The 35km Nootka Trail is the most well known destination for experienced hikers in Nootka Sound. The Nootka Trail is located between Louie Bay on the northern part of Nootka Island and the southern area Yuquot (Friendly Cove). Typically hikers start the 5-7 day trip from the north of the Island and hike down the beaches and tidal shelves, as well as going inland to avoid rocky and deep river mouths. This hike requires no reservation and no permit. The First Nations at Friendly Cove do charge a landing/hiking fee, so be prepared for this as well as your travel expenses for getting to and from Nootka Island.
Nootka Island is a fantastic location with lots of old growth forest, tidal pools, rocky mountains and sandy beaches. During your hike, you have the opportunity to see a large amount of wildlife and sealife from the shoreline, including orca whales, humpback whales, pacific dolphins, eagles, squirrels, bald eagles, deer, sea otters, sea lions, seals and more! You should also be properly prepared for black bears, cougars and wolves.
Located in Gold River, this day hike starts from the Gold River bridge and ends at the Peppercorn Park, which features a swimming and diving cliff. The suggested hiking time is 40 minutes each way.
Starting at either the bridge on Matchlee Drive or beside 435 Maquinna Crescent in Gold River, this 40 minute return trip allows you to view the canyon for most of the trail. There are many excellent views of the river for photographic opportunities.
|
|
The 60 minute (oneway) trail starts at the end of Scout Lake Road and parallels Scout Lake for a short distance before starting up the mountain. This is an easy hike through the bush and is often shaded. When reaching the side of the mountain, the trail then starts a steep descent down to Antler Lake. When you reach the dirt road, you can view the lake from a distance. Head down the road for ten minutes to the lake for a picnic or refreshing swim.
When driving across the island from Campbell River to Gold River/Tahsis, you will come across many starting areas for hiking trails. When you reach Buttle Lake near Strathcona Park, you will find more than a dozen trails, including Elk River Trail, Landslide Lake, Crest Mountain Trail, Karst Creek Trail, the Wild Ginger and Shepard Creek. Contacting the local information centre for detailed information is highly recommended.
When planning your hiking trips in Nootka Sound, please think about the safety of yourself and your hiking party.
You could potentially see black bears, cougars and wolves while hiking in Nootka Sound. You should always make noise when hiking, especially in areas with low viewing distance. If they know you're coming, they will likely run away. If you catch them by surprise, they might take that as a threat. There are a number of great survival books that can help you understand what you should do, if you find yourself in close proximity of one of these creatures and we highly recommend you picking one up. It could save your life and the lives of your family or friends who are hiking with you.
When you head off for a day trip, you should be prepared to spend the night. There are many things that can go wrong while hiking and preparing for an extended trip is essential. What happens if you fall and you can't walk. You could be forced to seek shelter for a night. Take a look at some of our
suggested gear.
You can't always know where you are while hiking mountains and trails, but if you have the proper equipment to get yourself home, you'll be better off. Bringing a map, gps and compass with you is essential, but you must understand how to use them and the limitations. Unless your experienced, you should always stay on well-marked hiking trails or logging roads. You're more likely to get lost when you're by yourself, so find a hiking partner. While hiking, take note or photograph the surroundings (landmarks, trees, rocks, creeks, hills, etc. This will help you remember the path you have taken.
