Directions to Quadra Island
Welcome to Quadra Island! A little paradise located between Vancouver Island and the mainland, across from Campbell River in British Columbia. Quadra Island is the starting location for our Desolation Sound Expedition. Alternatively, you can meet us on Cortes Island (a 45-minute ferry ride from Quadra Island) at the Squirrel Cove Store & boat launch, where we will launch our kayaks. Please get in touch with our office to discuss your travel plans.
Quadra Island is home to a vibrant little community, full of artisans, stunning scenery and is a great location for all types of outdoor adventures including biking, hiking, walking, golfing and of course all kind of water sports. Two grocery and liquor stores, a pharmacy and many other locally run stores are available in case you need something last minute. Parking is most secure for your vehicle and free of charge on Quadra Island.
If you are looking for accommodation on Quadra Island please click here.
Travel Details to Quadra Island
+ From Vancouver (Mainland, CA)
TRAVEL TIME BY CAR/FERRY: 5 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY AIR: 2 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY BUS: 6 HOURS
BY CAR
The drive from Vancouver is a lovely way to experience Vancouver Island and area.
If you are travelling from the south end of Vancouver take the Tsawwassen–Nanaimo route (closest to Vancouver airport). If you are coming through or downtown Vancouver take the Horseshoe Bay–Nanaimo route. The ferry crossing takes approximately 2 hrs. See BC Ferries for rates and schedules.
Once you get to Nanaimo take highway 19 North. It will be marked for Parksville, Campbell River & Port Hardy. Follow highway 19 all the way north to Campbell River to the BC Ferries terminal. You can drive your car on this ferry that leaves hourly.
*If you are travelling by car, please note that the ferries can get quite congested during the summer months, so we advise you to get an early start or make a reservation for the major routes (no reservations possible for the Quadra Island route, but the ferry runs frequently so waits don’t tend to be long).
There is no airport on Quadra Island.
Fly to Campbell River with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Central Mountain Air then take a 15-minute ground transfer to the Quadra Island ferry and then it is a 10-minute ferry crossing with BC Ferries to Quadra Island.
Alternatively, you can fly into Comox (YQQ) with WestJet, Air Canada or Pacific Coastal Airlines and take a 45-minute shuttle to the Campbell River Ferry with Ambassador Shuttle.
*Please note that Pacific Coast Airlines flies from the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport (YVR)
Car Rentals
Companies listed have offices in Campbell River in case you would like a one-way rental:
Budget Car Rental
National Car Rental
CARPOOLING
For guests looking to carpool with others on their tour, we provide a carpooling sign-up platform that can be used by guests to arrange shared rides amongst themselves. Upon registering for your tour you will gain access to the carpooling platform.
*Carpool availability depends on other guests signing up to be drivers. Therefore, carpool options may not be available for your tour dates. Please keep this in mind when making travel plans.
BY AIR
There is no airport on Quadra Island. Fly to Campbell River with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Central Mountain Air then take a 15-minute ground transfer to the Quadra Island ferry and then it is a 10-minute ferry crossing with BC Ferries to Quadra Island.
Alternatively, you can fly into Comox (YQQ) with WestJet, Air Canada or Pacific Coastal Airlines and take a 45-minute shuttle to the Campbell River
Ferry with Ambassador Shuttle.
*Please note that Pacific Coast Airlines and the Central Mountain Air fly from the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport (YVR).
BY BUS
There are many options for getting to and from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and various destinations in the region. We recommend checking out the airport’s official travel options page.
Translink Bus – Downtown Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay (where the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island departs Translink Bus Stop at Georgia Street and Seymour Street, take #257- HORSESHOE BAY EXPRESS which goes directly to the BC Ferries terminal in 35 minutes. Walk on the ferry and meet the Vancouver Island Connector or Island Link Bus at the Departure Bay Terminal in Nanaimo.
Vancouver Island Connector – This bus meets the ferry in Departure Bay, Nanaimo several times per day and will transport you to Campbell River. The Vancouver Island Connector bus depot in Campbell River is a short walk to the Quadra Island Ferry terminal about 2 blocks away (Bus Depot: 509 13th Avenue).
Island Link Bus – This bus meets the ferry in Departure Bay, Nanaimo and travels to Campbell River several times per day. Island Link drops passengers off at the Campbell River Community Center (401 11th Avenue). This is a 5-minute walk to the Quadra Island ferry terminal.
public transit
For directions on how to get to Quadra Island from Vancouver, click the “read more” button below.
Read MoreFrom the airport, take the Canada Line skytrain from the airport towards Waterfront Station. Exit the train at Vancouver City Center Station (approx 22 minutes).
