Gold River is the gateway to Nootka Sound. If you're driving and on the mainland, you will first need to take the BC Ferries to Vancouver Island. You will want to see the BC Ferries website to find out which route best fits you. When on Vancouver Island, you will want to head to Campbell River, then proceed west across the island on Highway 28. It's a long trip across the island so you'll want to make sure you have enough fuel and to take it safe and slow when needed. As you leave Campbell River, there will no longer be cellphone coverage, so if you need to make a call, be sure to do so before you make the trip.
When you arrive in Gold River, you should visit the Gold River Visitor Centre as they have a lot of free information for you and you'll be more than ready to stretch your legs!
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Directions to Nootka Sound
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If you're planning to launch your boat in Gold River and head to Nootka Sound, you'll want to go through town and launch your boat at the government dock. Traveling by boat into Nootka Sound is approximately 20 miles up Muchalat Inlet. If traveling by boat, you're likely going to a lodge and you will want to get directions from the lodge so you know exactly where to go to get there. We also suggest printing out maps from Google or Bing Maps of Gold River to help you with navigation around town.
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Directions to Cougar Creek
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If you're driving to Cougar Creek, you will want to avoid going into the town of Gold River and follow the signs to Tahsis. Turn your headlights on for safety to both yourself and other drivers. When you cross the bridge and turn left, continue to follow the signs to Tahsis and take the next right. You will now be traveling on a logging road (often very dusty) for approximately 20 km's until you reach a sign that says Nesook Dump. You will want to turn onto this road to get to Cougar Creek. This road can be a lot more difficult to drive if the roads aren't graded. The last thing you want to do is rush it and take unnecessary chances, so take it slow. After about 15 minutes, you will reach the log dump/sort. Another 10 minutes you will come to the overlook of Tlupana Inlet. This is an amazing view point, so pull over to the side of the road and take a good look! You're only 5 minutes away from camp now. When you arrive at camp, talk to the camp host to get in line for a spot.
If you have any questions about getting to Cougar Creek or other locations in Nootka Sound, please
contact us and we try to help you out.
