BCO Coastal Gems: Gold River

Tucked in to the mountains on the central west coast of Vancouver Island is the village of Gold River. In its heyday Gold River was a resource and mill town; it was the first town in Canada to have all wiring underground and was known for its excellent community facilities. In 1998/99 when the mill shut down the village reinvented itself into a gateway to the tourism and fishing sectors on the west coast.

Gold River is the jumping off point for fishing in Nootka Sound, as well as for kayakers and hikers heading over to the Nootka Island trail. 90km west of Campbell River on Hwy 28, it is the end of the paved road before heading out to Tahsis on logging roads. Outdoor enthusiasts come for the mountain climbing (the Golden Hinde is Vancouver Island's tallest mountain), the hiking (Elk Lake trail)and even cave exploring (Upana Caves). The road itself draws motorcycle enthusiasts to Gold River, as it is considered an excellent riding experience.

Gold River provides an easy access to the beautiful and wild west coast of Vancouver Island, as well as a nice place to stop for a while.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Winter Fishing

The cold and damp doesn't deter the desire to fish, and so winter finds many people out on the water.

January means the arrival of the winter Springs, and salmon fishing off Campbell River is very popular on days that the water isn't too rough. A crab trap or two dropped over the side of the boat on the way out to the fishing grounds is just a good use of time.

Ed fishing for winter Springs.

River fly fishing is also active in the winter months. Good waders and warm boots are a requirement. Steelhead in particular are active in January and February in Gold River, the Stamp River and Cowichan River among others.

Lake fishing isn't as common, as many of the smaller lakes are frozen at least at the edges for much of the winter.

For true lovers of fishing, Vancouver Island is a year-round paradise.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live It!

Travelling the West Coast

For travellers in the Nootka Sound region, transportation options are limited to water and sky generally. One of the most interesting trips is to travel aboard the MV Uchuck III, a refitted Minesweeper that has been on the west coast for more than 50 years.

The Uchuck provides regular transportation of goods between a number of the small, water-based communities in the Nootka Sound region. The trips generally begin in Gold River. Year round the Uchuck visits the Nootka communities every Tuesday, and makes the trip to Kyuquot every week as well. In the summer there are also tourist cruises offered in the region.

Not only locals use the service. This is a very popular route with hikers looking to get to the Nootka Trail, and with kayakers who want to access the region. Watching a wet launch is quite common on the Uchuck, where kayakers are dropped into the water in their kayaks ready to go.

Travelling on the Uchuck is a wonderful opportunity to see many of the small west coast communities in Nootka Sound, as well a great way to experience the amazing West Coast of Vancouver Island.

It's a Coastal Lifestyle .... Pass It On!

Coastal Hidden Gems: Kyuquot

Kyuquot is a west coast village well known as a fishing destination and rich in First Nations history. Kyuquot Sound is one of five major waterways on the west coast of Vancouver Island, north of Gold River, where the fishing is exciting and the scenery breath-taking. It is a place to experience the true west coast.

 

The small village of Kyuquot is on Walter's Island in a sheltered bay. It is home to a general store, a government dock and about 300 residents. Most visitors come for the fishing, but there are also opportunities for other marine adventures, such as whale watching and exploring the region. Sea otters are becoming a more frequent sight as well along the west coast of the island.

Kyuquot is accessible by water or air only. Fair Harbour is the closest drive-to community, and that is a three and a half hour drive from Campbell River, mostly on gravel roads. It is a 30 minute boat ride and water taxi can be arranged ahead of time. One can also fly in from Gold River, or take the passenger boat from Gold River (MV Uchuck III).



 

The region has a true west coast history, with high First Nations significance, fur trading, whaling, forestry and fishing all as part of the development and story.

 

Ed says Kyuquot is "one of Vancouver Island's very few communities that still make the west coast of Vancouver Island their home. The abundant sea life is amazing."

It's a Coastal Lifestyle ... Pass It On!