Go to the bus stop on West Georgia St at Granville St (in front of the Hudson’s Bay store) to catch Translink Bus #257 Express to Horseshoe Bay. Travel time approx 40 minutes. Exit the bus at the Horseshoe Bay terminus.
Plan to arrive in Horseshoe Bay at least 20-30 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to depart. You can buy your walk-on ferry ticket for the Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) boat when you arrive or you can book ahead online here. Please note that even when booking ahead, you must arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the ferry’s departure. Sailing time approx 1hr 35 min.
Once you dock in Nanaimo, go to IslandLink Bus Services (located directly outside the terminal entrance in the bus lane) to travel to Campbell River. Tickets must be purchased by midnight on the day before travel online.
When booking, select your final stop as “Bus Stop at CRCC, 401 11th Ave @ Cedar”. This will be the closest stop to the Quadra Island ferry terminal (approximately 5 minute walk).
The ferry to Quadra Island runs approximately every hour and the ride itself is 10 minutes in length. You can join this ferry as a walk on at the terminal. Please note that this ferry cannot be booked in advance.
On Quadra Island, our taxi provider is “Al’s your Pal”. He can be reached at 250-204-0709. We recommend you coordinate with him ahead of time.
Depending on where you are staying in Campbell River or Quadra Island the night before your tour, you may either be able to walk or get Al to drop you off at our base (1313 Cramer Road) for our meeting time at 7:15 am. From here you will ride with our guides to the starting point of your kayaking tour!
+ From Victoria (Vancouver Island, CA)
TRAVEL TIME BY CAR: 4-5 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY AIR: 2 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY BUS: 5 HOURS
BY CAR
The drive from Victoria to Campbell River (where you catch the ferry to Quadra Island) takes approx. 4 hours (Highway 19). If you want to take the waterfront scenic route (Highway 19A) anticipate an approx. 5-hour drive. Head north from Victoria and stay on the highway until you reach Campbell River. The Quadra Island ferry terminal is located on Highway 19A in downtown Campbell River.
Car Rentals
Companies listed have offices in Campbell River in case you would like a one-way rental:
Budget Car Rental
National Car Rental
CARPOOLING
For guests looking to carpool with others on their tour, we provide a carpooling sign-up platform that can be used by guests to arrange shared rides amongst themselves. Upon registering for your tour you will gain access to the carpooling platform.
*Carpool availability depends on other guests signing up to be drivers. Therefore, carpool options may not be available for your tour dates. Please keep this in mind when making travel plans.
BY AIR
There is no airport on Quadra Island. There is however an airport in Campbell River which is just a short 15-minute ground transfer to the Quadra Island Ferry and then a 10-minute ferry crossing with BC Ferries.
There are no direct flights from Victoria (YYJ) to Campbell River (YBL) but you can fly with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Campbell River (YBL) with a stop over in Vancouver (YVR).
*Please note that Pacific Coast Airlines flies from the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport (YVR)
BY BUS
Vancouver Island Connector departs various locations around Victoria and can drop you at Campbell River bus depot which is a short walk from the Quadra Island ferry terminal.
Island Link Bus departs various locations around Victoria and can drop you in Campbell River only a short walk to the Quadra Island ferry terminal.
public transit
For directions on how to get to Quadra Island from Victoria, click the “read more” button below.
Read MoreBY TRANSIT: 8+ HOURS
Please note these directions will be different on Saturdays and unavailable on Sundays. These buses will also change depending on time of day. To find out the proper schedule for your route and day, use Google Maps for directions from Victoria Airport to Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and then from Departure Bay Ferry Terminal to Port McNeil.
Once you arrive, go to IslandLink Bus Services (located directly outside the terminal entrance in the bus lane) to travel to Campbell River. Tickets must be purchased by midnight on the day before travel online.
When booking, select your final stop as “Bus Stop at CRCC, 401 11th Ave @ Cedar”. This will be the closest stop to the Quadra Island ferry terminal (approximately 5 minute walk).
The ferry to Quadra Island runs approximately every hour and the ride itself is 10 minutes in length. You can join this ferry as a walk on at the terminal. Please note that this ferry cannot be booked in advance.
On Quadra Island, our taxi provider is “Al’s your Pal”. He can be reached at 250-204-0709. We recommend you coordinate with him ahead of time.
Depending on where you are staying in Campbell River or Quadra Island the night before your tour, you may either be able to walk or get Al to drop you off at our base (1313 Cramer Road) for our meeting time at 7:15 am. From here you will ride with our guides to the starting point of your kayaking tour!
+ From Seattle (USA)
TRAVEL TIME BY CAR/FERRY: 8 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY AIR: 3 HOURS
TRAVEL TIME BY BUS: 10 HOURS
BY CAR
Driving times to Quadra Island will be dependent on border waits and ferry connections/waiting times, but plan for a minimum of 8 hours of travel.
