Pros:
Quilchena DGC is a public park course that is great example of a course designer getting the most out of an average piece of land. That's not to say Quilchena doesn't have any raw materials to work with: the sloping elevation, intermittant patches of trees, and ample space provided the 12 holes indeed offer some nice disc golfing possibilities that are largely maximized. There's a limit to what the land offers, but on the bright side, I feel that the course designers reached that limit.
Quilchena has some decent variety, especially considering there are only 12 holes: birdie opportunities abound, but there are also some chances to stretch out at the tail end of your round. There are a few low ceiling shots, either off the tee or further on down the fairway, that'll need a line drive or prompt a roller. Pins are often guarded by trees that will shape your approaches, and you'll need to contend with some sidewalk OB. Shot shaping isn't overly technical, but present and varied enough to keep you engaged and demand a decent mix of your bag.
Quilchena has a nice in and out. It plays around the perimeter of the park, with hole 12 bringing you right back to hole 1's tee pad. I appreciate the fact that the designers didn't feel obligated to squeeze a full 18 in here, as the land could hardly sustain it; the 12 holes feel just right given the space, and allow for the longer holes at the course's end.
The smooth, level concrete tees give ample space for drives, and are the best I saw in western Vancouver. Bathrooms on site are clean and accessible.
Favorite holes: 2, 8
Cons:
Quilchena's most notable con is its potential to conflict with other park goers. Tracing the park's perimeter, the course regularly runs along or throws over the primary and well-trafficked walking path. Elsewhere it plays across fields that seem popular to dog owners. I can see Quilchena getting frustrating on a busy day, with lots of waiting for dogs, walkers, and the like. Our round on an early Thursday afternoon featured a few such waiting periods, and the park was hardly busy.
Otherwise, Quilchena's drawbacks are that of many such smaller public park courses: single tees and pin positions, lack of a true technical challenge (although there are some relatively engaging shots, especially if you push for birdie), relative brevity. Quilchena also has no tee signs to speak of, although the elliptical shape makes navigation a snap. It's a short, simple course that entertains but doesn't leave a lasting impression.
Other Thoughts:
Quilchena is conveniently nearby western Vancouver's two other courses, Jericho Hill and Queen Elizabeth Park. I enjoyed Quilchena the most of these three courses, mostly for the larger variety it offers, especially in terms of distance. It offers a more enjoyable challenge if you play all of the sidewalk as OB. It's worth a trip if you're in the area, and if you only have time for one course, I'd vote Quilchena. You can easily hit all three in the span of a few hours.
Thanks to JedV for being a gracious host and all-around good dude!