Premier Listings for Nootka Island
Nootka Island is a large island located on the remote and rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, enveloped by Nootka Sound, Nuchatlitz Inlet, Esperanza Inlet, Tahsis Inlet, and the Pacific Ocean.
Steeped in history and surrounded by the natural beauty of the west coast of Vancouver Island, Nootka Island and the surrounding sounds and inlets provide a paradise for sport anglers and outdoor adventurers seeking to explore and enjoy the magnificent wilderness surroundings. The mountain scenery is unsurpassed in beauty, and the area teems with wildlife.
The birthplace of British Columbia is the small community of Yuquot on Nootka Island, also known as Friendly Cove. Yuquot is the site of the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people in British Columbia.
First Nations people came to magnificent Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, drawn by the rich sea life and natural resources, the mild climate, and the beautiful surroundings. Those same qualities still draw visitors to this magical place today, as there is so much to see and experience. The traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation incorporates much of the western portion of Vancouver Island.
In March 1778, Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy became the first European to set foot on British Columbian soil when he visited Friendly Cove on Nootka Island. While anchoring in Resolution Cove on Bligh Island, across from Friendly Cove, the natives hollered “itchme nutka, itchme nutka”, meaning “go around” (to Yuquot), but Cook misinterpreted their calls, believing the name of the area to be Nootka.
Location: Nootka Island is located off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Access to Yuquot (Friendly Cove), the main community on the southwest tip of Nootka Island, is by boat or floatplane. Closest access points by boat are Gold River and Tahsis, departure points for the MV Uchuck 111 to Yuquot.
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Yuquot (Friendly Cove) is the birthplace of British Columbia. Historical Friendly Cove was the site of the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people in British Columbia. First Nations people came to magnificent Yuquot over 4,000 years ago, drawn by the rich sea life and natural resources, the mild climate, and the beautiful surroundings. Those same qualities still draw visitors to this magical place today, as there is so much to see and experience.
Nootka Sound is a paradise for sport anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore and enjoy the marvelous west coast wilderness.
Esperanza Inlet and Nuchatlitz Inlet, including the finger inlets that branch off from them (Port Eliza, Espinosa Inlet, Zeballos Inlet) were gouged out by glaciers during the last ice age, and are extremely remote and sparsely populated. This isolation is enhanced by the stunning scenery, attracting anglers, kayakers, divers, campers and hikers to the wilderness area.
Tahsis is an unspoiled coastal village situated at the head of Tahsis Inlet, a deep fjord that cuts northwards off Nootka Sound.
Hiking: The Nootka Island Trail (also called the Friendly Cove/Yuquot Trail) rambles between Louie Bay on the north side of Nootka Island and Yuquot (Friendly Cove) on the south. Along the way, the trail crosses exquisite beaches and tidal shelves, as well as leading inland to bypass rocky headlands and deep river mouths. This 22-mile (35-km) trail is gradually becoming a choice hiking destination, and is a complement to the West Coast Trail. By comparison with the West Coast Trail, the Nootka Island Trail is poorly marked and infrequently maintained. Be prepared to bushwhack around fallen trees brought down by the frequent, savage winter storms that pound this section of coast. In order to avoid an exhausting amount of bushwhacking, consult tide charts for the most opportune times to cross beaches. Allow seven days to complete the hike one way. Hikers must be completely self-contained and are advised to carry a handheld marine radio, as the sole source of help is from the lighthouse staff at Yuquot. Note: There is a large population of bears on Nootka Island, and chances are good that hikers will encounter them along the beaches. At present, these bears do not associate hikers with food. Cache all supplies well out of reach of these animals.
Kayaking: The sounds and inlets surrounding Nootka Ialsnd provide a true paradise for paddlers. So many places can only be explored and truly appreciated by kayak; small islands, sheltered coves, rocky coastlines, remote sandy beaches and dense rainforest. The waters are rich with wildlife, including gray whales and orca whales, sea otters, seals and sea lions, eagles, wolves, cougars, and bears. Guided sea kayaking tours to historical Nootka Sound can be arranged from most centres on Vancouver Island. Expert guides know the area, the currents, the winds, and of course the best camping spots!
Fishing: The waters surrounding Nootka Island offer great fishing for salmon and bottomfish, including halibut, cod, and red snapper. Fishing for salmon is best in July, August and September, and April to September for halibut, rockfish and snapper. Nootka Sound area has 7 wild salmon rivers and three hatcheries, including the large federal salmon hatchery on the Conuma River, between Tahsis and Gold River. Halibut are plentiful and generally range from 15 to 50 pounds, although halibut in the 175-pound range have been caught in the area. Access to fishing camps in the area is either by boat or floatplane
Nuchatlitz Provincial Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park protects a number of archaeological sites, evidence that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years by First Nations people drawn to the region by the abundance of natural resources.
Catala Island Marine Provincial Park protects numerous reefs, islands, islets and marine ecosystems. Catala Island itself is forested with mature trees, twisted and stunted by the strong winds blowing off the Pacific Ocean. A lake and bog area are also found on the island.
Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park sits at the mouth of the Muchalat Inlet, to the east of Nootka Island, and encompasses the southern portion of Bligh Island and part of the Spanish Pilot Group of Islands. The park protects mature coastal forests and delicate marine ecosystems, and there is much to explore in this group of six islands. The 4,455-hectare park (1,584 hectares upland and 2,871 hectares foreshore) is a favourite boating and fishing destination amongst local and visiting yachtsmen. Sea kayaking tours to the Nootka Sound are available, or kayakers can arrange to be dropped off near the island by the MV Uchuck lll as it plies between Gold River and Yuquot. The park has no facilities, other than a pit toilet at Charlie’s Beach
Santa Gertrudis-Boca del Infierno Marine Prov Park protects old-growth west coast forest, a coastal marine environment, habitat for marine mammals, and a number of known archaeological sites.
Premier Business Directory in Nootka Island, Vancouver Island – Small Business BC
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Reel Obsession Sport Fishing Charters offers year-round, world-class, fully-guided BC salmon and halibut sportfishing charters on Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia, fishing Zeballos, Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet, and Victoria. We offer a variety of charter fishing packages and are quite flexible in customizing your charter fishing experience to suit your needs. Our west coast BC fishing lodge is uniquely located in the migration path of the Pacific salmon, featuring career guides steeped in the local fishery, consistent big catches, world-class service and accommodation, and great fishing all summer long.
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Kayaking British Columbia is the ultimate way to view BC’s abundant wildlife.
We want you to fall in love with kayaking and our unique coast, and our passion shows in everything we do. Choose among several professionally-guided 4-8 day trips for all experience levels around Vancouver Island. ‘Glamping’ basecamp-style with wood-fired hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or expedition-style paddling from camp to camp and paddling between 100s of islands through the Broughton Archipelago, famous Desolation Sound and the wild Great Bear Rainforest on the Central Coast. Savouring a fresh salmon BBQ in the open air, explore and view fascinating wildlife and wilderness and wake up on remote islands with the sound of the whales. Unique and breathtaking.
Our adventures are for everyone and are designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities. We take care to introduce you to the sport in a fun and safe manner. All that we ask is that you welcome adventure with an open mind and are able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected. Our groups are small, ranging from 8 to 13 people, depending on the trip, in order to provide you with the best experience possible. We provide everything you need for a once in a lifetime kayaking adventure. We provide high-quality fiberglass kayaks, paddling equipment, camp cookware, eating utensils, and camping gear.
Our guides take care of you for the entire duration of your tour, prepare delicious, organic and local meals, and have extensive training and experience in sea kayaking and in sharing the natural and cultural history of the area.
During the Northern Hemisphere winter, we also offer kayaking trips to the glacier-fed South American wildlife paradise, the Chilean Patagonia Archipelago, and multi-day escapes to sun, sand, remote beaches and the warm crystal clear waters of the Bahamas. Please contact us for all details of these amazing winter getaways!
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Moutcha Bay Resort, Nootka Sound Resort and Newton Cove Resort operate together as Nootka Marine Adventures. Located on the pristine west coast of Vancouver Island, Moutcha Bay Resort is situated at the mouth of the picturesque Conuma River and only a 40 minute drive from Gold River. The two other floating resorts; Nootka Sound Resort and Newton Cove resort are located in the sheltered waters of Nootka Sound and Esperanza Inlet.
These resorts offer exceptional amenities, comfortable luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and boat moorage, along with some of the most spectacular, salmon, halibut and tuna fishing available. The Nootka Marine Adventures’ guides are some of the most experienced and professional in the area. They will help ensure that you have both a memorable as well as a highly-productive angling experience aboard comfortable, covered 28-foot boats. Take a fully-guided fishing trip or partake in the numerous outdoor activities including; wildlife-viewing, trail walks, caving, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or excursions to the historic Friendly Cove.
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It’s a Coastal Lifestyle … Live It!
Specializing in marketing and selling local residential, recreational, unique oceanfront and commercial real estate throughout Campbell River, northern Vancouver Island, Discovery Islands, the Outer Islands and the BC Mainland Coast. Our real estate listings include homes to small oceanfront and lakefront recreational lots, private islands, remote island acreages, fishing lodges, wilderness / adventure resorts and vacation homes, oceanfront / lakefront cabins, marinas, remote & timbered acreages, and development investment properties on the west coast of BC and Vancouver Island – BCO has the Coast covered!
The BC Oceanfront Real Estate Team loves to bring people to the coast and introduce people to the coastal lifestyle. All members of the team live an active coastal lifestyle, and they bring that passion for the coast to all that they do. All three agents have their own boats and are very familiar with the many different regions surrounding central and northern Vancouver Island. With a team behind you, you can be sure that someone is always at hand to answer questions and lend assistance.
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The diversity of wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery that exists so close to Campbell River is unparalleled. Ideally located near the south end of Discovery Passage, the area is critically important habitat for Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, and so much more. Travel along stunning shorelines and inlets in search of Killer Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Dall’s Porpoises, Seals, and magnificent Bald Eagles. Embark on our Grizzly Bear Expedition and observe these incredible creatures feasting on salmon in their natural habitat far away from human civilization. Our tour boats feature an enclosed and heated cabin, two outdoor viewing decks, and an onboard washroom.