Driving Directions
Take Interstate 5 North out of Seattle
Continue onto Delta, Canada. Take exit 26 from BC-99 N
Cross border
Continue onto BC 99N
Take exit 26 for BC-17 W toward Tsawwassen/Port
Follow BC-17 to Duke Point, BC – Tsawwassen, BC
Take Ferry to Duke Point Nanaimo (you can make reservations for this sailing)
Get on BC-19 N from Duke Point Hwy
Take the Trans Canada Highway/BC-1 N ramp to BC-19/Nanaimo/Campbell River
Turn right onto Island Hwy/BC-19A S (signs for British Columbia 19 Alternate S/Downtown/Quadra Island)
The Quadra Island Ferry is located on the water in downtown Campbell River
The ferry runs hourly and you can drive your car on board. You can not make reservations on this ferry.
CARPOOLING
For guests looking to carpool with others on their tour, we provide a carpooling sign-up platform that can be used by guests to arrange shared rides amongst themselves. Upon registering for your tour you will gain access to the carpooling platform.
*Carpool availability depends on other guests signing up to be drivers. Therefore, carpool options may not be available for your tour dates. Please keep this in mind when making travel plans.
BY AIR
There are no direct flights from Seattle to Campbell River.
You can fly Seattle to Vancouver (YVR) with many major airlines and from there take a flight with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Campbell River which is the closest airport to Quadra Island. From Campbell River airport it is a short 15-minute ground transfer to the Quadra Island Ferry and then a 10 – minute ferry crossing with BC Ferries.
*Please note that Pacific Coast Airlines flies from the South Terminal at Vancouver Airport (YVR)
If you are looking for the ultimate in convenience, charter your own floatplane and arrive in style directly to our remote camps (please contact us in advance) or the surrounding communities.
San Juan Airlines offers float plane flights from Seattle and surrounding areas and flies to a variety of destinations including Campbell River & Quadra Island.
Kenmore Air offers floatplane flights from Seattle to several locations including Campbell River & Quadra Island.
Northwest Seaplanes offers floatplane flights from Renton, Washington near Seattle including Campbell River & Quadra Island.
BY BUS
Buses will help you connect to Vancouver and or the additional travel options from Vancouver or Victoria to Quadra Island.
Bolt Bus offers quick and efficient service between downtown Seattle and downtown Vancouver (main bus terminal only). Free Wi-Fi onboard.
Quick Shuttle Service offers transportation between various locations in Seattle and Bellingham and various points in Vancouver, including airports and city centres.
Bellingham Airporter Service offers service between Seattle Airport and Anacortes Ferry (to Victoria).
public transit
For directions on how to get to Quadra Island from Seattle, click the “read more” button below.
Read MoreBY TRANSIT: 10+ HOURS
From King Street Station, you can take the Amtrak Cascades train to Pacific Central Station (4hrs) or the Flix Bus from “6th Ave S & S Lane St” to Pacific Central Station (4.5hrs).
From Pacific Central Station, walk 3 minutes to the Main Street-Science World Skytrain Station. Ride the Expo Line towards Waterfront station for 2 stops (3 mins) to Granville Station.
Go to the Westbound West Georgia St at Seymour St bus stop to catch Translink Bus #257 Express to Horseshoe Bay. Travel time approx 40 minutes. Exit the bus at the Horseshoe Bay terminus.
Plan to arrive in Horseshoe Bay at least 20-30 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to depart. You can buy your walk-on ferry ticket for the Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) boat when you arrive or you can book ahead online here. Please note that even when booking ahead, you must arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the ferry’s departure. Sailing time approx 1hr 35 min
Once you dock in Nanaimo, go to IslandLink Bus Services (located directly outside the terminal entrance in the bus lane) to travel to Campbell River. Tickets must be purchased by midnight on the day before travel online. When booking, select your final stop as “Bus Stop at CRCC, 401 11th Ave @ Cedar”. This will be the closest stop to the Quadra Island ferry terminal (approximately 5 minute walk).
The ferry to Quadra Island runs approximately every hour and the ride itself is 10 minutes in length. You can join this ferry as a walk on at the terminal. Please note that this ferry cannot be booked in advance.
On Quadra Island, our taxi provider is “Al’s your Pal”. He can be reached at 250-204-0709. We recommend you coordinate with him ahead of time.
Depending on where you are staying in Campbell River or Quadra Island the night before your tour, you may either be able to walk or get Al to drop you off at our base (1313 Cramer Road) for our meeting time at 7:15 am. From here you will ride with our guides to the starting point of your kayaking tour!
