General Description: A partial circumnavigation of Quadra Island starting a Granite Bay then paddling north and then east up the inlet directly across the island from the Octopus Islands Marine Park. A 900m portage to the eastern side of the island leaves a very short paddle to the Octopus Islands. There you will find warm water but you’re surrounded by sail boats while you rough camp. From there we padded south along the eastern side of the island until we found a very rough 1.5 km trail to portage to Main Lake in the interior of the island. Main Lakes Provincial Park consists of a handful of lakes which can reached by paddling / lining. There is some excellent beach camping to be had and make sure to paddle up to Little Main just for the fun of the crossing. To add a little more spice, it looks on Google Earth like you may be able to paddle to the southern end of Village Bay Lake then Portage back to the ocean and paddle somewhat sheltered waters back to Harriot Bay
Difficulty: Intermediate. Rough portages and the winds and currents can be vicious on both sides of the island.
BC Parks Brochure Map for Main Lakes
BC Parks Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park
Route Distance: 30 km
Total Portage Distance: 2.4km
Total Canoeing Distance: 27.6km
Canoe Rental: Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoes
Time Required: 2-4 days depending on how long you want to play on the islands or beaches.
Toilets: Yes in Main lakes. None on Octopus Islands
A little too close to nature 