooking the Salish Sea (these could be susceptible to cold and wind), or the more protected sites at Drew Harbour where we were. The washroom, directly across from our site, was clean and has proper toilets, hot water, and showers.
Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park, a short walk from the campsite, is a narrow piece of land 2km. long. On one side is the Salish Sea, and on the other is Drew Harbour. The two sides have very different vibes, especially on a windy day as the harbour side is much more protected. The Salish Sea side has massive amounts of driftwood along its rocky beach, a testament to the fierce winter storms and strong winds that occur throughout the year. There is a large open grassy area for games and picnics and pit-toilets. We walked the spit each day, had a picnic on the point, and searched the beach for rose quartz.
On a very blustery day we watched the BC ferry going from Quadra Island to Cortes Island. The ferry had to tack quite a bit because of the high waves.
Below, the ferry coming into the harbour and the terminal/marina at Herriot Bay
Before getting the ferry home, we went to check out Cape Mudge Lighthouse at the south tip of Quadra Island. Constructed in 1916, still functional and an important navigational aid, it marks the southern entrance of the Discovery Passage. There are 4 buildings besides the lighthouse – 2 dwellings, a shed, and a fog alarm/engine room.