Island Experience

Wildlife Tours

It is one thing to explore Quadra on land, however, exploring the tidal waters surrounding Quadra Island will show you an array of wildlife such as Orca & Humpback Whales, Pacific White-Sided dolphins, Bald Eagles and many Marine birds. There are a few tour operators that will offer the trip that is perfect for your group.

Hiking

Perhaps the most timeless way to connect with nature, trekking the woods of Quadra Island ranges from waterfront strolls to rigorous adventures. But with all trails eventually leading to breathtaking panoramic views. Discover the magnificent corners of the island through Quadra’s extensive hiking network.

Kayaking

Taku’s placement in Drew Harbour provides the perfect water conditions for kayakers from beginner to experienced. With Quadra Island Kayaks situated on site and a painless kayak launch conveniently located on the dock, the calm waters of Drew Harbour are a remarkable way to experience the majestic island archipelago of Desolation Sound.

Local Eats & Drinks

Farm to Table is the harvesting of local produce for the purpose of cooking it within a short time frame. With a garden located on the resort and a community garden a short drive away, we are privileged and proud of our ability to utilize Farm to Table practices in all our cookery offerings.

Although you can get all the food you need at the grocery store nearby to cook a tasty meal in your suite there are also some very tasty options around the island.

Coffee

Java Bay Café has tasty lattes and baked goods. It’s only a short walk away beside Tru-Value grocery store and we suggest trying Heidi’s scones.
If you like to brew your own coffee, at the grocery store pick-up a bag of local roasters Aroma Specialty Coffee. Helene’s rostery is focused on Fairtrade beans from a cooperation that supports only female growers.
Aroma Café is the creation of Marie and Dave, located on the west side of the island beside the gas station. This is the coffee hub of the island community and serves tasty baked goods and breakfast. https://www.cafearomaquadra.ca

Winery

SouthEnd Farm, Winery is a micro-winery, distillery and farm run by Jill and Ben. In the summer season their farm is open for wine tastings and picnic lunches. You can find their wines at the local grocery store or go online and order delivery to the resort. https://www.southend.ca

Restaurants

The Clove, “We deal in pizza, good food and drink with a friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Hangout & Take-out” and they mean it! The pizza is delicious, we can’t recommend it enough. https://www.facebook.com/TheCloveInTheCove/

Herons Restaurant is part of the Heriot Bay Inn. It has the nicest patio on the island and is only a 10min walk away. www.heriotbayinn.com/seaside_dining_heron_restaurant.html

Heriot Bay Inn Pub, this is the hub for the community on the Heriot Bay side of the island. After one drink here you’ll get the real flavour of the Quadra Island locals. They have refreshing local beers (Vancouver Island) on tap. Check their calendar to see if your stay coincides with live music, trivia or karaoke. Located in the Heriot Bay Inn, a short stroll down the road from Taku. www.heriotbayinn.com/seaside_dining_pub_live_music.html

Island Farm to Table Mary has recently opened this amazingly delicious restaurant. Delicious, Fresh Baked Goods and local organic grocery. https://www.facebook.com/quadraislandfarmhouse/

Gowlland Harbour Resort Chef Joe Volk and his wife Carmen provide a fine dining experience on Quadra Island. Gowlland Harbour Restaurant is tucked away in a small harbour with a beautiful view and is a wonderful place to take in the sunset. https://www.gowllandharbour.com

Kameleon Food & Drink Kameleon is about good food. Using fresh ingredients, cooking from scratch, keeping it simple, interesting, and delicious. Located at the south end of the Quathiaski Cove shops. https://www.facebook.com/KameleonFoodandDrink/

Coveside Seafood Eatery They have some of the best fish and chips on the island. You can do take-away or eat on their patio. https://www.facebook.com/covesideseafood/

Terry’s Take-Out If you’re craving a burger this is the place to go! We always suggest the Chelsea, you may get to meet her as she works at Taku. It’s about a 15 min walk from the resort. https://www.facebook.com/teresastakeout/

The Trout and Trivet Elias and Mary keep locals fed with an array of tasty food from around the world. Their menu varies daily but you can be assured that it will be delicious. The food truck is typically located at the grocery store up the road. https://www.facebook.com/troutandtrivet/

Smoked Campfire Grill The number one hot dog spot on the island. Fast, delicious hot food waiting for you at Quathiaski Cove. Our sausage and hot dogs are steamed, boiled, grilled or smoked before being nested into a steamed or toasted bun. Finished with your choice of hot & cold condiments. (Gluten-free options) You can find them at the Saturday farmers market or beside the pharmacy. https://www.facebook.com/Smoked-Campfire-Grill-215398629043986/

Quadra Lakes

There’s a beautiful chain of lakes on the east-central of Quadra Island. Main Lake Provincial Park encompasses six lakes and protects a biologically diverse freshwater system. This is our usual suggested activity when it’s windy on the ocean.

Biking

With bike rentals available on-site, choose from mountain, tandem, electric and kids bikes to traverse and experience Quadra Island’s biking trails.

Climbing

For experienced climbers, the rock faces of Quadra Island offer your next conquest. From the bluffs of the Chinese Mountains to Morte Lake, with even more opportunities available on nearby Discovery Islands, Taku offers a comfortable place to rest your head between ascents.

