Quadra vs Telegraph Cove
 

We are 2 adults and a 12 year old. We're flying into Seattle at the end of August for 10 days. We're planning on seeing some sites in WA. and then taking the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria. From Victoria, we're trying to decide btw Quadra Island vs Telegraph Cove (or maybe Tofino?) We're mostly interested in nature viewing. We'll probably camp. We'd like to go on a whale watch and do some kayaking. We're also birders. Quadra is closer than Telegraph Cove. Is Telegraph Cove worth the extra drive in terms of nature viewing? Is the whale watching much better there?

Thank you!

I like Quadra Island a lot but the towns of Tofino and Ucluelet in the Pacific Rim National Park (on the west coast of Vancouver Island and close to Barclay Sound and its Broken Group of Islands) and the town of Telegraph Cove on the east coast of V.I. (and gateway to the Broughton Archipelago) are in a different category.

Both offer gorgeous scenery and wonderful opportunities for wildlife viewing and kayaking. I'm not a birder, so can't help you there.

Tofino/Ucluelet has gorgeous stretches of beaches, skimboarding and surfing, which may appeal to your 12 year old. Interesting First Nation sites around but Alert Bay near Telegraph Cove is simply spectacular. I also really like the town of Sointula near Telegraph Cove.

You can camp at both destinations but I'd make reservations very quickly, especially in Tofino/Ucluelet - these areas are extremely popular in the summer.

Yes, the extra drive to Telegraph Cove is worth it.

Flip a coin between Tofino/Ucluelet and Telegraph Cove, and you'll be happy with whatever comes up.

For whales and birds in late August I'd opt for Port McNeill /Telegraph Cove area. Excellent chance for killer whales, good chance for pacific white-sided dolphins, steller sea lions and dall's porpoise and a fairly good chance at minke and humpback whales.

Early September you can get some pelagic birds moving into the narrows there [ sooty shearwater, fork tailed storm petrel etc ] as well as good numbers of other water bird migrants. Peregrines, merlin and bald eagles are all around in good numbers.

Check out the Cluxewe resort for a nice campground right on the water just a few miles north of Port McNeill. It is situated between an estuary and the sheltered waters of the Sound. Our last time there we had a young Peale's peregrine practicing his hunting skills right in front of the camping area /cabins-quite a treat.

This is a favourite area for us [birders and whale watchers] to visit.

cheers

Jerry

Quite agree with Jery-Cluxewe is a gem and perfect for your purposes.

There'll be lots of Salmon passing through at that time as well you'll see them jumping everywhere.

http://www.cluxewe.com/

Thanks everyone! It all sounds lovely, but I think we're going to do the extra driving and go to Telegraph Cove. Cluxewe resort sounds great. I'll check it out.

When you plan your whale watching trip check out www.whaletime.com - the best provider in the area and Mackays have a strong conservation ethic and a fabulous boat. Their boat is specially built as a wildlife viewing platform and is probably the best of its type we've ever been on.

If you have any specific birding questions please just ask.

Jerry