Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! There have been some truly huge dumps this year with nearby ski hill, Mt. Washington, reporting the deepest base in all of North America. Snowfalls like this can often wreak havoc with Quadra Island’s power lines but the installation of a new 80KW diesel generator means that Gowlland Harbour Resort will never be without electricity.

Caption: Thick (and heavy) snow covers the resort.

Late season Chinook fishing has been absolutely, “On Fire”. At a time when Chinook returns typically start to tail off, we have seen great catches with some of the biggest fish of the year. With the Chum and Coho showing up in numbers, the wonderful Chinook fishing is truly a bonus.

Caption: Gorgeous pair of 30+ pound salmon.

For the second summer in a row lingcod fishing has returned to the Gowlland Harbour area (after a thirteen year closure). What better way to fill in those slack tide salmon fishing slow downs than jigging up a tasty lingcod or rockfish…Whatever you catch, the same care and commitment will be given to processing your fish. All catches are cleaned, vacuum sealed and frozen, then packed in airplane friendly wax boxes for your trip home.

Caption: A nice lingcod and Chinook combo.

Golfers rejoice. Gowlland Harbour Resort recently completed the installation of its all weather putting green. The green is already proving to be a hit with guests (judging from the raucous cheering). Challenging without being impossible, the green comes complete with a sand trap and chipping areas so you can practice all aspects of your short game. We have both left-handed and right-handed putters and wedges on sight so you Phil Mickelsons out there don’t have to feel left out.

Caption: Newly installed 450 square foot putting green.

Avid birdwatcher and Gowlland Harbour Resort groundskeeper, Maggie McCallum, spotted this immature brown pelican sunning itself on the GHR docks. Usually the brown pelican’s range goes no further north than central California, although individuals like this one will sometimes wander further up the coast. Maggie loves Quadra Island for its great bird watching, “We’re right on the migration route for a lot of species, you never know what you’re going to see next.”

Caption: An immature brown pelican makes a rare visit to Gowlland Harbour.

Winter snowfalls on Quadra Island gave the resort a wonderful holiday feel. Cool but calm weather provided a welcome respite from the wet and windy November storms. Winter Chinook fishing has proven to be very productive with some fish reaching the 20 pound range. You just can’t beat a mid-winter meal of fresh salmon and Dungeness crab.

Caption: Gowlland Harbour under a dusting of fresh snow.

Reports of the strongest run of sockeye salmon in over 20 years have proven to be absolutely true. Areas such as Green Sea Bay and Chatham Point have provided none stop action for all five species of salmon, but the sockeye has been the most prominent catch. Regarded as the best tasting of all salmon, the sockeye is also a strong fighter that provides enjoyment from the hook-set to the dinner table.

Caption: Sun and sockeye make for a great day on the water.

Gowlland Harbour Resort added another boat to our fleet of cruiser class vessels. The “LeMurph” is a custom designed 25’ Eagle Craft built by Daigle Welding of Campbell River. With a full electronics package, command bridge, and onboard head, this Transport Canada Certified fishing machine offers the ultimate in safety and comfort.

Caption: GHR guide, Todd Scharf, shows of the newly launched “LeMurph”.