Canada
Canada - Nootka Island Trail Trekking
Canada - Nootka Island Trail Trekking
Duration
6 days
Start/End
Nanaimo
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Zeltcamps
Overview
A floatplane takes you to Nootka Island. For five days you hike with a backpack over pebble and rock beaches, past Crawfish Falls and Maquina Point to Friendly Cove, where British Columbia’s history began. Creek crossings, roped sections and tide-dependent stretches.
The Nootka Island Trail is a journey into the forgotten history of British Columbia and one of the province's most beautiful hiking areas, a true island of sea wolves. The rugged west coast of Nootka Island still appears today as the first explorers saw it: Here, at the edge of the rainforest, land and sea meet. Waves break rhythmically on the pebble beaches, while inland waterfalls cascade down. Together with the rich wildlife, this makes Nootka Island a paradise of scenic treasures. Nootka Island marks the beginning of British Columbia's European history. More than 50 years before the Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Victoria, Nootka was a hub of trade between Indigenous peoples and European explorers, and a point of contention between Spain and England. In 1778, Captain James Cook, searching for the Northwest Passage, was the first to set foot on the island and spent time at Yuquot (Friendly Cove). He was followed by fur traders, a Spanish settlement, and a mission. The mission's church, with its stained-glass windows depicting the signing of the Nootka Convention by Captains Vancouver and Quadra, can still be seen today. Although the trail is challenging, most of it runs along beaches, making it one of the easier coastal hikes on Vancouver Island. Even the start is extraordinary: a seaplane takes you to the trailhead, and on a clear day, you can see the entire trail from above before you even begin hiking it.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
To Nootka Island by seaplane
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, flight, hiking
We'll pick you up in Nanaimo and drive together to Gold River. There, we'll board a floatplane that will take us to the trailhead at Louis Bay on the northwest tip of Nootka Island. After a short hike, we'll reach our first campsite at Third Beach. Depending on the tides and time, we may also hike further to Skuna Creek.
To Nootka Island by seaplane
Day 1
Tent camp, dinner
Transfer, flight, hiking
We'll pick you up in Nanaimo and drive together to Gold River. There, we'll board a floatplane that will take us to the trailhead at Louis Bay on the northwest tip of Nootka Island. After a short hike, we'll reach our first campsite at Third Beach. Depending on the tides and time, we may also hike further to Skuna Creek.
Day 2
Head to Crawfish Falls (ca. 15 km, 4–6 Std.)
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 15 km
From Third Beach, we hike to Skuna Creek (2.25 km, approx. 1 hour) and, tide permitting, continue to Crawfish Falls, also known as Calvin Falls. The total distance is approximately 15 kilometers and takes 4 to 6 hours to hike.
Head to Crawfish Falls (ca. 15 km, 4–6 Std.)
Day 2
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 15 km
From Third Beach, we hike to Skuna Creek (2.25 km, approx. 1 hour) and, tide permitting, continue to Crawfish Falls, also known as Calvin Falls. The total distance is approximately 15 kilometers and takes 4 to 6 hours to hike.
Day 3
From the Crawfish Falls to Beano Creek (approx. 10 km, 3–4 Std.)
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 10 km
The trail leads south along a sandy beach around the bay and then along the straight coastline to the former First Nations village at Bajo Point (3.5 km). The landscape alternates between sand, boulders, and rocky plateaus. Around the point, we can see Nootka Sound and the Hesquiat Peninsula in the distance. A long pebble beach leads us to Beano Creek, which we cross if possible.
From the Crawfish Falls to Beano Creek (approx. 10 km, 3–4 Std.)
Day 3
Tent camp, full board
Hiking, approx. 10 km
The trail leads south along a sandy beach around the bay and then along the straight coastline to the former First Nations village at Bajo Point (3.5 km). The landscape alternates between sand, boulders, and rocky plateaus. Around the point, we can see Nootka Sound and the Hesquiat Peninsula in the distance. A long pebble beach leads us to Beano Creek, which we cross if possible.
