Ferry to Nanaimo. Drive up island to Campbell River. Short ferry to Quadra Island. Launch from somewhere around Heriot Bay.

Plan to kayak to Read Island, Rendezvous Islands, Raza Island, Ramsay Arm, Hole in the Wall passage, Octopus Islands and back to Quadra. Lots of great camping spots along the way. The area is well sheltered between Vancouver Island and the mainland, no big crossings, and would be reasonably 'beginner-friendly'. Some options for hikes on the islands.