Travel Feature: The Jade Resort on Quadra Island

I've been to the Jade Resort twice now. Actually, as I write that, I'm a little disappointed in myself, twice isn't nearly enough. My first visit was a solo birthday trip with my 1 year old puppy, Ruby.

The second, just recently (March 1-3), we came as a family: me, my husband Kurt, and our two German Shepherds.

That trip confirmed something I'd been quietly suspecting: we are different people when we let ourselves slow down.

11 suites on 2.5 acres of waterfront land with beach access just steps from the accommodations.

Enjoy kayaking, the Roundhouse, beach games and breath-taking views from everywhere you stand.

The following isn’t so much of me sharing a how to get there and the surface level details of this experience, this is more about the type of experience we have every time we stay there. While I do weave in some of that stuff, its not that kind of travel blog post. There are plenty of those out there, and my hope after reading this one, will leave you feeling like ‘yeah, I want that, I need more of that’.

We left from our home in Merville, which is about 15 minutes from Courtenay and 25 from Campbell River. The ferry to Quadra Island from Campbell River takes 10 minutes and for me, as soon as you drive onto the ferry (or even walk on), you immediately feel like all the weight that life carries that feels heavy is lifted off you. You leave it at the terminal because on Quadra Island, there is no need to worry, stress or complain.

From the terminal, its about a 6 minute drive to the Jade Resort. Time does not exist on Quadra Island, it’s all happening at the speed its meant to, there is no rushing or waiting. Once you see the arches welcoming you with open arms, you’ll likely exhale and realize, that this is home for the time you are here.

Unpack everything and know, that you are being well cared for. Caroline & Holly, long time friends, are the beautiful humans behind the experience you receive. They have spent a great deal of time (a non-stop 160 days) toward a renovation that is now, known as and feels like, the escape you intentionally gave yourself to light that fire back into your life.

Beautiful view of the boating dock.

When you arrive, its important to note that its a bit of a downhill slope, so I would encourage you to drive down to the space to unload closest to your space then drive your car back up. It will save you a lot of unnecessary back and forth, unless you want the exercise!

The walk is definitely a slow ease into what you will be feeling, even before setting foot into your chalet or suite. The view that peaks through with each step feels like you are getting closer to allowing yourself to slow down.

Ruby, our pup, loves the water so it was like a magnet was pulling her in as soon as we got closer. She’s not shy about diving in and bonus points if you have a frisbee to throw for her. She could’ve lived in that body of water.

Our older dog Diamond, is more of a dip her paws in type of girl. Either way, we all know how being near water is vital to our well being.

I have to share that this was the first time that my husband and our two dogs all went away together, that wasn’t in our Van. We’ve travelled all together and slept in our Chevy Express but we had never taken time to stay somewhere like this together. We didn’t know how it would go, what to expect or if we could even do it.

With one older dog and one younger one, its hard to adapt to something new, while being open to the possibilities of something great. But what I noticed when we were at the Jade Resort was, that same feeling wherever we are together, and its the feeling of being at home. We are different people when we aren’t in our everyday lives, when we aren’t in our house, doing the same things every day.

Taking little getaways like this, allow us to unlock our truest versions of ourselves. I can see it in my husbands demeanor, his behaviour, his words and how he enters the room. Its the feeling of calmness, lightness and its freeing.

Coming to the Jade Resort together confirmed what we’d been feeling lately and its that life is mean to be experienced to the fullest. And while I understand its also necessary to make a living, we cannot forget to make a life too. And this life is built on experiences, love and connection.

We went for a walk around the area while Ruby went for another dip in the Ocean. Our stay was during the quieter winter months, so not many other people were around, which was kind of nice but I’ve also stayed during the busier time and it doesn’t make much difference because it seems everyone who goes there, enjoys the same level of peace and presence.

Its not a resort where hundreds of people can stay anyway, but when it is full, it actually felt kind of nice too, to see others enjoying what is hard to explain without being there.

We spent two nights in Chalet #4, which sleeps 4, is pet friendly and has 2 beautiful decks that overlook the water. What we appreciated most about this space, was the functionality of it, with our dogs and how we like to spend our days. We love to cook together, spend our mornings enjoying our coffee and tea, reading, writing and just being present.

Having the full kitchen, eating space and separate spaces to read, made us feel closer to home. Kurt, my husband, took Ruby for a ride up to the Rebecca Spit and to the Lighthouse, and I hung back with Diamond, reading, and doing a bit of writing.

I appreciate the details that go into making each stay feel so welcoming. From the salmon treats for our dogs that were left for them, to the unique items you can purchase that you’ll find in the Roundhouse, to the welcome binder that literally has everything you can think of.

If you were the only people staying there, I bet you wouldn’t have any questions because everything has been thought of and you are still well cared for. While there isn’t food on site, Quadra Island has some really incredible restaurants, accessible grocery stores, and cafes.

You also have the option to bring your own food and use the full kitchen available in each suite and chalet, which is what we did this time. You don’t need to bring your own coffee though because each accommodation comes with a full coffee setup, with locally sourced coffee grounds.

You truly feel at home here, except when you step out on your front step, do you have the Ocean as your scenic view? If you do, well, this one is good too and this one, I’m sure will keep you thinking about it long after you leave…

You already have everything you need to experience the magic that is The Jade Resort. Allow yourself to receive it.

For a deeper look into my experience, view my short video on our recent visit here

Michelle Gallant

Writer | Creator

Images Captured by my husband and his drone.