Sailing

Drew Harbour is a popular destination for sailors looking to take refuge from rough waters. The extension of Rebecca Spit into the harbour makes for calm waters and a great place to moor for those reaching Taku from the sea. For experienced guests, we offer access to rental sailboats at our marina.

Digital Connections

We hope that during your stay you are so preoccupied with the beauty surrounding you that your technology is left behind. Cell service is now available throughout.

Nature's Paradise We had not been back to Taku in several years since we usually make last minute plans in the summer to visit Quadra and find that the rooms are fully booked. We were pleasantly surprised that we were able to get accommodations last June and the place was as wonderful as in our past visits. I think it was probably around 15 years ago when we made our first visit there and we had a chance for 3-4 other visits afterwards, but it has been some years since our last stay at Taku. Besides the dock being heavily damaged from winter storms, the place looked as beautiful as ever and the views are always incredible there. What really made our visit special were the employees at Taku who were always very friendly and helpful. The efficient resort manager Lynden still remembered us from all of the past visits and the new outgoing assistant manager Kelti was a great addition to the staff. We had an issue with the original accommodations that we reserved, but management was able to move us to a different unit. This is the best place to stay on the island. Taku is still paradise!

luv2travcal

2023-02-24

Great place to stay. Stayed here with family and friends in 2 bedroom terrace unit. Very spacious rooms simply but adequately furnished. Clean, and comfy beds. Each room has full ensuite with shower-over-bath, either side of sitting room so feels very private. Set in trees with a view of the water. Huge deck with bbq, accessible from every room. Spectacular setting across from Rebecca Spit, ideal for kayaking etc. Docks being rebuilt after previous storm but useable. No food available on site but 2 minutes drive to Heriot Bay Inn and walk to bakery. Well equipped kitchen.Would definitely stay here again and recommend.

Cathy S

2022-09-11

A marvellous getaway We have just spent the last 3 days at the Upper Beach House at Taku Resort. Awesome accommodation with all the amenities one could want. Gorgeous views, great location and easy access to other parts of the island. Very attentive staff, easy to contact and available to help if needed. We definitely hope to come back—thank you!!!

Bev C

2022-08-05

Best stay on Quadra we've had! We got to Quadra Island at least once a year and haven't stayed in the same place twice, but we will be returning to Taku!! We stayed in Cabin 5, which is the last of the row. Super quaint, lots of privacy, excellent views. They even set out bowls and treats for our dog! The bathroom had a soaker tub , though the water pressure is low so it took longer then normal to fill it. We loved that there wasn't a tv dominating the small space and spent hours reading or simply staring out the front windows. The kids loved the loft! The downstairs bed wasn't the most comfortable, I think the loft ones are newer but only singles. The front desk clerk was super friendly and we found a surprise LV 2 charger for our EV!!! This was our first long range trip in our EV and knew that there wasn't charging available on the island so didn't plan to do much sightseeing, so this was a wonderful surprise! We also had very strong wifi ( that seemed to be the biggest complaint in other reviews we read). This was a wonderful stay and we can't wait to be back!

A.W.

2022-04-25

always great Nice little get away for a few days of solitude . Never disappointed by our stays at Taku and Quadra is a special place with so many little bays and coves to check out .The rooms at Taku are always clean and hosts always welcoming

coral w

2022-04-24

Great place for outdoor adventure lovers Our family of adult children, under six years old grandsons, and a medium sized dog stayed in the Large Beachfront Cabin. It was snug for four adults and two kids, with an A Frame structure somewhat limiting floor space for sitting and a very steep ladder access to the loft with four beds. We appreciated the gas fireplace, but felt quite disappointed that the communal hot tub was closed, no doubt because of lingering COVID fears of management, which is completely COVID protocol compliant. But wow! The cabin has a lovely deck with BBQ, looking over a green lawn to a terrific stony beach was the best view ever. We loved star gazing from this beach. There is also an amazing dock perfect for crabbing and fishing at our time of year...swimming would be great in the summer. We enjoyed the otters and seals that hung out on the booms. In addition to playing on the dock (bring kids lifejackets) we enjoyed the cute play structure and big swing tire. Near the resort is a good grocery shopping and coffee shop and in a ten minutes walk there’s a charming dining room with pub. There’s also a fine flat walk on Rebecca Spit. We had a wonderful family game of soccer there. Then we went beachcombing. Yes!Quadra is an easy Gulf Island to visit from Vancouver Island, on one short ferry, and with many accessible beaches, hikes, and cultural sites. It is the best of West Coast living. And Taku takes full advantage of it all.

qualicumgirl

2021-11-14

Momma's R&R getaway We stayed in a 2 bedroom Terrace suite for 2 nights.The suite was very well appointed, beautifully decorated, clean and spacious. Just a short walk to the HBI for dinner was very convenient. The small deck was a great place to enjoy the view and the ocean traffic.

cathleen2016

2021-07-25

An Amazing Getaway! We stayed in the Upper Beach House at Taku Resort. It was a perfect getaway in a stunning setting. When we arrived there was an eagle sitting on a log to the left of the dock and a heron to the right. A wildlife welcoming committee! From the living room or dining room you can see the 180 degree view, up and down the beach, over to Rebecca Spit, Desolation Sound and the mountains beyond. Whether it was stormy or sunny, the view was always amazing. The unit is well appointed and has everything you would need for a comfortable stay. Lynden and his staff were lovely to deal with. We liked it so much that we decided to make this a yearly getaway!

Paradise500053

2021-05-30