Day 4
From Beano Creek to Maquina Point
Tent camp, full board
Hike
If we camped on the north side, we first cross the creek. Then we continue around the bay below the cliffs or along the forest path. A short, steep section is aided by a rope approximately 10 meters long. Through the forest, we reach Calicum Creek (2.25 km, approx. 45 min). We continue through small bays, with a detour to the beach with the sea cave, and with the help of a second rope, back into the forest to Maquina Point. From the viewpoint, we look down at the beach, about 1.5 kilometers east of the point.
From Beano Creek to Maquina Point
Day 4
Tent camp, full board
Hike
If we camped on the north side, we first cross the creek. Then we continue around the bay below the cliffs or along the forest path. A short, steep section is aided by a rope approximately 10 meters long. Through the forest, we reach Calicum Creek (2.25 km, approx. 45 min). We continue through small bays, with a detour to the beach with the sea cave, and with the help of a second rope, back into the forest to Maquina Point. From the viewpoint, we look down at the beach, about 1.5 kilometers east of the point.
Day 5
From Maquina Point to Friendly Cove
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We hike across the lagoon and along a pebble beach to Friendly Cove and set up camp. You can swim in the warm lake. Afterwards, we explore the surroundings: the church, colorful totem poles, an old totem pole, the lighthouse, and the workshop of woodcarver Sanford Williams.
From Maquina Point to Friendly Cove
Day 5
Tent camp, full board
Hike
We hike across the lagoon and along a pebble beach to Friendly Cove and set up camp. You can swim in the warm lake. Afterwards, we explore the surroundings: the church, colorful totem poles, an old totem pole, the lighthouse, and the workshop of woodcarver Sanford Williams.
Day 6
Return trip to Nanaimo
Breakfast
Ship or plane, transfer
We'll take it easy this morning while we wait for the MV Uchuck, which will take us back to Gold River. Alternatively, we can fly back by seaplane. From Gold River, we'll travel to Nanaimo.
Return trip to Nanaimo
Day 6
Breakfast
Ship or plane, transfer
We'll take it easy this morning while we wait for the MV Uchuck, which will take us back to Gold River. Alternatively, we can fly back by seaplane. From Gold River, we'll travel to Nanaimo.
Services
What's included
Pick-up in Nanaimo and transfer to Gold River and back
Seaplane flight from Gold River to the trailhead at Louis Bay
Return trip by ship MV Uchuck or return flight by seaplane to Gold River
5 nights in a tent (double occupancy)
All meals on hiking days
All parking and camping fees
Professional English-speaking guides
Detailed guide to preparation
Small group with a maximum of 7 guests
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required (eTA required for Canada)
Tip (recommended: 10–20 CAD per day and guide)
Overnight stay before and after the tour
Hiking boots (should not be older than 5 years)
Backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping mat (can be rented on site)
Meals during travel days
Entrance fees for the national park (subject to change by Parks Canada)
Single tent available for an extra charge
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This tour is of moderate difficulty and suitable for anyone with good fitness and sure-footedness. You'll be hiking with a backpack for five days, primarily on sandy, pebbly, and rocky beaches, and partly across rocky plateaus, scree, and through the forest. Several streams need to be forded, and a rope assists with short, steep sections at two points. Some sections are only passable at low tide. One travel day is also included. You'll be camping in tents on the coast. You'll help with setting up and taking down the camps. Be prepared for rain and wind, and bring a love of basic conditions in the wilderness.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
Since we'll be in the wilderness, the itinerary may change depending on the weather, tides, trail conditions, and the group's fitness level. Your safety is always our top priority. You will receive the exact pick-up time at least 12 hours in advance via phone, email, or text message.
Baggage and seaplane
Because of the seaplane flight, your luggage must be as light as possible. The airline requires your name, weight, and an emergency contact in advance. Bear deterrent, bear spray, and fuel for your stove will be transported in the cargo hold and must therefore be packed separately. There is no dock at Louis Bay, so you will be wading ashore to about shin-deep. It's best to wear water shoes and shorts for this.
Arrival and departure
It's best to arrive in Nanaimo the day before the tour and plan your departure for the day after. You can fly to Vancouver (YVR) or Seattle (SEA) and then travel to Vancouver Island by ferry, bus, or plane, or fly directly to Nanaimo (YCD).
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.