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 0: Arrival in Nanaimo
This denotes the day(s) spent on Vancouver Island before the listed start date of the trip. We like to have a pre-trip meeting the evening before this trip to go over gear and backpack weights.
Day 1: This morning we will pick you up from your accommodations in Nanaimo drive to the west coast of Vancouver Island and the community of Gold River. After arrival in Gold River, we will fly by floatplane to Louie Bay on Nootka Island. Our pilot usually flies us over Friendly Cove, the end of our hike, and along the stretch of coast we will be hiking for a bird’s-eye view of our journey. After landing in Louie Bay, a short hike will bring us to the west coast of Nootka Island and our first campsite on a beautiful sandy beach.
Day 2: Today’s hike is a full day with a wide variety of rain forest and beaches, from sand to small boulders, forming our path. Our goal is Calvin Falls, a fantastic spot to enjoy on a warm day. This is our longest day km wise at approx. 15 kms. Third Beach to (Skuna Ck 2.25, 1hr) or Tide permitting to Crawfish Falls 15.25 km, 4-6 hrs
Day 3: Beano Creek is our destination today. Beano often has a perfect swimming hole to enjoy after a day of hiking. We will cover approx. 10km’s today, all on the “beach”. Of course “beach” can have many meanings!!
Day 4: Today’s hike more than any other will be dictated by the access to available water at camp. We have a special camp in mind. Flexibility is the key today. 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: Our final full day of hiking will take us just short of Friendly Cove. The terrain today is varied as we climb in and out of the rainforest onto pocket beaches. Each small beach has it’s own special character and are full of stunning views and possibly treasures from the sea (Japanese glass fishing balls anyone!) Tides will dictate some of our route and options. 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: We will arrive at the village of Yuquot and Friendly Cove before noon. Yuquot is the traditional village of the Mowachaht who have lived in the region for over 4000 years. Spain and England alternately occupied the area. It was during Cook’s third voyage around the world in 1778 that he was forced to make repairs to his vessels in Nootka Sound. In recognition of the friendliness accorded him and his crew, he named the area Friendly Cove.
Of special interest here are the lighthouse and the elegant little church with spire that rises above the surrounding brambles. The church is no longer used for services because of the relocation of the Mowachaht to Gold River, but serves as a museum of replica houseposts.
In the late morning we will be returned to Gold River by floatplane. We will lunch in Gold River or Campbell River before returning to the Comox Valley and a well deserved hot shower! 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.
- Transportation from the point of origin and return
- Air Nootka flights to and from the trail
- Snacks/beverages on the expedition
- All meals while on the backpacking portion
- Meal preparation
- Camping fees
- Trail ferry fees
- Exceptional guides for the entire journey
- Cooking gear/camp stoves/water filtration
- Tents & tarps
- Emergency radio/satellite phone/major first aid supplies
- † We can provide sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, poles for rent
- Transportation to point of origin, transfers, personal equipment, accommodation and food other than included in the itinerary.
- Gratuities are not included. Our guides make every effort to ensure your holiday is all you expected and more. Recognition of a job well done is always appreciated; $10-20/day per guide is recommended.
- Single tents †(available for a single supplement charge)
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