Nootka Island Itinerary
6-DAY BACKPACKING TOUR
All-inclusive Tour
From pickup to return, we cover everything you need, except your personal items. We take you to and from the trip start, and feed you well along the way. We can’t guarantee weight loss on our tours.
Knowledgeable Guides
Our guides get out into our areas. They know the ins and outs of the trip and provide exceptional interpretation of flora, fauna and history.
Supportive Preparation
We give you an entire packet of information on how to prepare, what to bring, how to pack, and a plan for training so you can fully enjoy the trip. Our care for you starts before you even arrive.
Activity Level Moderate to Strenuous
Group Size Medium max 8 guests, 2 guides
Days 6
Hiking Days: 5 to 6
Travel Days: 1
ITINERARY
Day 1:
We will arrange to meet you in Nanaimo to start our tour and take care of transportation to Gold River. Here we will board a float plane to fly us to our Trail head, Louis Bay, on the north-western tip of Nootka Island. Following a short hike we arrive at our camping location for the 1st night, or continue to Skuna Ck., Tide/time dependent.
Day 2:
Third Beach to (Skuna Ck 2.25, 1hr) or Tide permitting to Crawfish Falls 15.25 km, 4-6 hrs
Day 3:
Crawfish (Calvin) Falls to Beano Ck. Over sandy beach south round bay, straight shoreline to First Nations village site at Bajo Point (3.5 km). Sand, boulders, rock shelf. Round Point to see Nootka sound and Hesquiat Peninsula in distance. Long stretch of pebble beach to Beano Ck. (Cross Creek if possible). 6.75 km, 3-4 hrs Day Total 10.25km.
Day 4:
Beano Ck to Maquina Pt. Cross Creek if on north side. Round Bay below cliffs, or along trail through forest. Up short rope 10m. Through forest to Calicum Ck. 2.25km, 45 mins east end Beano. In and out of pocket beaches. 1.25km, +1.25km to sea cave beach. 2nd rope (hand line) into forest and on to Maquina Pt. Look out and down to beach 1.5km east of Maquina Pt.
Day 5:
Maquina Pt. to Friendly Cove. Across Lagoon and along pebble beach to Friendly Cove. Set up camp. Swim in warm lake. Explore area and take photographs of church, colourful totems, old totem, lighthouse and visit Sanford Williams workshop.
Day 6:
Have a leisurely morning as we wait for the MV Uchuck to boat back to Gold River, or we fly back to Gold River by float plane. Drive to Nanaimo for ferry.
| What’s Included | What’s Not Included |
| Transportation from and to the departure location (pick up and drop off) | Your transportation to the departure location (from your home) |
| All park fees and camping fees | National Park entry fees (may change as Parks alters their policies) |
| Professional guides | Hiking Boots (should be less than 5 years old) |
| All meals (except on travel days) | Some food (on travel days and special options) |
| Tent (shared) | Backpack (available for rent) |
| A substantial preparation guide | Sleeping bags or mats (available for rent) |
| Gear rental options | Gratuities are not included. Recognizing your guide for their hard work and care is always appreciated; $10-20/day per guide is recommended. |
- PLEASE NOTE:
Due to transportation by float plane we need to keep our pack weights to a minimum. Air Nootka requires me to provide them with the following information prior to our arrival:
Passenger Name
Passenger weight (Please write this on the medical form)
Emergency contact
- DANGEROUS GOODS
We ask that if you will be packing bear bangers, bear spray, and/or camp stove fuel, to pack them separately, as they must be carried in the float compartment of the aircraft, not in the passenger compartment.
- HIKING INFORMATION:
Our arrival at Louis Bay requires us to wade (shin deep) to shore as there is no dock for the float plane to tie up to. We suggest that you wear water sandals/shoes and shorts.
GETTING THERE
If you are travelling into the Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo area from afar, you should arrive at the departure location (in Nanaimo) for your trip the day/evening prior to the trip start date and plan to leave the day following trip return.
You can fly to Vancouver (airport code YVR) or Seattle (airport code SEA) then connect to Vancouver Island using ferry, bus, or air, or arrange flights directly to Vancouver Island.
Flying to Victoria (Airport code YYJ)
Flying to Nanaimo (Airport code YCD)
Nanaimo Airporter shuttle service.
Servicing all of Vancouver Island from airports to ferrys to cruise ship terminals. Tel: 1 250 758-2133
BC Ferries 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
We will let you know the ferry to take for travelling to Vancouver Island, but if you want to check out times, you can go the the BC Ferries website at:
www.bcferries.com/schedules/
WHERE TO STAY
Naniamo Pick up & Hotels
Pick up: Departure Bay, Duke Point Ferry Terminal, or the following Accommodations:
Days Inn Harbour View Nanaimo
Address: 809 Island Hwy South, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, V9R 5K1
Phone (250) 754-8171
Website: www.nanaimohotel.com
Best Western Dorchester Hotel
Address: 70 Church, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, V9R 5H4
Phone: (250) 754-6835
Website: www.dorchesternanaimo.com
Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Address: 121 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia CANADA, V9R 3A2
Toll Free: 1-866-309-4432
Phone: (250) 753-4432