Nootka Trail

Introduction

The Nootka Trail is a roughly five day, 35 km hike off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The Trail is located on the west coast of Nootka Island, pretty much straight across Vancouver Island from Campbell River.

Access, Permits and Fees

The trailhead is only accesible by float plane (from Gold River) or water taxi (from Gold River, Tahsis, or Zeballos). The end of the trail (Friendly Cove) is visited twice-weekly by the MV Uchuck III (a tourist ferry/supply boat out of Gold River). It is easiest to take the float plane into the trailhead (Louie Lagoon) and then the MV Uchuck III back out to Gold River. Gold River is only accesible by car or float plane (no buses run there). The trail is unofficial so no permits are required, but the Natives charge a $40 (in 2005) fee to cross their land (mainly at the end of the trail).

Itinerary

Five days on the trail lets you take your time and makes the timing for tides and the ferry out easier.

Day1

Fly in Louie Lagoon and hike to Third Beach (~30-45min). Camp there (this allows for travelling from Vancouver on the same day, or a possible day trip north towards an old shipwreck and Ferrer Point)

Day2

Third Beach to Calvin Falls. First part of day is half beach/half trail, second part is all beach walking. Calvin Falls is a nice place for a swim. Watch tides for crossing small creek at Third Beach (depending on the beach that year this may not be necessary) and for crossing Calvin Creek.

Day3

Calvin Falls to Beano Creek. All day is beach-walking.